On power and pleasure - ^

[isoaker]

One thing has been annoying me for awhile, but I've never been able to really express it properly before. However, I think I've finally put my finger on it and it boils down to the whole soaker power versus pleasure issue.

Some find pleasure and enjoy water warfare in all its forms. Some enjoy water warfare, but wish to push the limits both on their own skills as well as wanting equipment to match their abilities. Then there are those who are never satisfied (which is fine, too) and want more, even more than they can handle well.

When it comes to power arguments, statistics are better to discuss than personal preferences. What I particularly don't like is some members talking down to others who seem to be happy with 'weaker' soakers (or, in the opposite view, those who make fun of others who want more 'powerful' blasters as if those wanting power need to make up for some inadequacy). The point of these forums is to promote general water warfare enjoyment. Having threads that begin to ridicule others enjoyment of water warfare is quite contrary to this board's founding principles. Soakerdom is built on the love of water warfare, be it small, mid-sized, or large soakers and their uses.

Of course, there is room for improvement and discussing ideas or sharing one's enjoyment when using different types of soakers is definitely welcome in the various threads. However, I do NOT want to see those who happen to prefer one type of soaker to be questioned on why they'd be enjoying them.

If it dispenses water and one can have fun using it with (or against) friends, then that's what makes a good soaker. Bad soakers are those that one does not have fun using. What makes a soaker good or bad is, in the end, based on personal preference.

For those who want to discuss soaker power, discuss them in terms of statistics and usage experience. However, no one should try defining what is FUN to another member. Everyone knows what they enjoy and there is no fault in having a preference. I've had great water fights using nothing but dime-store squirt pistols. I've had great fights using nothing but original CPS-class blasters. I've had great fights mixing things up. Heck, I've had great water fights without using any soakers at all, using things like paper cups to splash water on others. True fun is found in the people participating, not just in any of the equipment.

The quest for better (i.e. power, styling, cost, capacity) soakers is natural. Better soakers can enhance some types of game play. However, there is no point if the fun is lost along the way.

[DX]

Like I've said before, there are different areas of Soakerdom which operate independently of each other. No one person's/area's views should be imposed on all soakerdom. Different people in different places have different needs and the imposition [not sure if that's a word...] of a single view only creates anger, division, and/or polarization within the membership. Simply accepting each other's preferences will help create unity in soaking and end pointless arguments.

It is really scary to me how this post describes current American politics with the party in power trying to do just that ^, and the effects of it on the country. So what I said above has a powerful, real life example that we should all learn from. Take that into account when you watch the news or post a flame.



Edited By Duxburian on 1139159823

[Soaker Master]

I wonder when somebody is going to create a topic about the Super Soaker Ozzinator.

[LIGHT ANNIHILATOR]

^ When isoaker tests it.

The quest for better (i.e. power, styling, cost, capacity) soakers is natural. Better soakers can enhance some types of game play.

We all want better soakers and are somewhat disatisfed with the current line, some of us more than others. But I agree we shouldn't look down upon others who are more or less content with current soakers.

[Hannibal]

^ When isoaker tests it.

The quest for better (i.e. power, styling, cost, capacity) soakers is natural. Better soakers can enhance some types of game play.

We all want better soakers and are somewhat disatisfed with the current line, some of us more than others. But I agree we shouldn't look down upon others who are more or less content with current soakers.

Yeah, I agree. The number one reason I don't like the current Super Soakers is because of the horrible Max-D system. That's why this year I'll be getting a Blazer (and maybe a Hydra Pak, it has the largest PC of any water gun ever made). Those guns aren't terribly powerful, but they are fun, and they don't break.

[m15399]

they don't break

I beg to differ. The triggers will wear down. In fact, my Argon trigger went out faster than my FF trigger! You can fix the Hasbro trigger problem in a few minutes, once they break. Same with BBT guns.

[Hannibal]

they don't break

I beg to differ. The triggers will wear down. In fact, my Argon trigger went out faster than my FF trigger! You can fix the Hasbro trigger problem in a few minutes, once they break. Same with BBT guns.

Uhhh, not so. I ended up throwing away three 4100's after a failed repair on all of them.

[DX]

Done right, a trigger repair is possible with any gun and can take as little as 5 minutes and one attempt. For me, it took over 20, but that was before I knew how to do it properly.

[SSCBen]

Rule of thumb: never discard any broken water gun unless it is completely worthless! That rule especially applies to CPS water guns. The parts in the water gun alone make it good for canibalization if another one of your water guns breaks (or if you are looking for a modification or homemade water gun). Second, most everything is repairable, including triggers. If your trigger valve is completely destroyed, you can replace it with a ball valve or design a similar trigger if you want something fancy.

[Hannibal]

Rule of thumb: never discard any broken water gun unless it is completely worthless! That rule especially applies to CPS water guns. The parts in the water gun alone make it good for canibalization if another one of your water guns breaks (or if you are looking for a modification or homemade water gun). Second, most everything is repairable, including triggers. If your trigger valve is completely destroyed, you can replace it with a ball valve or design a similar trigger if you want something fancy.

I am totally regretting it right this minute. I also threw away a 2500 I got free from someone that was having leakage.

*shoots himself with CPS 2000*

Man, I was stupid. The bonus, of course, was that I was allowed to use ebay since my guns broke. Without eBay I wouldn't have a 1700, 2000, and MXL right now, only a broken 4100.

[LIGHT ANNIHILATOR]

My 300th post.

I am totally regretting it right this minute. I also threw away a 2500 I got free from someone that was having leakage.

And I thought I felt bad after returning my 4100, but a free 2500, that's unexcusable.





Edited By LIGHT ANNIHILATOR on 1139273823

[Adrian]

To address the main topic, I don't think that JUST because we'd play with bigger guns the game would be more fun, or that big guns are essential to a fun fight. Some of our best fights have NOT involved the big guns, simply because once you take an XL shot, there's really no point in playing anymore. Pistols to mid-range guns are what we use mostly.

Would I like to see bigger, better guns on the market? You bet. But I'd only buy them to fill certain spots in my arsenal, like the 2000 and the 3200 did. Otherwise...you can keep your 4100s and MXs. I'm not terribly interested in middle of the road CPS. These days a gun has to be pretty dang special for me to pick it up, and there's not a ton that an X or 2/4100 can do that my Pirahna can't.

Adrian