Boom Brothers - Family Flyers Pack - GBA004 product reviews

Fireworks come in two main types: Loud, or Proud. Being a very visually-cued person, I prefer the Proud - those that put on a great display with the minimum of percussive force. Fountains, ground-effects, roman candles... those are my preferred forms of pyrotechnical entertainment... and this pack is stuffed full of those very things!

The pack has something for all ages... my youngest LOVED running around with the sparklers. While still no safer than any other firework, they are at least simple and relatively safe to use, meaning that as long as you keep a good eye on the youngsters, they can join in the fun. He took great delight in being a VIP, by throwing his almost-finished sparkler into the small bonfire we had built earlier in the day, and watching it ignite the tinder. He was so chuffed to be "the fire man..." as he dubbed himself. A small thing, for sure, but still a way in which even the youngest members of the family can participate in the festivities.

My eldest son was far more interested in the roman candles. As a bit of a science geek, he took great delight in observing them in action, then hypothesising how they are constructed, what chemicals gave the various colours, and how he could redesign one - in theory only, no way was I going to let him tinker with explosives - to give it more interest for people like him.

Of the big cluster fountains, the one I was most intrigued by was the "Smile Monster" - the casing had translucent eyes and mouth that were quite fun to watch as the firework went off. I won't say exactly what happens though, I'll leave that as a surprise for you once you buy it. But the kids will have a good laugh, I think - mine did.

Overall, considering the price tags on some packs of fireworks, especially the so-called "deal boxes" sold at some of the major chains, this is a remarkably good value pack. A total of 52 individual pyrotechnic devices for $70 puts the average cost at less than $1.35 each, which you have to admit is pretty cheap entertainment for a once-a-year event. Especially pleasing, nothing we set off was particularly loud or obnoxious... at least to me. Your feelings may differ, but there is nothing in this pack that comes even close to the self-proclaimed "Wake The Neighbours" devices some packs contain all too many of. I plan to buy this pack again next year!