{"product_id":"acr-resqflare-electronic-distress-e-flare-and-flag-uscg-replacement","title":"ACR ResQFlare Electronic Distress E-Flare and Flag - USCG Replacement","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the ACR ResQFlare electronic distress E-Flare and included distress flag, the bottom line is simple: this kit is for boaters who want a reusable, non-pyrotechnic USCG-approved replacement for nighttime and daytime visual distress signals. It is especially useful for weekend sailors, anglers, and small-craft operators who prefer a lightweight, waterproof unit that floats and rights itself. The single biggest reason to buy is its certified performance as a nighttime visual distress signal combined with a USCG-certified daytime distress flag, which together meet carriage requirements without pyrotechnics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSCG certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e When carried with the included distress flag, it qualifies as a replacement for pyrotechnic flares for USCG carriage requirements, removing the need to dispose of expired flares.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360 visibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e The high intensity LED strobe produces bright light in all directions so the signal can be seen from multiple approach angles on the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong operational life:\u003c\/strong\u003e The strobe maintains a peak equivalent fixed intensity of at least 75 cd for 20 hours at room temperature, exceeding the USCG minimum by a large margin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaterproof and self-righting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rated IP67, the unit floats and automatically rights itself when deployed in the water, so no flotation ring is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and lightweight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its small form factor makes it easy to store on small craft or in a grab bag without adding significant bulk or weight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUser-replaceable batteries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses standard C-cell alkaline batteries (not included), allowing users to refresh power in the field without special tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ResQFlare is aimed at recreational boaters, anglers, and tender operators who must meet USCG visual distress signal carriage rules and who prefer a reusable, non-pyrotechnic option. Its compact size and long LED run time make it a practical choice for day trips and overnight outings where weight and stowage space matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for mariners who operate internationally where local authorities may not accept electronic replacements, or for crews who want pyrotechnic smoke or flare functionality; users who need continuous thrusting smoke or audible signals should consider complementary devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertified as a nighttime visual distress signal and paired with a USCG-certified daytime distress flag, meeting US carriage requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery long operational life: the LED strobe sustains required intensity for at least 20 hours at room temperature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterproof IP67 rating and automatic self-righting floatation make deployment simple and reliable in rough conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, lightweight design and user-replaceable C-cell batteries simplify maintenance and storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustomer reports on build quality and battery life are mixed, so durability can vary with use and handling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBatteries are not included, so the unit is not ready to operate right out of the box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCertification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSCG 161.013 Nighttime VDS; Distress Flag USCG 160.072\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisible over 6 miles; 360 degree illumination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperational life\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum 20 hours at required intensity (room temperature)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP67 waterproof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser-replaceable C-cell alkaline batteries (not included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBehavior in water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloats and automatically rights itself\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ACR ResQFlare E-Flare and flag kit is a practical, cost-effective replacement for pyrotechnic flares for U.S. boaters who need compliant visual distress signals. Its long LED run time, waterproof self-righting design, and included USCG-certified flag make it good value for recreational mariners, though buyers should be mindful of mixed user feedback on build robustness and remember to buy batteries before heading out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this replace pyrotechnic flares for USCG carriage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; when carried together the E-Flare and distress flag qualify as a replacement for USCG pyrotechnic flare carriage in the U.S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does the light run at required intensity?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe high intensity LED strobe maintains the required peak equivalent fixed intensity for 20 hours or greater at room temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre batteries included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, it uses user-replaceable C-cell alkaline batteries which must be purchased separately.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ACR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48249310314715,"sku":"B08FBJJBQ5","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61Vb_iZgYVL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770965460","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/acr-resqflare-electronic-distress-e-flare-and-flag-uscg-replacement","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}