Chuck Bednar for redOrbit.com – @BednarChuck
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own personal flamethrower and you live in a state that doesn’t end with ‘-ornia,’ your dream is about to come true thanks to the folks at Ion Productions and the forthcoming launch of their XM42 hand fire-spewing product.
According to Engadget, the company plans to launch an IndieGoGo campaign for the personal and portable flamethrower that will allow would-be pyromaniacs to acquire one for the low, low price of $700. The device is reportedly capable of shooting a column of 87 Octane flame up to 25 feet and can be used to clear weeds, melt snow, and combat insects and other pests.
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We imagine that it’s also quite good at roasting marshmallows and cooking weenies.
On its website, Ion Productions explains that the XM42 was created “with both aesthetics and performance in mind” and is based on a prototype originally developed back in 2008. They also describe it as “simply to use” and that it has “endless possibilities for entertainment and utility.”
The XM42 will be available in brushed aluminum for $699 and either a polished aluminum or colored powder coat for $799, but those prices are only good for early adopters who support the company through their fund-raising campaign. The flamethrower will also be available through Ion Production’s website once production of the devices get underway.
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“Wait a minute,” you may be asking. “Is it even legal for someone to own a flamethrower?” In an FAQ page on the company’s website, the developers assures us that it is in most states.
Sucks to suck, California
In California, though, unlicensed possession of “any non-stationary and transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10 feet” is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Licenses can be obtained from the state fire marshal, however, they helpfully pointed out.
“Check with your local laws before ordering,” the XM42 team advises, emphasizing that it is up to the customer “to understand and abide by all country, state, and local regulations.” They added that the device “is solely intended for entertainment and utility purposes only” and that currently, “flamethrowers are a fun toy for responsible adults and are useful utility devices.”
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As Digital Trends points out, this is not the first commercial flamethrower to be made available to the public. However, the website pointed out that most existing commercial models “aren’t all that powerful,” especially when compared to the “more robust” XM42. Also, the new device can be easily refilled using regular gasoline and does not require wearing a cumbersome backpack.
Is it dangerous? If used incorrectly, of course it is – it is a flamethrower, after all. For that reason, the company advises that the XM42 only be used outdoors, far away from other people and away from objects that you don’t want to accidentally set on fire. They also note that they plan to conduct additional research to ensure that they “produce the most efficient, reliable, and safe product possible.” We don’t know how a flamethrower could be safe, but you do you.
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