The CIS Holdings LLC ZX1000 Yellow Jacket is a simple piston-based blaster with a backpack reservoir released presumably in 2005 (the copyright date on the box is 2004). The ZX1000 Yellow Jacket is, for all intents and purposes, a piston-based water blaster with a good-sized backpack reservoir. This particular blaster was generously donated by Cobralex297 for review on iSoaker.com.

The Blaster ::

Nozzle ::

The ZX1000 Yellow Jacket features a single nozzle of decent size. Stream power is dependant on user strength, but the average blaster user should be able to generate good strength stream out of it. The nozzle has a tethered nozzle plug (the tether part can be seen in the picture to the left). It appears that the nozzle valve does not seal that well, thus water may dribble out of the nozzle when filling up the reservoir. As well, the drawing water into the pump, the poorly sealed nozzle allows a significant amount of air into the pump. This effectively reduces the amount of water one can fire as well as making the resulting stream more frothy. To get a more complete pump fill, plugging the nozzle with one's finger while filling the pump is recommend, though obviously not as convenient as a properly functioning valve.

Pump ::

The pump on the ZX1000 Yellow Jacket glides smoothly and holds a very respectable amount of water. It does not quite feel as solid as a tracked pump, but performs well, nevertheless. Its main failing is in the check valve on the nozzle end that allows air to enter the pump from the nozzle size, reducing the amount of water that can be fired.

Grip ::

The grip area is minimal, but functional. As the intake hose is threaded through the grip, the grip may feel slightly cooler to the touch when pumping. As it is otherwise open, it can easily accomodate virtually any size of hand.

The Reservoir ::

The reservoir on the ZX1000 Yellow Jacket is made of sturdy, solid yellow plastic with black paint. Its straps are basic, but do seem to be able to support the weight of the filled reservoir. One should take care not to over tighten the straps as they are threaded through thinner plastic tabs that may snap off if overstressed. The capacity, though, is good and the ZX1000 Yellow Jacket user will be able to fire many times before requiring a refill. Of course, being on one's back, it is not as obvious when refilling is needed, though one can estimate based on weight felt on one's shoulders. The cap on the reservoir is functional, but not air or water tight. While this is good as it prevents the reservoir from collapsing inwards as water is pulled into the pump, it also means that it may leak if placed on its side (or onto one's back if one happens to be crawling with this backpack on).

Overall ::

As a whole, the CIS Holdings LLC ZX1000 Yellow Jacket is a fun-to-use piston-based water blaster with good capacity and stream power. With decent strength, the ZX1000 Yellow Jacket can unleash potent streams. Unforunately, the craftsmanship of this blaster is lacking in some area, most notably the nozzle valve that tends to intake air. However, even in that case, one can still squeeze out a rather respectable shot and go against any small to medium powered blaster. Just be aware when facing off against anything capable of producing a solid 5x stream or greater.

Pros

Pump and shoot; no prepressurization necessary. Large pump volume for potentially drenching attacks. Good reservoir capacity.

Cons

Nozzle valve lets air in. Nozzle valve lets water out when filling. Strap attachment point strength a little bit worrisome. Reservoir cap not tethered.

---

Related Content .:

 Product Listing Page 

Additional Resources

Water Blaster: Basics | Care, Cleaning, and Storage | Soaker Use: Basics|Repair Articles

iSoaker.com .:

• News
• Armoury | Database
• Tech / Repairs
• Battle / Water Warfare
• General Information

Quick Links .:

• Help
• About
• Glossary
• Search
• Site Index

 

• Contact Us
• Terms of Use
• Support This Site

©2000-2024 iSoaker.com.
All rights reserved.