Range Testing 2012 Nerf Super Soakers @ iSoaker.com
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:54 am
Well, with much nicer weather around, managed to do range testing on the three new 2012 Nerf Super Soaker models.
First, the Electrostorm - level shots dropped off at around the 18' (~5.5m) mark with some droplets making the full distance while most falling shorter. The thinness of the stream causes it to break up and get even poorer range than if the stream had been more laminar. Angling only increased range minimally to ~22' (6.5m) mark.
The Lightning Storm fared only slightly better with level shots also dropping off at around the 18' (~5.5m) mark. However, as its output is a little higher, max range was found to be ~25' (7.5m). Like the Electrostorm, the Lightning Storm's stream tended to break up quite a bit towards the end of the stream. I also noticed a significant lag when releasing the trigger to when the blaster actually stopped firing. It seemed that water would be pushed out for 0.5-1.0 seconds after releasing the trigger; not sure if this is normal, but it was a touch annoying.
Smallest, but perhaps most potent was the Micro Burst. In this case, being pump action with a decent-sized nozzle (well, larger than the above two), it got the best ranges of the three with level shots ~20' (7m) mark and angled shots reaching 26' (8m).
Altogether, though, if facing off against older, classic models or even the newer Water Warriors blasters, anyone using the above Nerf Super Soakers are likely going to find themselves outclassed and super soaked, themselves!
Can't fault the styling much, but when blaster performance has taken such a significant hit, it is rather sad to see what has become of the Super Soaker brand. Here's for hoping things somehow get better, but only time will tell.
First, the Electrostorm - level shots dropped off at around the 18' (~5.5m) mark with some droplets making the full distance while most falling shorter. The thinness of the stream causes it to break up and get even poorer range than if the stream had been more laminar. Angling only increased range minimally to ~22' (6.5m) mark.
The Lightning Storm fared only slightly better with level shots also dropping off at around the 18' (~5.5m) mark. However, as its output is a little higher, max range was found to be ~25' (7.5m). Like the Electrostorm, the Lightning Storm's stream tended to break up quite a bit towards the end of the stream. I also noticed a significant lag when releasing the trigger to when the blaster actually stopped firing. It seemed that water would be pushed out for 0.5-1.0 seconds after releasing the trigger; not sure if this is normal, but it was a touch annoying.
Smallest, but perhaps most potent was the Micro Burst. In this case, being pump action with a decent-sized nozzle (well, larger than the above two), it got the best ranges of the three with level shots ~20' (7m) mark and angled shots reaching 26' (8m).
Altogether, though, if facing off against older, classic models or even the newer Water Warriors blasters, anyone using the above Nerf Super Soakers are likely going to find themselves outclassed and super soaked, themselves!
Can't fault the styling much, but when blaster performance has taken such a significant hit, it is rather sad to see what has become of the Super Soaker brand. Here's for hoping things somehow get better, but only time will tell.