The X-Stream APS Tank Jr. is a small, air-pressure-based soaker released by Lanard Inc. in 2007. Being a small soaker, it is lighter, making it easier to carry and conceal, but also means it lacks the power and reservoir capacity of larger soakers. While a newer soaker, the model tested seemed to have a nozzle-valve problem, thus its performance may not be average for a soaker of this make. However, consider this soaker is less than a year old, it is worrisome that this model has problems in the first place.

The Blaster ::

Nozzle ::

The nozzle on the X-Stream APS Tank Jr. is noticably small. The model tested initially did not shoot when the trigger was depressed, but after pressurizing the reservoir further, water was finally able to traverse the nozzle valve. This suggests that the nozzle valve is likely a pinch-trigger tube design that may seal shut if left unused for longer periods of time or if hard water gets a chance to dry within. Due to its small diameter, the stream from the nozzle is not particularly strong nor smooth.

Pump ::

The pump on the X-Stream APS Tank Jr. is mounted on the reservoir cap located on the backside of the blaster. The pump's short length and positioning makes the APS Tank Jr. feel somewhat awkward to pump. Furthermore, its position does not allow one to pump and shoot easily, either. The blaster, being based on a pressurized reservoir system, takes a good deal of pumps to properly pressurize. However, as its output it low, the APS Tank Jr. does not require further pumping for awhile.

Triggers / Grip ::

The trigger feels relatively sturdy and pulls smoothly though sadly the nozzle valve does not have a quick response time. The grip is nicely textured and relatively comfortable to hold despite being somewhat short as the overall blaster size is smaller. Thankfully, the fact that the grip region is open means no restriction for those of larger hand sizes.

The Reservoir ::

The reservoir on the X-Stream APS Tank Jr. holds a reduced capacity for a soaker of this size. As the pump shaft is also part of the reservoir cap, the usable volume in the reservoir is further decreased due to the pump design. Also, being a pressurized reservoir blaster, the recommendable fill volume is actually only ~2/3 of the total volume listed in the statistics. The main redeeming point is that due to low output, the shot time and time between refills for the APS Tank Jr. is on the longer side.

Overall ::

As a whole, X-Stream APS Tank Jr. is a functional pistol-sized blaster. While having a generally sturdy outward feel and decent styling, its performance is hindered by its internal design and nozzle size. Overall, the APS Tank Jr. could serve as a back-up blaster at best or a good lender (to one's opponents, that is), but its usefulness as a primary soaker is rather limited and would likely even be outclassed by a Super Soaker XP215.

Pros

Relatively sturdy shell and decent styling.

Cons

Small nozzle and limited reservoir volume significantly limits blaster performance. Backwards-facing pump more awkward to use. Nozzle valve has tendency to get stuck closed.

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