Names or Numbers

[wetmonkey442]

As the title suggests, what do you prefer? Model names or model numbers? It seems as if the trend as been more towards names in recent years, but maybe Hasbro or Buzz Bee has a few numbered soakers up their sleeves? I personally prefer the number system; for some reason, I just can't keep track of the names, but I can still come up with an image of the proper soaker if presented with "CPS 1200" "XP 70" "SS 50" etc.

What do you guys think?

[isoaker]

hahhahaa... I've had these sort of conversations with others before! From a purely descriptive view, I find numbers more appealing since, assuming numbering is done systematically, it makes comparing blasters easier. To me, the name "CPS1000" simply sounds more powerful than an "SS50 or XP110". The problem with numbers is that the good ones run out quickly and then you end up with blaster names like "CPS4100". Looking at numbers alone, wouldn't you prefer a "CPS4100" over a measly "CPS2000"? In-between numbers also just don't sound as sexy... here's my "CPS1073" or my "SS 53.2"?

Some names are better than others. I don't like wholly non-descriptive names. "Point Break", "Lightning", "Blazer", "Thunderstorm" don't really say anything about how the blaster is, whether it is large or small, etc. Names like "Tornado Strike", "Helix", Crossfire" are better since they at least are related to blaster functionality. I do like the name "Vindicator", "Equalizer", and "Hydro Cannon", feeling those blasters seem appropriately named.

Definitely prefer numbers over names, but also understand why it has been avoided as well.

[wetmonkey442]

^Definitely agree. Thinking back, there are some named soakers that are very easy to remember, simply because I used them a lot: The Tiger Shark and Defender come to mind.

[HBWW]

I've always preferred numbers and letters; name a series and put some numbers through it. More technical designations for blasters is easier to keep things logically organized, for example
HP 100, HP 101, HP 102, HP 200, HP201
instead of
Lightning, Piranha, Tiger Shark, Blazer, Orca
respectively, would be an easier way to organize the blasters. All blasters were introduced at different times, but the lettering and numbering help sort this out; we know that the 101 and 102 are newer than the 100, and we know that 100 versus 200 refers to the sizing profile of the blaster, that they are part of a line with 2 PC's, more nozzles, and are larger overall.

But what of the air pressure variants?
AP 100, AP 201 for the Sphinx and Gorgon, respectively. Or they don't even have to be categorized by AP or HP; the Gorgon can simply be named as a different variant of the Orca; a MK II or a2 if you will.

Initially, model numbers are less easy to memorize than names, but in the end it's for the better. Think about it; try to name every single HydroPower-series blaster released, then do the same for the CPS series. It's easy to go through and order the CPS numbers, but not as easy to do the same for HP. Those well versed in the XP series should also see the benefit of the numbering system despite the fact that SS never numbered them in any seriously logical system. Names fall more easily to obscurity than numbering, as even if a particular model is forgotten, it still has a number and still belongs to a group; a line. It has a place in the grand scheme of things.

Numbers have been avoided, I think, because of trends; of how the marketing of blasters has changed. Larami made water blasters for everyone while now, blasters are made mostly for kids. BBT is honest in their marketing towards a younger audience, but Hasbro tries to give an older-players look to their mostly pathetic SS products probably to give a cooler image, and they definitely have a cooler look than BBT does not just in blaster appearance, but in their commercials and marketing. (Despite how annoying their announcers talk.)

[marauder]

I like numbers, unfortunately, the numbers are all mixed up now - that began in 1999 or arguably 2000 when the new XPs were given the # 200 + the number of the gun they were supposed to replace. I do like some of the names though: Flash Flood, Orca, Tigershark, Pirahna, Hydra.

Some names just sound dumb: Triple Charge, Backfire, Armordillo (I want one of these), Ultimate Explorer...

[HBWW]

The Armor Dillo looks pretty useless. Just build a VHS with a bipod or something to rest on, and a trigger for it if you need one that badly. A 3/4" ball valve and good custom nozzle probably gets far more range anyway, and you can make it fill Super Chargers.

[thelaminator]

i perfer numbers. it's simpler and easier to remember opposed to names. i liked CA99's idea on a numbering system. sort of like a tv series. the first digit represents the model series, and the other two represent the model itself, in relevence to other blasters in the series. for example, and pardon my use of horrible blasters, is the point break would be 201 (second soker wars series, first blaster), the scatter blast would be 202, the shot blast would be 104, etc.

[atvan]

The way Larami did it just made sense. *2-3 letter designation of series**1 digit number indicating rough size**1 digit number- the more rounded the number, the more powerful/original**extra numbers for quicker ID*, or the disignation then a name if it was a very unique gun. Also, a unique series, such as Monster, gets a full name series designation, then letters to describe changes to the original on later models. The names only thing is crap.

Some names even feel right for the gun-
SS 100- (original successful name for SS 50) bigger, better, as it was.
XP 90- the name seems broken to me, like the stream
CPS 1500- feels rounded and powerful, and isn't too big

Some of the names didn't follow this as well, and those guns always seemed awkward name-wise-
XP 220, 240, 215
CPS 4100