For the curious, the device’s firepower relies on the functionality of flash paper: a highly flammable substance that is a staple for dramatic performers. Pack the right amount of flash paper and cotton into the small Pyro Mini wrist box, and you’re ready to go. With the press of a button, the balls launch out of the tubes and burst into flame. If you’re worried about burning down your apartment, the kit includes extensive instructions for getting the material proportions just right.
The Pyro mini is made up of two main components. First and foremost, there’s the fireball launcher itself, which is essentially a set of two reloadable barrels hooked up to an electronic trigger system. This little module can be held in your hand, or worn on the wrist with a detachable strap. The compact, removable wrist strap is so discrete that you might as well tell people it’s magic when you shoot fireballs 40 feet into the air.
The second piece of the Pyro Mini equation is a wireless trigger remote that can activate fireballs from a distance of about 30 feet. You can activate fireballs without even being in the room (but please play responsibly). Better yet, the entire Pyro Mini setup runs on a rechargeable battery that hooks up with a standard microUSB cable, and can last for up to 600 shots before needing to charge.
“Magic is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and audiences are becoming more discerning and street smart,” Ellusionist representative Geraint Clarke says. “It’s up to us to embrace the shift in technology and start to incorporate new and innovative design into the magic industry.”
Pyro Mini only went on sale this week, and it’s already received a boatload of praise from magicians and mortals alike. The device comes with a full guarantee from Ellusionist, and you can order it for about $147 through the company’s website.
