1.3 or 1.4

[Salutecake]

While looking for 1.3 items I came across this message from one provider: 1.3 to Articles Option: If we are sold out of 1.3, check out our Articles. The same product may be in stock as an Article if noted, "Try Articles Veersion." then 1.3 is out of stock.

So I know some of the 1.3 is being rewrapped for 1.4 pro, usually by now here is a list out there of who is rewrapping what and calling it what? I haven't come across a list yet.

I did not take a closer look at the above but it appears that some companies are keeping the same name and just reclassifying from 1.3 to 1.4.

If so, is there a price difference? Why buy 1.3 and have to go through the paperwork hassle.

Just wondering if anyone has any up to date info on the subject?

[BMoore]

Yes, there are former 1.3 cakes that are being reclassified to 1.4 pro. Usually they seem to be under the same name if a distributor had old stock under 1.3 and new stock under 1.4Pro. I've only encountered this a few times and really haven't seen much of a price difference.

1.4Pro is definitely a game changer. I've been working on my orders for 2025 and right now I'm at about 60% 1.4Pro and 40% 1.3. Just a couple years ago my backyard show was almost 100% 1.3. For shells and big 1/1 cakes, you can't beat 1.3 but for average size cakes and "baby B" items, there isn't much between 1.3 and 1.4Pro. Since I use contingency storage, the side benefit (and a big one) is that I can get the 1.4 in advance and avoid some of the shoot day scramble. Most of the innovation seems to be in the 1.4Pro category right now while 1.3 product development seems to be becoming a little stale in my opinion.

[Salutecake]

Thanks BMoore! I'm going to keep my eyes opened.

I think last year was the start of the big switch for us too. While I probably will stay with the 1.3 for shells and a few 1.3 cakes most of my cakes will be 1.4. As for consumer mortar shells, I'm all but done with them, only because 1.3 shell are so much better. Except for a few cakes in the 1.3, their developement has really seemed to stop. I call them anchor cakes because most (not all) shoot the same thing staright up for 30 seconds, forthe most part I use them on each end of my show and put some 1.4 cakes inbetween. I do use 1.3 water cakes, in Consumer, Dominator use to make them and they were ok (not as good as 1.3), but I haven't been able to get my hands on the lately. 1.3 rainbow bridge cakes I use on occasion but lately they seem a bit hard to get.

Youn mentioned the shoot day scramble, lol, did that many of times. My license is up for renewal so they met me at the mag and inspected that, along with me. The mag makes it abit easier but the inspection process as well as the paper work, (at least for me) is well a bit mentally strenuous.

[Lights&Fire]

Like ya'll said, going 1.4pro gives you the 1.3 experience but comes with limitations. Seems like all creativity in the development is focused on pro-line cakes. But shells on the other hand, the pro-line's are pathetic. Besides what can beat some 3,4,5 inchers going up?!