How long does an airsoft smoke grenade burn?

Most wire pull smoke grenades burn 60 to 90 seconds. Compact models burn around 30 seconds, while large field units such as the Enola Gaye WP40 run about 90 seconds of dense smoke.

What is the difference between wire pull and friction ignition?

Wire pull grenades ignite with a pull ring, so you never need a lighter or striker. Friction models ignite by striking the cap like a match. Almost every airsoft field requires wire pull ignition because it is safer and more predictable.

Which smoke color works best for airsoft?

White and grey give the densest screen for movement. Colored smoke (red, blue, green, purple, orange, yellow) is used for signalling, objectives and team identification, and it is the favorite for photos and video.

Airsoft Smoke Grenades — Types, Colors & Where To Buy

Q: Are smoke grenades legal for airsoft in the Netherlands?

Yes, with limits. Cold-burning smoke grenades such as the Enola Gaye WP40 may be sold to adults (18+) and used at airsoft and paintball events, on training grounds and for productions. They may not be taken to public spaces, football stadiums or events without permission, and Dutch shops are not allowed to ship pyrotechnics across the border.

The four types of airsoft smoke

All airsoft smoke is cold-burning pyrotechnics, but the ignition and the way smoke leaves the body change how you use it on the field.

Most common

Wire pull

Pull the ring, throw, done. No lighter, no striker, works in rain. The Enola Gaye WP40 is the world standard: about 90 seconds of dense smoke. This is what fields expect you to bring.

Instant

Burst

Dumps its entire payload in a few seconds. One massive cloud instead of a slow plume, ideal for a quick crossing or a photo moment that needs full coverage instantly.

Compact

Micro / top smoke

Half the size, around 30 seconds of smoke. Cheap enough to carry four, perfect for CQB and quick signals where a full-size unit would be overkill.

Signal

Colored signal

Same body, colored payload. Used for objectives, medic calls, LZ marking in milsim, and by every photographer who ever shot an airsoft event.

Pick by numbers

Typical specs for the models Dutch and Belgian shops actually stock.

Model	Ignition	Burn time	Best for	Price range
Enola Gaye WP40	Wire pull	±90 sec	Field cover, the all-rounder	€10–13
Enola Gaye EG18	Wire pull	±90 sec (high output)	Big screens, video	€13–17
Enola Gaye Burst	Wire pull	±10 sec, full dump	Instant wall of smoke	€11–14
Micro smokes (various)	Wire pull	±30 sec	CQB, signals, budget	€5–8

Colors, and when to use them

White for cover, color for meaning. Most fields and milsim events use a simple color language.

White / grey

The densest screen per euro. Use it to break line of sight, cross open ground or mask a flank. If you buy one color for gameplay, buy white.

Red & orange

Universally read as "stop" or "danger": medic zones, ceasefire, restricted areas. Also the most photogenic colors against green terrain.

Blue, green, purple, yellow

Team markers and objective signals in milsim, and pure fun everywhere else. Purple is the cult favorite for photos and gender reveals.

Where to buy in the Netherlands & Belgium

Pyrotechnics cannot legally be shipped across borders, so order from a shop in your own country. These shops stock smoke grenades and deliver to your door (18+, ID check on delivery).

Wire pull smokes (WP40 & co)

The all-round field smoke in seven colors.

High output & burst

Maximum smoke for video and big pushes.

All smoke grenades

Browse the full smoke assortment.

Safe & legal, in 60 seconds

18+ only. Shops verify your age at checkout and on delivery.
Use is limited to airsoft and paintball events, training grounds, private terrain with permission, and productions. Never in public spaces or stadiums.
Throw on dirt or grass, not on dry brush. The casing gets hot while burning: let it cool before you pick it up.
Check your field's rules first. Most Dutch fields allow wire pull smoke only, and some ban colored smoke on dry summer days.
No cross-border shipping. Dutch shops deliver in NL, Belgian shops in BE. Plan ahead before a milsim weekend abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Are smoke grenades legal for airsoft in the Netherlands?

Yes, with limits. Cold-burning smokes such as the WP40 are sold to adults (18+) for use at airsoft and paintball events, training grounds and productions. Taking them to public events, stadiums or city streets is prohibited.

How long does a smoke grenade burn?

Compact models around 30 seconds, standard field smokes 60 to 90 seconds. Burst models dump everything in about 10 seconds.

Why does every field demand wire pull ignition?

Because there is no open flame involved. Friction-ignited pyro needs a striker and behaves less predictably, so most Dutch and Belgian fields simply ban it.

Can I fly with smoke grenades or order from abroad?

No. Pyrotechnics are excluded from air travel and cross-border parcel shipping. Buy them in the country where you play.

Which brand should I pick?

Enola Gaye is the global standard and what most NL/BE shops stock. Their Wirepull™ system defined the category; the WP40 is the safe default buy.