Portable Systems

Portable Flamethrowers Compared

Data-focused comparison of handheld and compact systems for buyers who care more about mobility than backpack-level output.

Portable flamethrowers make the strongest case when the job involves moving quickly, storing the device in limited space, or firing shorter bursts rather than maintaining a sustained stream. In this category, battery-powered arc-ignition systems dominate because they remove the separate pressurized propellant hardware used by backpack units. That usually means less setup complexity, lower carry weight, and easier transport. The tradeoff is straightforward: once you shrink the onboard fuel tank and pumping system, you also shrink the continuous run time and typically the maximum range. This page compares the published handheld options using the same factual framework as the broader site: range, burn time, fuel capacity, weight, ignition method, and current pricing visibility. If portability is your main filter, those numbers matter more than generic claims about power.

Objective leaders

Longest range

Throwflame

ARC

30 ft published max range

Lightest documented weight

Throwflame

ARC

6 lbs published weight

Lowest visible entry price

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire Compact

$280

Comparison Table

Compare specs, build materials, and prices

Napalm compatibleFuel + capacityWhere to buy
Throwflame ARC

Throwflame

ARC
For sale
View profile
30 ft30 min6 lbs
Mostly / all metal. 6061 aluminum body and accessory ecosystem
9.2
Looks 5/5 • Build 5/5 • Support 4/5
$699-$8995.0Not napalm compatible
Gasoline only
0.4 gal
ARC product page
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire UBF

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire UBF
For sale
View profile
25 ft22 sec6 lbs
Mixed materials. Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials
7.8
Looks 4/5 • Build 4/5 • Support 4/5
$600N/ANot napalm compatible
Gasoline only
0.25 gal
Find a dealer
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire LRT

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire LRT
For sale
View profile
25 ft27 sec6 lbs
Mixed materials. Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials
8.1
Looks 4/5 • Build 4/5 • Support 4/5
Dealer pricing variesN/ANot napalm compatible
Gasoline only
0.35 gal
Find a dealer
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire Compact

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire Compact
For sale
View profile
15 ft12 secN/A
Mostly plastic. Injection-molded polymer design with a smaller internal pump system
6.4
Looks 3/5 • Build 2/5 • Support 4/5
$2804.4Not napalm compatible
Gasoline only
13 oz / 384 mL
Exothermic dealer locator

Feature Matrix

Compact feature matrix

Best-effort comparison of build tier, propellant, ignition, battery dependence, and durability-style flags. Hover the icon chips for the exact build, propellant, or igniter details.

Feature
ARC
Throwflame
Pulsefire LRT
Exothermic Technologies
Pulsefire UBF
Exothermic Technologies
Pulsefire Compact
Exothermic Technologies
Build All metal. 6061 aluminum body and accessory ecosystem Mixed materials. Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials Mixed materials. Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials Mostly plastic. Injection-molded polymer design with a smaller internal pump system
Propellant Battery + electric pump LiPo battery / fuel pump LiPo battery / fuel pump Battery / internal pump
Igniter / Pilot Torch Plasma arc Electric arc Electric arc Electric arc
Batteries Required Batteries Required Batteries Required Batteries Required Batteries Required
Waterproof Not waterproof Not waterproof Not waterproof Not waterproof
Corrosion Resistant Corrosion Resistant Not corrosion resistant Not corrosion resistant Not corrosion resistant
Napalm Compatible Not napalm compatible Not napalm compatible Not napalm compatible Not napalm compatible

Detailed Spec Breakdowns

Per-model breakdowns

Each card keeps the technical facts compact: published specs first, build-material notes next, and sourcing and buy-path context after that.

Throwflame ARC

Throwflame

ARC

Throwflame's compact all-electric handheld model with a 30-foot published range, direct product-page pricing, and a modular accessory ecosystem.

Range
30 ft
Burn time
30 min
Fuel system
Gasoline only
Current price
$699-$899 depending on battery package
Build materials
All metal 6061 aluminum body and accessory ecosystem
Our score
9.2 / 10 Aesthetics: 5/5 • Build Quality: 5/5 • Support: 4/5 Modern premium design with a real metal body and strong brand support, held back only by being newer than Throwflame's backpack lineup.

Core metrics

  • Fuel capacity: 0.4 gal
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Napalm compatible: No
  • Ignition: Pushbutton plasma arc ignition
  • Propulsion: Electric pump

Safety notes

  • Pushbutton plasma arc ignition
  • Fast charger included
  • Accessory rail system
  • Optional higher-capacity ARC Pro battery
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire LRT

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire LRT

A battery-powered handheld torch with automatic arc ignition and documented 25-foot reach under ideal conditions.

Range
25 ft
Burn time
27 sec
Fuel system
Gasoline only
Current price
Dealer pricing varies
Build materials
Mixed materials Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials
Our score
8.1 / 10 Aesthetics: 4/5 • Build Quality: 4/5 • Support: 4/5 Still a respected enthusiast favorite with better materials than many people assume and meaningful support history from Exothermic.

Core metrics

  • Fuel capacity: 0.35 gal
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Napalm compatible: No
  • Ignition: High frequency electric spark
  • Propulsion: Electric fuel pump

Safety notes

  • Arc ignition
  • Voltage gauge
  • Low-voltage cutoff
  • Lifetime warranty
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire UBF

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire UBF

Compact underbarrel-capable variant of the LRT platform with the same published reach and a smaller onboard reservoir.

Range
25 ft
Burn time
22 sec
Fuel system
Gasoline only
Current price
$600 MSRP
Build materials
Mixed materials Official manual lists aluminum, Viton, and brass as primary materials
Our score
7.8 / 10 Aesthetics: 4/5 • Build Quality: 4/5 • Support: 4/5 Good niche design for compact setups, with the same support and material story as the LRT but a narrower use case.

Core metrics

  • Fuel capacity: 0.25 gal
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Napalm compatible: No
  • Ignition: High frequency electric spark
  • Propulsion: Electric fuel pump

Safety notes

  • Arc ignition
  • Nozzle valve
  • Voltage gauge
  • Low-voltage cutoff
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire Compact

Exothermic Technologies

Pulsefire Compact

Newest entry in Exothermic's lineup with a shorter 15-foot stream and a smaller platform aimed at budget-conscious buyers.

Range
15 ft
Burn time
12 sec
Fuel system
Gasoline only
Current price
$280 direct retail
Build materials
Mostly plastic Injection-molded polymer design with a smaller internal pump system
Our score
6.4 / 10 Aesthetics: 3/5 • Build Quality: 2/5 • Support: 4/5 Interesting budget entry, but the plastic-heavy build keeps it from feeling as confidence-inspiring as the stronger metal options.

Core metrics

  • Fuel capacity: 13 oz / 384 mL
  • Weight: Not published
  • Napalm compatible: No
  • Ignition: Electric arc ignition
  • Propulsion: Internal pump and solenoid

Safety notes

  • Dual trigger buttons
  • Temperature protection
  • Overcurrent protection
  • USB-C rechargeable battery pack

Performance Matrix

Understanding range vs. weight

Use the chart to see which models trade carry weight for more reach, and which ones stay compact at the cost of range.

Price & Availability Tracker

Current price and availability

This section shows the latest current price notes and availability notes currently loaded into the site. Longer history can be added over time as new monthly updates are reviewed.

Model March 2026 snapshot Availability note
ARC $699-$899 depending on battery package Standard ARC in stock; ARC Pro listed on backorder
Pulsefire LRT Dealer pricing varies Manufacturer directs buyers to dealer network
Pulsefire UBF $600 MSRP Manufacturer directs buyers to dealer network
Pulsefire Compact $280 direct retail In stock on official product page

Buying Considerations

How to compare fuel systems and use cases

  • Backpack CO2 systems win on range and stream volume, but they require more setup and much more carry weight.
  • Build materials matter more than a lot of buyers expect. Metal units usually hold up better to heat, impact, and long-term wear, while plastic-heavy designs tend to prioritize lower cost and lighter carry weight.
  • Our score is intentionally opinionated. It folds together aesthetics, perceived build quality, and how much we trust the company behind the product based on support signals like warranty and track record.
  • Battery-powered handheld systems cut deployment friction and storage footprint, but published burn times stay short.
  • Quote-based sales can be a signal that dealer support, freight, or configuration matters more than impulse retail checkout.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What makes a flamethrower portable?

Here, portable means you can carry and use it without a backpack tank. Lower weight, onboard fuel, and self-contained ignition are the biggest clues.

Are battery-powered systems less capable?

Usually they give you less range and shorter run time than backpack systems, but they are much easier to carry, store, and get running.

Can portable units still be useful for land management?

Yes. They are great for spot treatment, brush piles, and quick ignition jobs. If you are trying to cover big areas, a backpack model still makes more sense.

Sources