Tornado Max vs. Flex Monitor: Which Firefighting Monitor is Right for Your Apparatus or Facility?

When it comes to fixed firefighting monitors, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Choosing the right firefighting monitor for your fire apparatus or facility depends on a range of factors like flow requirements, space constraints, control preferences, and how much tech integration you want.

In this article, we compare two of our high-performance monitors: the Tornado Max and the Flex Monitor. Both are CANbus-compatible and built for rugged performance while serving a variety of firefighting needs.

Whether you’re speccing out a municipal pumper, upgrading an industrial suppression system, or working with an OEM to outfit a fleet, this side-by-side comparison will help you choose the monitor that fits your mission.

Quick Comparison Chart: Tornado Max vs. Flex Monitor

Feature	Tornado Max	Flex Monitor
Max Flow Rate	Up to 3000 LPM (800 GPM)	Up to 1250, 1500, or 2000 GPM (4750 - 7600 LPM)
Horizontal Travel	340°	450°
Vertical Travel	90° up to 45° down	90° up to 45° down
Control Options	Remote (RC)	Manual, Tiller Bar, Remote (RC)
Electronics	J1939 CAN Bus + App Control	J1939 CAN Bus + App Control
Weight	~28.5 pounds or 13 kg	~44.5 pounds or 20.2 kg
Inlet Options	3" threaded or ANSI Flange, Quick Connect	3" or 4" ANSI 150 Flange
Outlet Options	2.5" NH Male	2.5" or 3.5" NH Male

Size and Mounting Considerations

Space on your rig or platform is a precious commodity. The Tornado Max is compact by design, built on the same body as the Tornado RC Monitor. Weighing around 28.5 pounds with a 383 mm height, 342 mm width, and 223 mm depth, Tornado Max is ideal for:

Municipal engines
Quick-attack vehicles
Fixed systems with limited mounting space
Wildland rigs

Flex, on the other hand, is designed for more volume. The RC model weighs around 44 pounds with a 423 mm height, 268 mm width, and 394 mm depth. it has a more robust footprint, making it better suited to:

Industrial fire suppression systems
Large pumpers
Facilities with infrastructure to support high-volume delivery.

If you’re dealing with water limitations or height, weight, or width restrictions, the Tornado Max may be the better fit. For larger waterflow needs or industrial trucks. the Flex Monitor brings more capacity.

Water Flow Capacity and Performance

Choosing the right flow rate is crucial for hitting your suppression targets. here’s how these monitors compare:

Tornado Max delivers up to 3000 LPM (800 GPM) when built with an ANSI flange, providing significant reach and flow for its size. The quick connect models are capable of 2000 LPM (500 GPM). This is idea for municipal operations that need more flow than the standard Tornado or EF1 monitors, but do not need or cannot support a higher water flow. This is also a great option for wildland rigs that need a smaller monitor.
Flex offers various flow options at 1250, 1500, or 2000 GPM (4750-7600 LPM), making it ideal for large-scale response where water availability and demand are higher — like refineries, chemical plants, major industrial complexes, or municipalities with solid water supply.

If you’re pushing big water and need to cover large hazards or suppress high-BTU fires quickly, the Flex provides the muscle. For smaller-scale departments or facilities looking for an upgrade from standard monitors, the Tornado Max offers a solid bump in flow without going overboard.

Control Systems and Interface Options

The type of controls you’re looking for may impact your choice when deciding between the Tornado Max and Flex monitors.

The Tornado Max uses the same electronics platform as Flex, offering:

J1939 CAN Bus compatibility
Programmable oscillation and park positions
Absolute positioning
Mobile app interface via the SmartPlex app

The Flex monitor has the same electronics but also has manual control options.

If you’re looking for RC or App controls on a CAN Bus system, both models will deliver. Flex provides a little more flexibility with controls by offering manual versions.

Smart Features and System Integration

Today’s monitors aren’t just mechanical tools; they’re data ready components. That’s why both Tornado Max and Flex are designed with easier to program features and work with the SmartPlex app.

The app allows you to not only connect and control your RC monitor, but also program park and oscillate, set travel stops, troubleshoot issues, and more. The app itself is free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Best Use Cases: Where Each Monitor Shines

Here’s a snapshot of which situations each monitor is best suited for:

Tornado Max

Mid-sized municipal pumpers
Industrial vehicles with compact bodies
Firefighting systems with limited mounting space
Operators needing a high-flow upgrade without added weight
Wildland vehicles

Flex Monitor

High-hazard industrial zones
Large fire apparatus with high GPM demand
Quick Attack Vehicles

Conclusion: Which TFT Monitor is the Right Fit for You?

Both the Tornado Max and Flex Monitor are built to perform under pressure. The right choice depends on your operational needs:

If you’re looking for high flow in a compact, mount-anywhere package, the Tornado Max checks the boxes.
If your department or facility demands more water or a manual control system, the Flex Monitor is hard to beat.

Still not sure? Our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll talk through your apparatus or site specs to recommend the best firefighting monitor for your application.