What Happened When Firefighter Challenge Switched to TFT's Smooth Bore Nozzle?

Summary: Firefighter Challenge teams repeatedly dropped and abused their nozzles during live runs, exposing weak points in another manufacturer's models that often failed under pressure. After switching to TFT’s Smooth Bore Handline Nozzle, those issues disappeared. Despite heavy use, the nozzle stayed functional, opened reliably, and held up without leaks or breakage — making it a dependable choice for high-impact environments.

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Real-World Abuse, Real-World Results

In the Firefighter Challenge, gear isn’t just tested — it’s punished. Competitors drop equipment repeatedly during fast-paced, high-stress drills. There’s no time to baby the tools. Two seasons ago, the nozzles didn’t hold up. Operators struggled to open or close them, and some units cracked or leaked after routine use.

Then the Firefighter Challenge team switched to TFT’s Smooth Bore Nozzle — and the difference was immediate. Even after hundreds of drops, the nozzle still performed like new. It opened when it needed to, closed securely, and stayed that way through each round.

Built for Harsh Conditions

TFT’s smooth bore nozzle isn’t your average handline tip. It’s built from rugged aluminum alloy and hard coat anodized to resist wear and corrosion. A recessed orifice edge and aluminum bumper protect stream quality and prevent damage from impacts — which is exactly what this nozzle faced, over and over again.

Whether slammed into concrete or dragged across the drill field, it held up.

No Fuss, No Failure

Firefighters in the Challenge reported that with previous gear, opening or closing the nozzle cost them precious seconds — sometimes forcing them to fight the hardware more than the clock. Not anymore. TFT’s nozzle stayed functional, didn’t stick, and didn’t leak. That reliability meant competitors could focus on the task, not the tool.

Designed with the Fireground in Mind

Available in sizes from 1/2″ to 1-1/4″, the TFT Smooth Bore Nozzle meets a wide range of operational needs. The laser-engraved pressure and flow chart on the tip makes on-the-fly adjustments simple, even in chaotic conditions.

Bottom Line

If your nozzle can survive the Firefighter Challenge, it’ll survive your next fire. This isn’t just about durability — it’s about confidence. Knowing your stream will hit hard, your tip won’t fail, and your line will deliver every time. The Firefighter Challenge crews made the switch for a reason — and their results speak volumes.

 

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