Inside the Spark

If asked to picture in your mind a pyrotechnic effect, the odds are, for most people, a gerb of some kind would appear before your eyes — a plume of perfectly bushy sparks illuminating the stage. Whilst the catalogue of pyrotechnics is seemingly endless, is there a reason why the gerb is still a staple effect for so many events and performances?

In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the reasons why a gerb is an ever-present effect in the pyrotechnician’s tool belt, but before we do, it’s worth discussing what, in fact, is a gerb?

What is a Gerb?
The word gerb, often pronounced with either a soft or hard ‘G’ depending on who you ask, is the umbrella term for a pyrotechnic effect that produces a “plume of sparks thrust into the air.” The name comes from the French word gerbe, meaning a “sheaf” (of wheat), a nod to the way the sparks fan out in a similar shape.

As their use became more widespread, manufacturers such as Le Maitre began experimenting with variations — adjusting duration, height, and intensity to suit different creative needs. This led to the development of specific terminology: the Jet, a gerb lasting less than one second for quick, punchy bursts at varying heights; the Long Duration Gerb, producing a sustained effect from around three seconds up to twenty; and the Waterfall, where the sparks cascade downwards to create a shimmering curtain of light.

Why are they so popular?
Perhaps the reason for the gerb’s celebrity status is the fact that it is one of the most versatile effects on the market today, coming in a plethora of shapes and sizes. The Spark Collection debuted by Le Maitre in June 2025 showcased almost too much choice, with effects ranging from 0.25 seconds to 20 seconds and from 3ft to 50ft, as well as a new range of VS Jets — the first of their kind — boasting bright, vivid colours, a change from the standard gold or silver jets that are so well known.

Or are they so popular because they’re such an incredibly easy effect to use? Le Maitre offers two ranges of pyrotechnics, starting with the Pyroflash range — affectionately known as the “plug and play” — a favourite in theatres across the UK. Within Pyroflash, you’ll find Silver Jets (our most popular pantomime effect) reaching heights of 15ft and 30ft, as well as Mini Gerbs reaching 8–10ft. Part of Pyroflash’s appeal is its simplicity: just slot the effect into a Le Maitre Pyroflash Pod, plug it in, and you’re ready to go — no wiring, no complex firing systems. Gerbs are particularly practical, with a relatively small radial safety distance of around 6ft (depending on size), meaning they can be positioned on stage without requiring a large exclusion zone.

…and the Pro Stage II range, designed for more advanced applications such as large-scale productions and touring shows. This range includes Jets, Long Duration Gerbs, VS Coloured Jets, Waterfalls, Cascades, VS Ice Gerbs, and VS Ice Waterfalls. The reason the gerbs within the Pro Stage II range are so easy to use is their unrivalled precision. What you see is what you get — heights and durations are exactly as specified, every single time. This accuracy makes them incredibly straightforward to work with when programming a show, giving you the confidence that each effect will hit exactly on cue, delivering that perfect punch right on the beat.

Gerb pyro vs gerb machine
There’s been a noticeable rise in the popularity of gerb machines originating from China, designed to mimic the spark effect. These machines became well-known for producing the “cold spark” and for being simple to operate, with no prior knowledge or licensing required.

While they certainly have a place in the entertainment industry, their versatility is limited. The main effect they produce is similar to a standard Long Duration Gerb, but there are some clear restrictions: they need to be plugged in, the units are relatively large and visible compared to a small, discreet gerb and holder, and they require regular maintenance, repairs, and cleaning. Because of this, they’re not seen as a true alternative to the gerb, as they simply can’t offer the same level of flexibility.

Unique gerbs and their applications
When most people think of the Spark Collection, the gerb effect that usually comes to mind is the classic Jet or Long Duration Gerb in gold or silver. However, the evolution of the gerb line has given rise to some truly unique and funky effects — one standout being the Line Rockets. These are small whistling rockets with a sparkling tail that run along a steel cable, attached to the line by a rocket holder. Instead of the sparks shooting upwards or downwards, as they would with a classic jet or waterfall, these line rockets travel down a wire, often suspended over audiences from the back of the arena, shooting over the heads of the crowd. It’s a jaw-dropping effect and powerful to experience in a performance setting. It’s a unique and fascinating use of the gerb effect and popular not just among musical performers but in theatrical performances as well.

Another unique effect within the gerb family is the VS Collection, which sits within the Pro Stage II range. VS stands for Virtually Smokeless — making it ideal for smaller stages with limited ventilation, as well as for performers working close to the effects who want to avoid smoke interfering with their vocals. The VS range includes VS Ice Gerbs, VS Ice Fountains, VS Ice Waterfalls, and the brand-new VS Coloured Jets. Each is formulated with special ingredients that produce little to no smoke, ensuring a clean, vibrant visual. While the look is slightly different from a classic gerb, this distinctive style is exactly what sets the VS Collection apart.

What sets Le Maitre gerbs apart from the rest?
Le Maitre boasts an enormous catalogue of pyrotechnics, with almost 1,500 effects on offer and new, unique products frequently being released, yet the Spark Collection remains the most popular. Le Maitre uses a bespoke, tailor-made pressing system for the array of gerbs in their collection, and it’s this machine that sets them apart from the rest. Designed by specialist mechanical engineers with pyrotechnics at the heart of their expertise, the machine has ensured that the consistency and accuracy of each gerb truly set Le Maitre apart from the rest.

This month, Le Maitre is celebrating the iconic gerb!
As we head into our busiest season for gerbs, we’re encouraging customers to get their orders in early to secure a prime spot at the start of the production line. To make things even better, we’re running a special sale on all gerbs currently in stock — with an extra 10% off, on top of your standard trade discount.

We’re also excited to introduce brand-new additions to our VS Coloured Jets range, now including Multi-Coloured Jets. These let you combine any colours within a single jet, creating a spectacular, bushy array of vibrant sparks.

Don’t miss out — stock up now and add some extra sparkle to your next show!