Getting the most fireworks bang for your buck this Fourth of July

With Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln and other area communities being among the 296 in California that allow the sale and use of state-approved fireworks for the Fourth of July, the most frequently asked questions at those pyro-peddling pop-ups you see in town will no doubt be, "What's new?" "What's good?" and "How much?" As only non-profits can legally sell fireworks in California, chances are the hard-working, perspiring volunteers inside each booth haven't seen the new products to knowledgably respond to all the FAQs. It's even less likely they know what the competition is selling. Their focus over the week leading up to America's 247th birthday isn't to be pyro proficient, but raise funds to send more kids to bible camp or provide eyeglasses to the underprivileged or subsidize new uniforms for a youth sports team. For our annual and unbiased fireworks buyer's guide, every new item for the 2023 California season was recently put to the test at a neutral site: Station 39 of the Folsom Fire Department. Ratings are based on performance, duration, distinctiveness and value in comparison with what else is being sold this season in partnership with TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Discount Fireworks Superstore. Products are listed by price, high to low. Let the sparks fly! · Brain Buster (TNT), $79.99 – For 15 seconds near the end, white sparks shoot out from all four sides for a unique theater-in-the-round effect. It's cool, but not worth spending double for a fountain that is mostly mundane crackling sparks. 90 seconds; 3 stars · TNT Barrel (TNT), $54.99 – Discontinued for a decade, the classic TNT Fountain that debuted in 2002 returns with a similar performance and more apropos name. Still lacks height, but a barrel of fun with multi-color stars and rain effect, silver glitter, and silver chrysanthemum with crackle. 104 seconds; 4 stars · Lava Panther (TNT), $49.99 – Nicely choreographed fountain with mesmerizing smoke globs complements of the chemical nitrocellulose. Love the subtle palms and crackling sparks that rebuff California's 10-foot distance rule. 60 seconds; 4 stars · Tidal Wave (TNT), $49.99 – Identical in price and similar in effects to fellow freshman Lava Panther, but outlasts the big cat in a race between rookies.100 seconds; 5 stars · King Fish (DFS), $42.42 – Be careful what you wish for, which in this case is a fountain of only colorful smokeless globs lasting over a minute. King Fish is a dream come true, but it's a dull one as the law of diminishing returns applies due to repetitiveness. Originally a TNT product, this pretty, but pretty boring and ill-named fountain (there's no fish effect) will win points with pet owners for being virtually silent. 67 seconds; 2 stars · Fruit Bowl (TNT), $34.99 for four – Fruity fountains produce a pleasing bushel of effects. There's no nutritional value from this banana, strawberry, grape and pear, but there is entertainment value. 28 seconds each; 3 stars · Crypto (TNT), $29.99 – Opens with gorgeous, unique shimmers, transitioning to two series of wide-spreading sparks gladly interrupted by the always-awesome swarming fish effect. Considering today's lofty prices, this one is a solid buy. 67 seconds; 5 stars · Bomb Pop (DFS), $28.28 – Medium-altitude white crackling sparks, and that's about it. No bomb with little pop for this California newcomer sold under the TNT brand elsewhere since last year. 100 seconds; 2 stars · Magic Seashell (TNT), $19.99 – If spending $80 for TNT's best fan fountain is too dear, then this is an adequate alternative to Delirium. Fish and crackles are interspersed with plenty of color. (FYI, Delirium has a twin in Phantom's Coral Reef, selling this year for $110 for two.) 49 seconds; 3 stars · Dino Egg Nest (TNT), $17.99 – If you think fresh eggs are expensive these days, try the kind that's $3 each. Clearly, there's a premium on eggs laid by dinosaurs instead of hens, and these half-dozen crackle and flash. Welcome to Jurassic Spark! 20 seconds each; 3 stars · Fairy Wands (TNT), $15.99 for five – Fairy dust has definitely been sprinkled on this box of assorted colors because it's one of the few decent handheld fireworks in the safe and sane category. Long duration, nice sparks, lots of fun, safer than a morning glory. 80 seconds; 4 stars · Beast Slayer (DFS), $9.99 – Sword-shaped handheld is like many novelties that look cooler unlit. Sparks emitting from the tip might be fun for adult-supervised youngsters. Two bucks cheaper than TNT's similar Mighty Sword that premiered a year ago and $3 less than Phantom's shorter-duration, 2018-debuting Blackbeard's Cutlass. 45 seconds; 2 stars · Beaming Lights Fountain, Cosmic Encounter Fountain, Nova Blast Fountain (Phantom), $3.99 – Trio of diminutive debutantes (at least for California) are sold individually, but work better as a single opening act to wow little ones. Each has around the same duration and effect (so-so sparks and crackling) with the nod going to Cosmic Encounter for a bit more height. 18-20 seconds; 2 stars · Neon Smoke Balls (Phantom), $3.99 for 6 – Each ball produces a pretty florescent cloud. Actually debuted in 2022, but was limited in supply. 20 seconds; 4 stars · Dragon Smoke (DFS), $2.84 – A few seconds of orange smoke belched by a cute green dragon. You get what you pay for with this meh novelty that debuted a year ago outside California as a TNT item and now sold under the sister Freedom brand. 22 seconds; 2 stars · Game Mode (TNT), $2.40 – Stock up on this one because it's the best fireworks buy in the Golden State this year. Lots of color, and the crackling sparks are crazy good for the price. Comes to California after wowing thrifty Arizonans a year ago. 36 seconds; 5 stars Backyard Jubilee ($499.99; 4 stars) is the season's only new assortment and one of Phantom's best ever, even at a price point that may prompt neighbors to go in together. This is one of only two collections from Phantom that feature fountains also sold individually, the other being the $799.99 Phantom Backyard Bash. Fewer generic-type throwaways equates to bigger bang for your buck in this new assortment advertised as a $725 value. Ten of the 19 fountains are good to excellent. Best in the box: New York Harbor, Brew HaHa and Funky Monkey. Backyard Jubilee is Phantom's response to TNT's rookie sensation of last year, American Dream Team ($499; 4 stars). If you're planning at least four finale-type fountains for your show, ADT is a wise buy even at five Benjamins. Opening Show, Wild Side, Delirium, Atomic Salsa, Wizard Alley, Majestic Momma and Jungle Flower – all seven of these pieces are winners. TNT and Phantom also have solid $800 assortments if budget is no object. For stand locations and additional product information, visit the retailers' websites: TNT, tntfireworks.com; Phantom, fireworks.com; and Discount Fireworks Superstore, dfsfireworks.com. Check local laws and take all safety measures before buying and lighting.