Flares pros and cons

[essex]

What are sibbers thoughts on the pros and cons of carrying flares? I have a VHF and plb. I don't have flares but was considering a smoke flare. I understand they are visible from a long distance and are relatively cheap but there is a fire risk and they don't last long when you set them off and you are relying on someone spotting them.
Do many sibbers carry them? Are they from a historic era before electronics and would I be safer carrying these explosives?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by essex

What are sibbers thoughts on the pros and cons of carrying flares? I have a VHF and plb. I don't have flares but was considering a smoke flare. I understand they are visible from a long distance and are relatively cheap but there is a fire risk and they don't last long when you set them off and you are relying on someone spotting them.

Do many sibbers carry them? Are they from a historic era before electronics and would I be safer carrying these explosives?

Had their day, PITA to dispose of, technology has overtaken them. PLB, VHF and an Odeo.