For years, firefighters have debated the balance between flow, maneuverability, and control when it comes to small-diameter attack lines.
The challenge wasn’t whether a 1.5" hose could flow enough water – our KrakenEXO inner diameter certainly could handle the flow with reasonable friction loss. The real challenge was stability. Could firefighters actually control and advance the line effectively?
As flows climbed into the 150–160 GPM range and pressures dropped between 50-75 psi, most traditional 1.5" hose packages became increasingly difficult to manage. When the nozzle reaction goes up, the smaller column of water can’t support it – particularly with lighter, more flexible materials. The line handling demands of interior attack pushed crews toward larger diameter hose simply to gain better control.
LPX™ Technology was engineered to change that
Integrated into the KrakenEXO® LPX 1.5" and ExoMetro® LPX 1.75", LPX™ Technology reinforces only the working length nearest the nozzleman — the area where firefighters need the most stability during aggressive interior operations.
By strengthening only that section of the hose, Mercedes Textiles maintained the lightweight, highly packable, and maneuverable characteristics firefighters expect while dramatically improving control at modern low-pressure, high-flow configurations.
But the hose is only half of the equation when building an effective small diameter, low-pressure attack package. The nozzle is equally important. The right pairing is where the performance shines.
What Nozzles pair with LPX™ Lines?
Different nozzle manufacturers offer different approaches to balancing flow, pressure, nozzle reaction, and line performance. Whether departments prefer smooth bore configurations, low-pressure combination nozzles, or integrated back-pressure technologies, each setup creates its own advantages and operational considerations.
Each nozzle offers a slightly different approach to achieving the same goal: Deliver effective attack flows through a lightweight, maneuverable package, minimizing firefighter fatigue without sacrificing control on the fireground.
Here Kevin Pfluger breaks down some of the LPX nozzle options from Elkhart Brass.
ELKHART BRASS 7/8" Smooth Bore FOR LPX™ Small Diameter Hose
One of the standout pairings for the Kraken LPX 1.5" is the classic Elkhart 7/8" tip on their Smooth Bore XD.
At 50 PSI nozzle pressure, this setup delivers approximately 160 GPM while keeping nozzle reaction around 60 pounds — well within the generally accepted recommendation of staying under 69 pounds of nozzle reaction.
With LPX Technology reinforcing the working length, firefighters can now gain the flow benefits of a larger attack package while maintaining the mobility and maneuverability advantages of a 1.5" line.
This pairing is ideal for departments looking to maximize water delivery while minimizing hose weight and bulk.
Elkhart Low-Pressure Combination Nozzles
Another strong option for the KrakenEXO LPX 1.5" is Elkhart’s Chief XD low-pressure combination nozzles.
These nozzles allow departments to tailor both flow and operating pressure using interchangeable discs, creating flexibility based on staffing, operational preference, and desired nozzle reaction.
Some pairing options include:
50 PSI at 160 GPM
50 PSI at 150 GPM
75 PSI at 150 GPM
75 PSI at 160 GPM
Configurations operating at 50 PSI provide superior agility and lower reaction forces, whereas 75 PSI options generate additional stability throughout the line. This increased pressure enhances the structural stability of the hose, improving handling for everyone on the line—from the tip to the backup position.
However, as operating pressure and flow increase, nozzle reaction also rises. For example:
A 7/8" smooth bore at 160 GPM typically produces around 60 pounds of nozzle reaction
A 75 PSI / 150 GPM combination nozzle setup may increase reaction into the 65–66 pound range
That’s why balancing flow, pressure, and controllability is critical when building an attack package.
Building Attack Packages for Today’s Fireground Reality
No matter which nozzle platform a department prefers, the goal remains the same: deliver effective fire attack flows through a package that firefighters can move, control, and operate with confidence.
LPX™ Technology was designed to support that objective by improving stability where firefighters need it most while preserving the lightweight handling characteristics that make smaller diameter attack lines attractive in the first place.
The result is an attack package that helps crews maintain mobility, reduce fatigue, and stay focused on the job at hand—not on fighting the hose.
Explore the full specs for our LPX lines – then reach out to our team to get hands-on with it at upcoming events and demos.