Nautical Fire Fans (5 Wick) Tech Grip

Nautical Fire Fans combine a distinctive star-shaped frame with a tech-style grip designed for controlled fan manipulation. Each fan is constructed from welded steel with a black protective coating and finished with five sewn pure Kevlar wicks.

The combination of the geometric frame and tech grip makes these particularly well suited to performers interested in technical fan movements, while still working perfectly well for more traditional fire fan flow. Grip style is largely personal preference, but tech and Russian grips can feel noticeably different in the hand.

Tech-Style Grip

Tech grips use a smaller inner ring positioned inside a larger outer ring. On the Nautical Fire Fans, the inner ring measures approximately 1.75 inch (44mm) across. Depending on your hand and finger size, you’ll typically place two to three fingers through this inner ring while manipulating the fan.

This differs from a traditional Russian-style grip, which generally uses a much larger open ring without the smaller inner ring. Russian grips are commonly held with four fingers through the ring while the thumb remains outside.

The smaller inner ring of a tech grip gives your fingers a more defined point of contact with the fan. Many performers find this makes it easier to control rotation and intentionally stop or redirect the fan while it’s spinning, which can be useful for more technical tricks and transitions.

Russian grips, on the other hand, are commonly favored for dance-oriented fan flow with larger, sweeping movements. Neither grip is inherently better. They’re different approaches to manipulating the fan, and plenty of performers develop their own style with either one.

Five Sewn Kevlar Wicks

Five flat pure Kevlar wicks are spaced around the outer edge of each fan, creating a broad arc of fire around the star-shaped frame. The wicks are sewn directly onto the frame for a clean, streamlined finish without exposed wick-mounting hardware.

Welded Steel Construction

The black coated steel frame provides a rigid structure for controlled spinning, stops, transitions, and other fan manipulation. The open star-shaped geometry also gives the fans a distinctive silhouette without adding unnecessary material throughout the center of the frame.

Before use, inspect the frame, grip, stitching, and Kevlar for damage or excessive wear. For information on fueling, wick care, and general fire prop upkeep, read our Fire Prop Maintenance Guide.

Fire fans require appropriate training, clearance, protective procedures, and a trained fire safety. Please review our Fire Safety for Flow Arts guide and Safety Disclaimer before use.

If your fan flow involves a healthy amount of spinning something very quickly and then making it stop exactly where you wanted, the tech grip gives your fingers a little more say in the matter.