The Water Warriors Splat Blaster II is a unique water blaster released by Buzz Bee Toys Inc. in 2011; it is a similar function to the original Water Warriors Splat Blaster, but with a different pumping/priming mechanism. In the case of the Water Warriors Splat Blaster II, pumping is done in a more familiar pulling motion, but its trigger is ornamental as the blaster fires as soon as the pump is pulled beyond a certain point.

The Blaster ::

Nozzle / Firing Chamber ::

Like the original, the Splat Blaster II has a single, wide-orifice nozzle. The actual nozzle lies within the larger housing and is capped by a plug that folds down when the trigger is pulled. This mechanism appears similar to that of the original Splat Blaster. The Splat Blaster II's nozzle is powered by a spring-loaded firing chamber. Like a Power Soaker, the firing chamber is piston-based, but unlike Power Soakers, the piston is hooked onto a spring that ends up compressed when the chamber is filled. Unlike the original, the trigger does nothing, rather than when the pump is pulled far enough, it automatically releases, unleashing a blast of water. Due to piston and nozzle geometry, the resulting shot has a 'splat' or 'shotgun'-type effect, with the stream breaking up upon exiting the nozzle, covering a larger area than a solid stream. However, this also affects the stream's range; the Water Warriors Splat Blaster II's effective range is somewhere between a half and a third of a typical stock soaker, though appears to be better than the original. The idea, here, is that while range is limited, this pump'n'shoot system would allow the user to fend off closer opponents. Additionally, the volume pushed per shot is nearly double the original, making each burst more substantial and satisfying.

Pump ::

Unlike the lever-type pump of the original Splat Blaster, the pump for the Splat Blaster II is tracked and pull-action. Akin to a pump-action shotgun, the Splat Blaster II has 'shotgun'-type handling and this method of pumping feels more natural. As noted above, the pump is also the trigger; when pulled far enough, the pump releases the inner piston and the blaster fires automatically. Every pull pump results in a shot being fired. The firing sound is a little loud, particularly if dry-firing. Blast performance also drops a bit if one ends up trying to shoot many shots in rapid succession.

Triggers / Grip ::

The trigger and grip area on the Splat Blaster II are functional, though minimal. The trigger is purely ornamental as pumping controls the firing of blasts. The grip area is functional and decent to hold. Thankfully, it is open at its base allowing those with larger hands more room if needed; of course, some may find the grip on the short side, but we found it comfortable to use.

The Reservoir ::

The reservoir on the Splat Blaster II occupies the top of the majority of the blaster. While not having a huge capacity, the amount of water the reservoir holds is adequate enough to allow the Splat Blaster II to shoot well over 25 times before needing to refill. It is still closed only with a snap-cap and it would have been nice had it have an actual screw-on cap. Nevertheless, the cap is fairly snug and won't dribble quickly, even if the blaster is filled and left on its side.

Overall ::

As a whole, Water Warriors Splat Blaster II is a simple, light-weight soaker. It simpler pumping and improved firing mechanism makes this blaster a definite improvement over the original. The Splat Blaster is a load, aim and fire single-shot-per-pump type soaker. While the trigger is only ornamental, one can quickly unleash a burst by quickly pumping when a target is within range. However, firing chamber capacity is still on the lower side, reducing the potential value of this otherwise good soaker design. While not as effective as a primary soaker, the Splat Blaster II could still likely perform well against smaller soakers on its own. It would be unwise to take the Splat Blaster II alone up against anyone using an Super Soaker XP 70 or larger. However, as a close-quarters addition to a primary soaker, the Splat Blaster II can add that extra oomph needed to push an opponent back a moment allowing the user to reposition him/herself.

Pros

Simple design, clean lines, and good solid feel to the soaker. Single-pull pump and fires a decent burst.

Cons

Shorter range. No strap. Limited firing chamber capacity, thus limited amount of water shot. Single-shot only; no tap shots. Slighty noisy firing mechanism.

 

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Related Content .:

 Product Listing Page |  Water Warriors Product Evolution Tree 

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