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It’s a legal category thing more than just size. 1.4G is the consumer stuff you buy at a tent or store, limited to 500g cakes, 60g shells (plus a few other rules). 1.3G is display/professional and yeah you need a federal explosives license from the ATF to buy, store or shoot it. There’s no real ‘hobbyist middle ground’ legally — you either got the type 54 license (or an exemption like some states’ shooter permits) or you don’t. It’s a decent chunk of paperwork and an inspection, not just filling out a form.
came back to this thread after cleaning out my garage and yeah desiccant packs made a real difference this year. swapped em out and a cake that was sealed for two summers still broke clean. humidity really is the whole game.
I just take photos of everything I buy with my phone as soon as I open the box. Way easier than trying to save the labels. Then you got a record of what you have and the brand/effect names for next year.
For actually protecting them though — clear packing tape over the label works in a pinch. Not pretty but it gets the job done.
I was actually thinking the same thing! Went to the Macy’s show on the 4th and it was insane. They had this whole segment where the drones formed an American flag and the fireworks burst through it – cheesy but it worked.
The local shows in my town were decent too, nothing crazy but better than last year for sure. I think the industry put a lot of effort into 2026 after the whole supply chain mess from the Liuyang explosion.
The real answer is it depends on the state and what you’re carrying. Consumer stuff (1.4G) across state lines where both states allow it? Technically legal under DOT regs as long as it’s in original packaging and you’re not a commercial hauler. But the catch is some states have their own restrictions that override. NY and MA for example — doesn’t matter what DOT says, their state law prohibits it point blank. Also if you’re carrying 1.3G forget it, you need a CDL with hazmat endorsement and placards.
I’d kill for someone to carry those 200g Z-shaped cakes that shoot the little comets in sequence. Saw one at a club shoot a few years back and I haven’t seen em in stores since. Everyone just stocks the same 9-shot rectangle boxes.
Also where’s all the good mines at? Like the ones that actually BOOM and not just go “pfft.” Seems like stores only carry the super tame stuff now.
second the Wago recommendation. I actually use the 222 series instead of 221 for pyro stuff cause theyre a little chunkier and easier to handle with gloves on. Learned that the hard way at a show last October when it was like 40 degrees and my fingers were numb lol.
also pro tip: put a tiny dab of dielectric grease on the connectors before you push them in if youre doing a show near water or in high humidity. saved my butt at a lakeside show.
I switched to Wago 221 lever nuts last season and never looked back. They’re not the cheapest but you can reuse em and they grip the thin talon wire way better than traditional wire nuts do. Setup and teardown is like 3x faster.
Only thing I’d say – test each connection before you walk away from the board. I had one lever not fully clamp once and it was a dud during the show. User error tbh, but worth mentioning.
Honestly the best trick I’ve picked up is to google the cake name while you’re standing there in the tent. Most of the popular ones have youtube videos showing the actual performance. Way better than trusting the box.
Also look at the weight — heavier cakes usually mean more comp inside. Not always true but it’s a decent rule of thumb. And if the store lets you, check the tubes on the bottom. Thin flimsy tubes = cheap filler.
chiming in late but yeah what Ron said 鈥?humidity is the real enemy not heat. I left a box of roman candles in my shed one summer and the humidity got to them, half of them just fizzled out. Since then I keep everything in plastic tubs with silica gel packets inside and it’s been fine. Those rechargeable dehumidifier bags on amazon work great too, just microwave them every few weeks to reset.
Yeah it varies a lot. I’m in a state where it’s legal and I’ve had boxes show up at my door no issue, but I have friends a couple states over who can’t get anything shipped even though fireworks are legal there. Kind of a mess honestly. Worth double-checking before you order or you’ll be stuck with a surprise bill for return shipping.
Yeah same. We run a seasonal stand and our wholesale sheets came in higher again. The freight surcharges are all still baked into the price. I wouldn’t bet on a Labor Day dip either – the clearance stuff is mostly slow movers, not the good 500g’s.
Can confirm it’s not just you – I run a seasonal stand and our wholesale sheets came in higher again this year. Freight surcharges and the factory price bumps are still baked into everything. I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Labor Day dip. The clearance stuff is mostly slow-movers, not the good 500g’s you actually want.
Can confirm it’s not just you – I run a seasonal stand and our wholesale sheets came in higher again this year. Freight surcharges and the factory price bumps are still baked into everything. I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Labor Day dip. The clearance stuff is mostly slow-movers, not the good 500g’s you actually want.
Can confirm it’s not just you. I run a seasonal stand and our wholesale price sheets came in higher again this year. The freight surcharges and factory price bumps are all still baked in. I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Labor Day dip – if anything the clearance stuff is mostly the slow-moving shells no one wants, not the good 500g’s.
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