Well, if you already have the 25 mm launcher I guess the simple answer is to carry 25 MM red ariel flares
AND a few SOLAS red parachute flares. (In my case, I already have a lot of SOLAS red parachute
flares but all are expired.)

Even though I have some solas red handhelds, I'm thinking there must be better 'locate' alternatives.
I really don't like the idea of having to deal with dripping slag when you're in a distress situation (for
that matter, I don't like the idea of dripping slag period). Perhaps a 'rescue laser flare' and/or a
strobe light (I already have both) are better alternatives? If a vessel already saw your ariels and you're
trying to alert them to your exact location, I think a handheld VHF could help (one of the floating models with GPS would be
a good option). Of course, in daytime there are other options - although the orange handholds also
having the dripping slag issue (unlike the SOLAS orange cannisters - which I have too).

Jerry