Phantom Fireworks

Jun 23, 2023

Share this: | UPDATED: June 23, 2023 at 5:02 a.m. If your community is one of the 296 in California that allow the sale and use of state-approved fireworks for the Fourth of July, the most frequently asked questions at those pyro-peddling pop-ups in town will no doubt be, “What’s new?” “What’s good?” and “How much?” As only nonprofits can legally sell fireworks in California, chances are the hard-working, perspiring volunteers inside each booth haven’t seen the new products to knowledgeably respond to all the FAQs. It’s even less likely they know what the competition is selling. Their focus over the days leading up to America’s 247th birthday isn’t to be pyro proficient, but raise funds to send more kids to bible camp or provide eyeglasses to the underprivileged or subsidize new uniforms for a youth sports team. For our annual and unbiased fireworks buyer’s guide, every new item for the 2023 California season was recently put to the test at a neutral site: a fire station. Ratings are based on performance, duration, distinctiveness and value in comparison with what else is being sold this season in partnership with TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Discount Fireworks Superstore. Products are listed by price, high to low. Let the sparks fly! TNT’s new Brain Buster fountain is put to the test for our buyer’s guide. (Photo by David Dickstein) Brain Buster (TNT), $79.99 — For 15 seconds near the end, white sparks shoot out from all four sides for a unique theater-in-the-round effect. It’s cool, but not worth spending double for a fountain that is mostly mundane crackling sparks. 90 seconds; 3 stars TNT Barrel (TNT), $54.99 — Discontinued for a decade, the classic TNT Fountain that debuted in 2002 returns with a similar performance and more apropos name. Still lacks height, but a barrel of fun with multi-color stars and rain effect, silver glitter, and silver chrysanthemum with crackle. 104 seconds; 4 stars Lava Panther (TNT), $49.99 — Nicely choreographed fountain with mesmerizing smoke globs complements of the chemical nitrocellulose. Love the subtle palms and crackling sparks that rebuff California’s 10-foot distance rule. 60 seconds; 4 stars Tidal Wave (TNT), $49.99 — Identical in price and similar in effects to fellow freshman Lava Panther, but outlasts the big cat in a race between rookies.100 seconds; 5 stars King Fish (DFS), $42.42 — Be careful what you wish for, which in this case is a fountain of only colorful smokeless globs lasting over a minute. King Fish is a dream come true, but it’s a dull one as the law of diminishing returns applies due to repetitiveness. Originally a TNT product, this pretty, but pretty boring and ill-named fountain (there’s no fish effect) will win points with pet owners for being virtually silent. 67 seconds; 2 stars Fruit Bowl (TNT), $34.99 for four — Fruity fountains produce a pleasing bushel of effects. There’s no nutritional value from this banana, strawberry, grape and pear, but there is entertainment value. 28 seconds each; 3 stars The long-discontinued, yet classic TNT Fountain is back as the TNT Barrel. (Photo by David Dickstein) Crypto (TNT), $29.99 — Opens with gorgeous, unique shimmers, transitioning to two series of wide-spreading sparks gladly interrupted by the always-awesome swarming fish effect. Considering today’s lofty prices, this one is a solid buy. 67 seconds; 5 stars Bomb Pop (DFS), $28.28 — Medium-altitude white crackling sparks, and that’s about it. No bomb with little pop for this California newcomer sold under the TNT brand elsewhere since last year. 100 seconds; 2 stars Magic Seashell (TNT), $19.99 — If spending $80 for TNT’s best fan fountain is too dear, then this is an adequate alternative to Delirium. Fish and crackles are interspersed with plenty of color. (FYI, Delirium has a twin in Phantom’s Coral Reef, selling this year for $110 for two.) 49 seconds; 3 stars Dino Egg Nest (TNT), $17.99 — If you think fresh eggs are expensive these days, try the kind that’s $3 each. Clearly, there’s a premium on eggs laid by dinosaurs instead of hens, and these half-dozen crackle and flash. Welcome to Jurassic Spark! 20 seconds each; 3 stars Fairy Wands (TNT), $15.99 for five — Fairy dust has definitely been sprinkled on this box of assorted colors because it’s one of the few decent handheld fireworks in the safe and sane category. Long duration, nice sparks, lots of fun, safer than a morning glory. 80 seconds; 4 stars Beast Slayer (DFS), $9.99 — Sword-shaped handheld is like many novelties that look cooler unlit. Sparks emitting from the tip might be fun for adult-supervised youngsters. Two bucks cheaper than TNT’s similar Mighty Sword that premiered a year ago and $3 less than Phantom’s shorter-duration, 2018-debuting Blackbeard’s Cutlass. 45 seconds; 2 stars Beaming Lights Fountain, Cosmic Encounter Fountain, Nova Blast Fountain (Phantom), $3.99 — Trio of diminutive debutantes (at least for California) are sold individually, but work better as a single opening act to wow little ones. Each has around the same duration and effect (so-so sparks and crackling) with the nod going to Cosmic Encounter for a bit more height. 18-20 seconds; 2 stars Neon Smoke Balls (Phantom), $3.99 for 6 — Each ball produces a pretty florescent cloud. Actually debuted in 2022, but was limited in supply. 20 seconds; 4 stars Dragon Smoke (DFS), $2.84 — A few seconds of orange smoke belched by a cute green dragon. You get what you pay for with this meh novelty that debuted a year ago outside California as a TNT item and now sold under the sister Freedom brand. 22 seconds; 2 stars Game Mode (TNT), $2.40 — Stock up on this one because it’s the best fireworks buy in the Golden State this year. Lots of color, and the crackling sparks are crazy good for the price. Comes to California after wowing thrifty Arizonans a year ago. 36 seconds; 5 stars Backyard Jubilee from Phantom Fireworks is California’s only new assortment this season. (Photo by David Dickstein) Backyard Jubilee ($499.99; 4 stars) is the season’s only new assortment and one of Phantom’s best ever, even at a price point that may prompt neighbors to go in together. This is one of only two collections from Phantom that feature fountains also sold individually, the other being the $799.99 Phantom Backyard Bash. Fewer generic-type throwaways equates to bigger bang for your buck in this new assortment advertised as a $725 value. Ten of the 19 fountains are good to excellent. Best in the box: New York Harbor, Brew HaHa and Funky Monkey. Backyard Jubilee is Phantom’s response to TNT’s rookie sensation of last year, American Dream Team ($499; 4 stars). If you’re planning at least four finale-type fountains for your show, ADT is a wise buy even at five Benjamins. Opening Show, Wild Side, Delirium, Atomic Salsa, Wizard Alley, Majestic Momma and Jungle Flower — all seven pieces are winners. For stand locations and additional product information, visit the retailers’ websites: TNT, tntfireworks.com ; Phantom, fireworks.com ; and Discount Fireworks Superstore, dfsfireworks.com . Check local laws and take all safety measures before buying and lighting.