Received my TG6 Thumper non-pyro flashbang grenade
 

I ordered a TG6 Thumper non-pyro flashbang grenade from Non Lethal Training Munitions LLC last week. It arrived today along with twelve additional reloads for a total of 16 shots.

First let me state that I have NOT functioned the device yet so I can't comment on it's volume yet. It will be given it's first trial run at Xtreme Tactics tomorrow. I am only commenting right now on it's overall appearance, build, and quality.

Simply speaking, this thing kicks ass.

It is machined from a solid billet of aluminum and weighs a full pound. It gives a great heft when held and feels good in the hand, something you want to pitch into the next room. It is anodized in a glossy blue color to identify it as a training aid; other colors are available upon request but this is primarily a law enforcement training tool. There is a black plastic bumper on the bottom which allows it to stand upright. At the top is the black plastic burst diaphragm which produces the report. The captive spoon is held on with a solid steel C-ring with a stainless split ring to grab onto. The entire device screams solid when you hold it.

http://www.mts.net/~molly160/tg1.jpg

Unscrewing the grenade reveals the CO2 cartridge pocket. Immediately noticable are the massive threads and huge O-ring, and plenty of lubricant. Again a testament to the quality put into this device. A CO2 cartridge is inserted into the pocket and it is screwed back together. This pierces the cartridge and allows CO2 to escape to the valve held down by the spoon. When the C-clip is pulled and the spoon released, the valve opens and allows CO2 to flow into the plastic burst diaphragm at the top of the grenade. The diaphragm fails at a certain PSI and a sharp report is produced as the gas is suddenly released. Time from spoon release to explosion is approximately 1.5 seconds, much like a real flashbang grenade.

http://www.mts.net/~molly160/tg2.jpg

The burst diaphragm is a simple affair that requires a quick 90 degree turn to lock in or take off. A swirl of lubricant is visible inside the expansion chamber.

http://www.mts.net/~molly160/tg3.jpg

The massive threads and O-ring:

http://www.mts.net/~molly160/tg4.jpg

I am extremely impressed with the workmanship put into this unit. I can only hope it performs as well as it looks. Although it is intended only to produce a sharp report, a small amount of baby powder or other suitable substance can be placed into the burst diaphragm to produce a smoke cloud for added visual effect, or possibly a small handful of BBs. I'll toy around with it and get some video.

nice, how much was it

Looks fun! Be careful where you throw it so you don't brain someone or knock off their goggles though.

The price I received was a special Master Distributor price because of my business, although I anticipate that if we import them they would likely retail for around the $120-$130 mark for a full TG6 kit. That includes one reusable grenade, spare valve O-rings, takedown tool, and three burst diaphragms and CO2 cartridges, and instructions. A pack of 12 reloads would probably be around the $50 mark, making this less than $5.00 per shot once you've invested in the unit itself. However I have yet to test it out and I don't think my condo is a good place to do it. ;)

I should point out the retail price on the kit in the States is $109.95 USD.

Definitely. Safety is always first so this is one of those gentle underhand-toss at knee-level devices unless you have a very clear line of sight.

An interesting option for this unit is a tripwire device. It consists of a mounting bracket, cable ties, a spool of trip wire, and a C-clip that requires about a half pound of pull to release rather than the 8 lbs. or so required for the normal one. I didn't order that kit although it sounds like it has a lot of potential!

I'm assuming it doesn't use a 12g CO2 cartridge you can get at crappy tire, right?

Nope. It uses an 8 gram CO2 cartridge, the type commonly found in seltzer bottles and such available at wine making stores. As they are an ORM-D Consumer Commodity they are typically shippable as non-hazmat.

Sounds great, looking forward to the vids and the post game review :)

what dose the cartridge look like. is there anyway to mod it to except say a .22 blank round or 9mm blank? just to save on the cost or 50 bucks for 12 shots.

Dosn't it like use co2 cartriges to expand the rubber thing so it pops instead of using a blank?

Yes, if he had read the post he'd have noticed that. And if he did notice that, and suggested this anyway, well, then... Pyle, your name fits.

The TG6 received it's first taste of combat today at Xtreme Tactics. Nearing the end of the game I peeked around a corner and saw two or three enemies. I had the TG6's split ring looped through a zipper on my body armor so I dropped the MP5 to it's sling, grabbed the TG6, ripped it off my chest and lobbed it around the corner. A few seconds later a BANG followed by calls of HIT!

Did I mention you can fill the diaphragm with BBs? :D

First deployment, first kill!

I see myself buying at least one more and a pile of reloads. This is the ultimate in cool for CQB. I'll bring it to Keystone Strike 2.5 for anyone that's coming and they can take a look at it. Sorry, didn't have time to grab my video camera this time (had my BD dinner to rush to before the game!).

How loud would you say it is?

It's difficult to say. It's not quite loud enough to make your ears ring but in a CQB environment (or even in the quiet woods) it will scare the crap out of you if you don't expect it. If you're looking for a replacement for a pyrotechnic bear banger, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a reusable, slightly louder, and far more predictable alternative to those citric acid/baking soda bomb bags with the ability to throw BBs or 'smoke', this is for you.

I'm wondering if it's possible to increase the noise level by changing the thickness of the diaphragm. A lot of excess CO2 is vented from the device after deployment which could be used to pop a thicker cap. The delay would be longer but I think it would be worth it. I'll have to talk to the manufacturer and see if that's a possibility.

Let me know when you place your next order, I'd probably get in with you.

i see that you said they come in other colors, im guessing that these other colors are possibly a red/orange or other bright colors that designate it as a training device.

but do you think you could get in trouble for painting it black or OD?
i am not familiar with the laws of these training devices so maybe you would be able to enlighten me