Cryo Cannon Rental, Rent a Cryo Cannon for Your Event
Cryo Cannon Rental, Rent a Cryo Cannon for Your Event | CryoFX
Cryo Cannon Rental from CryoFX. Handheld Cryo Cannon Rental or Stage / Mounted Cryo Cannon Rental
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CryoFX LLC • 3859 S Valley View Blvd, Suite 2, Las Vegas, NV 89103 • 1.855.527.9639
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Cryo cannon rental: what it is, what it does, and how to book one
"Cryo cannon" and "CO2 cannon" get used interchangeably across the entertainment industry, and for most practical purposes that's fine. They're describing the same type of effect. But there's a distinction worth knowing: CryoFX makes a specific product called the Cryo Cannon, and it's different from the broader CO2 cannon lineup.
This guide covers what a cryo cannon actually is, why the terminology exists, what a rental includes, size recommendations for different events, and the range of applications where cryo cannons show up, including one you probably wouldn't expect.
What is a cryo cannon?
The word "cryo" comes from cryogenic, meaning extremely cold temperatures. The CO2 that discharges from a cryo cannon exits at -78.5°C (-109°F), which qualifies. "Cannon" describes what it does: it shoots a pressurized burst of cold white vapor outward from the nozzle, producing the dense atmospheric plume that makes CO2 special effects recognizable on any stage.
Cryo cannon and CO2 cannon refer to the same fundamental device. Both fire liquid CO2 from a siphon tank through a high-pressure valve and nozzle to produce a visible CO2 plume. The CO2 tank sits at 850-900 psi. The plume dissipates within seconds. No residue, no fire risk, no smoke detector trigger.
CryoFX's specific Cryo Cannon product is a distinct unit within the larger CO2 cannon product family. It's handheld, black, larger than the standard handheld CO2 cannon, and doesn't have DMX control or integrated LED lighting. It's a straightforward, high-output handheld cryo cannon designed for operators who want to carry the effect themselves on stage or at DJ booths without a fixed mount or control system.
Cryo cannon vs CO2 cannon: why two names for the same thing?
The terminology split happened organically across the entertainment industry.
DJs, club operators, and production crews started shortening "CO2 cannon" to "cryo cannon" because cryo captures the visual quality of the effect, it's cold, it's atmospheric, it looks like something cryogenic. The name stuck. Today, someone asking for a cryo cannon rental and someone asking for a CO2 cannon rental are almost always asking for the same thing.
Neither name is wrong. If someone calls it a cryo cannon, they're describing a cannon that shoots cold fog. If they call it a CO2 cannon, they're naming the gas that produces the effect. Both accurate.
The only context where the distinction matters is if a customer specifically wants CryoFX's Cryo Cannon product, the black handheld unit, versus another configuration like a fixed LED jet, an XY DMX jet, or a standard handheld CO2 cannon from a different part of the product lineup.
What a cryo cannon rental from CryoFX includes
A cryo cannon rental covers the equipment you need to run the effect at your event. Depending on what you need, that includes:
- Cryo cannon unit
- CO2 hose (length specified at booking)
- Fittings and washers for CO2 connections
- CO2 tank options (available if needed; specify at booking)
CryoFX also rents CO2 cannons in fixed-mount, LED, and DMX configurations under the broader CO2 cannon product family. If you're asking for a cryo cannon rental and you want LEDs or DMX control, let CryoFX know at the quoting stage so the right equipment gets allocated.
The rental process itself mirrors the standard CO2 cannon rental: quote, reserve with invoice and rental agreement, credit card deposit hold, government ID on file, equipment ships to you, you use it, it ships back in the same box with the prepaid label, CryoFX inspects and releases the deposit hold.
For events where CryoFX staff handle delivery and setup, the on-site process includes walking the stage, positioning the cryo cannons and CO2 tanks, running and securing all CO2 hoses, connecting power, test firing, checking for leaks, and completing a full system confirmation before the show.
How many cryo cannons do you need?
Sizing recommendations depend entirely on the scale and type of event:
- Single DJ or performer: 1 cryo cannon. One operator, one handheld unit, that's the configuration. The person holding the cryo cannon controls the effect directly.
- Small clubs and venues: 2 to 4 cryo cannons. Enough to cover the stage width and give a DJ or operator room to vary the positioning.
- Large nightclubs: 4 to 8 cryo cannons, sometimes up to 12. High-volume club environments need coverage across a wide stage or multiple DJ positions.
- Festivals: 10 to 12 cryo cannons per stage, minimum. CryoFX recommends at least 8 per stage at festival scale. The effect needs to carry across a large audience in an open environment, and underpowering it looks weak relative to the scale of the show.
These numbers scale with stage size, ceiling height, and how aggressive the visual needs to be. A 4-unit setup that looks great in a 500-person club won't have the same presence on a 5,000-person festival stage.
Where cryo cannons get used
The obvious applications are the ones most people already know.
Nightclubs and DJ shows are the core market for cryo cannon rentals. The handheld cryo cannon is a standard piece of kit for touring DJs. Fixed CO2 jet setups are common in high-end nightclub installations. The effect fits the environment, dark room, high-energy music, the CO2 plume cuts visually through stage lighting, cools the crowd, and creates a physical sensation at the moment of activation.
Concerts and festivals use cryo cannons for the same reasons at larger scale. A row of CO2 jets across a festival main stage firing during a climactic moment in a set is one of the most recognizable images in live music production.
Sporting events use CO2 cannons for player entrances, goal celebrations, and post-game entertainment. Eight cryo cannons grouped into 4 mini-systems across a stadium entrance tunnel, fired for 5 specific activations during player entry, is a common setup.
Weddings and private events use handheld cryo cannons for grand entrances, first dances, and announcement moments. The effect photographs well and creates a memorable physical moment without any fire risk or residue.
Corporate events use cryo cannons for product reveals, executive entries, and high-impact presentation moments on stage.
[EDITOR: ADD BUYER INTENT LINK HERE, "cryo cannon rental"], link this phrase to the CryoFX cryo cannon product page.
Law enforcement, this one gets attention when people hear it for the first time. CryoFX designed and manufactured a specialized handheld CO2 gun with an integrated flashlight that resembles a tactical SWAT-style weapon. The device was developed specifically for use by police departments and federal agencies during raids where an attacking dog needs to be stopped without lethal force.
When CO2 is discharged at close range at a dog charging during a raid, the cold CO2 blast startles the animal, causes it to lose its wind momentarily, and allows officers to get the dog under control without injuring it. The device has been purchased by police departments in Canada, the United States, and other countries for active field use.
It's a niche application of CO2 technology that sits completely outside the entertainment space but demonstrates the range of what pressurized CO2 can do when the right delivery system is designed around it.
Booking a cryo cannon rental from CryoFX
Getting a rental quote starts with a few details:
- What configuration do you need (handheld cryo cannon, fixed jet, LED, DMX)?
- How many units?
- What hose length?
- Do you need CO2 tanks included?
- Event date and location
- How long is the rental period?
- Are you integrating with your own DMX system or do you need control equipment?
CryoFX builds the quote from those inputs and confirms availability. Once the invoice is paid and the rental agreement, deposit hold, and ID are processed, equipment ships to you.
For events where CryoFX staff will operate the cryo cannons on-site, let CryoFX know at booking so an operator can be scheduled. Operator availability and travel factor into the overall cost for staffed events.
Lead time: contact CryoFX at least 2 weeks before the event date for standard rentals. Las Vegas events that require a compressed gas permit need 4 to 6 weeks minimum lead time for the permit process alone.
FAQs
Is a cryo cannon the same as a CO2 cannon?
In general use, yes, the terms are interchangeable across the industry. CryoFX's specific Cryo Cannon product is a black, larger handheld CO2 cannon without DMX or LED. If you're asking about the broader category of CO2 special effects equipment, cryo cannon and CO2 cannon describe the same type of device.
Does a cryo cannon require a permit?
In Las Vegas, yes, every CO2 cannon or cryo cannon event requires a compressed gas permit from Clark County Fire Prevention. In most other US markets, a COI is typically required but no formal government permit. Confirm with the local fire department in your market.
How many cryo cannons do I need for a festival?
At least 8 per stage, and 10 to 12 is the better target for full visual impact at festival scale. Underpowering a festival stage with too few units produces an effect that doesn't carry across the audience.
Can I run a cryo cannon off any CO2 tank?
No. A siphon tube (liquid withdrawal) CO2 tank is required. Standard vapor-withdrawal tanks will not produce the liquid CO2 needed for proper cryo cannon output. Always specify "siphon tube" or "liquid withdrawal" when ordering CO2 tank refills.
What's the difference between the CryoFX Cryo Cannon and a standard CO2 jet?
The CryoFX Cryo Cannon is a handheld unit, one person holds it and fires it directly. Standard CO2 jets are fixed-mount units controlled via DMX, usually mounted on stage in a permanent or semi-permanent position. They serve different operational purposes. A cryo cannon is operator-driven and mobile; a CO2 jet is position-fixed and DMX-triggered.
What temperature does a cryo cannon discharge at?
A cryo cannon discharges CO2 at -78.5 degrees Celsius, which is -109 degrees Fahrenheit. The CO2 exits as liquid and immediately expands into a dense white vapor cloud. The plume dissipates within seconds, leaves no residue, produces no heat, and does not trigger smoke detectors. CO2 tank operating pressure is 850 to 900 psi.
How many cryo cannons do I need for a nightclub?
For small clubs and venues, 2 to 4 cryo cannons typically provide enough coverage across the stage. Large nightclubs generally run 4 to 8 cryo cannons, and high-volume environments may use up to 12. The right quantity depends on stage width, ceiling height, and how aggressive the visual needs to be for your room.
How far in advance should I book a cryo cannon rental?
Contact CryoFX at least 2 weeks before the event for standard rentals to ensure equipment availability and shipping time. Las Vegas events require additional lead time because the compressed gas permit process with Clark County Fire Prevention takes a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. Book as early as possible to avoid rush situations.
Are cryo cannons used at corporate events and weddings?
Yes. At corporate events, cryo cannons are used for product reveals, executive entries, and high-impact stage moments. At weddings and private events, handheld cryo cannons are used for grand entrances, first dances, and announcement moments. The effect photographs well, creates a memorable physical moment, and carries no fire risk, no residue, and no smoke detector trigger.
Everything you need to know about CO2 cannon and cryo cannon operation is in the cryo cannon and CO2 cannon guide at CryoFX.com.
Ready to book? Head to cryo cannon rental options at CryoFX.com and reach out with your event details.
Updated - 07/24/2026.



