Manufacturer: Airsoft Innovations
Package: 1x Burst Ring, 50x Burst Discs, Manual.
Type: Grenade Add-on
Retail Price: $14.95 USD
Rating: 5/5

By now you probably already know all about the Airsoft Innovations Tornado grenade and it’s bb-throwing sphere of doom, but did you know that it can be converted to a Flash-bang devices too? I sure didn’t. While gearing up for a local game, I contacted Orca from ORCA Industries to see if he could set me up with a 12-pack of Thunder-B grenades. Orca earlier had sold me on a few AI Impact and Timer grenades just a few weeks earlier, and suggested I give the AI Distraction Kit (AI:DK for short) a shot, siting the close performance and economical side of the AI:DK over the Thunder-B’s. My wallet rejoiced and $14.95 + shipping later, I had the AI:DK in-hand.

I have been using Thunder-B’s for a while now, being very satisfied with both the cost and overall performance. My only real gripe was been carrying around extra 12g CO2 cartridges and the bulky shells, but I was glad to hump it as an effective sound-grenade was, at the time, hard to come by. Even with the Tornado’s in-hand, I still carried a few Thunder-B’s. With the distraction kit, my Tornado is now a multi-role monster! Now I carry 1 Tornado armed with BBs and a second Tornado armed with the Distraction Kit, supplying me with enough boom to get any job done.

To install the distraction Kit, first remove the valve cover from the bottom of the Tornado. Remove the over-pressure plug from the valve cover by applying pressure with your thumb. Be sure to keep the plug as you will need it to restore your Tornado to BB-throwing operation. I ended up getting a spare valve cover just for AI:DK use.

Next, insert the Burst Ring into the bottom of the grenade. The o-ring should be facing towards the valve cover. You should be able to clearly see o-ring now. Press on the Burst Ring to ensure it is securely in the valve cover body.

Back to the valve cover… clean the inside of the valve cover, removing any dirt, oil or debris. This is critical for making a tight seal with the Burst Disc. Apply the Burst Disc, sticky side down (duh) to the inside of the valve cover. Be sure to press all the bubbles out of the Burst Disc, ensuring a solid seal.

Replace the valve cover and you’re done. Gas up and give it a whirl. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but trust me it’s easier than it sounds.

Note: DO NOT LOAD BBs

According to AI, the AI:DK registers in at 119db @ 3ft. I have no way of measuring but needless to say, my ears were ringing after the first test-fire in my closed garage. While I don’t feel the AI:DK is as loud as the Thunder-B, the difference is negligible and you will probably won’t notice.

Now here’s the best part, the cost. The AI:DK cost $14.95 USD and comes with 50 Burst Discs. That’s 50 uses before you need to think about buying more. Even better, 50 Burst Discs from AI costs.. $4.95 USD. Can’t beat that. Overall, best $15 bucks I’ve spent in a very long time. I would highly recommend the AI:DK to any and all Tornado owners out there.