Considerations When Choosing a Handheld Air Horn:
Volume: The loudness of an air horn is typically measured in decibels (dB). Higher dB ratings indicate louder horns, which are often necessary for safety or signaling in noisy environments. Compressed gas air horns start off loud but lose sound volume as the can depletes, when they are used for longer than about 10 seconds at a time, or when used in cold weather, and these factors in combination will reduce their effectiveness further.
The Hornet rechargeable battery powered air horn maintains its sound loudness throughout the entire battery charge, and then can be recharged 500 times.
Portability: Handheld air horns vary in size and weight, so consider how easily you can carry and use the horn.
The Hornet air horn is about the same size as an 8 oz. disposable air horn and slightly heavier.
Reliability and Safety: If the horn is intended for outdoor use or harsh environments, choose one that is weather-resistant and made from durable materials.
The Hornet rechargeable electric air horn is splash proof, made from impact resistant materials and will work reliably in cold weather, unlike disposable gas air horns that do not work well or at all in cold weather.
Disposable gas air horns can also explode when exposed to temperatures above 50 degrees C.
Rechargeable versus Disposable: The Hornet rechargeable air horn will operate for over 35 minutes on one battery charge (over 2,000 seconds), will not lose volume with continuous use, and can be recharged 500 times.
Some air horns are disposable after the gas runs out, and then a new one has to be purchased. Typically, the largest options (8 oz. cans), will operate for just over 90 seconds before they run out, but not continuously as they will “freeze up.” Usually they will operate continuously for only about 10 seconds before they get cold and dramatically lose volume.
The Environment: Disposable gas air horns use the refrigerant (HFC-134a) which is a greenhouse gas 1,300 times more potent than CO2. Many jurisdictions are banning their sale and use due to their contribution to climate change.
The Hornet rechargeable battery powered air horn only uses air and electricity to make the same loud sound, and it can be recharged 500 times, thus replacing thousands of disposable gas air horns over its lifetime.