The Super Soaker XP 55 was the lower mid-sized Super Soaker released in 1995. Following in the shadow of soakers like the Super Soaker XP150 and released together with the Super Soaker XP 95 and Super Soaker XP 35, the XP 55 offers decent power in a light-sized package. (Note: the model tested is secondhand and fairly old (roughly 11 years old at the time of testing; whether a brand new stock XP 55 would perform the same way needs to be verified.)
The Blaster ::
Nozzle ::
The XP 55 has a single, well-made nozzle powered by the pressurized reservoir behind. The stream produced has a good, solid feel to it with power feeling slightly above that of the Super Soaker XP 70. Measurements on the output do rate this nozzle at roughly 1.5x.
Pump ::
The pump for the XP 55 has a good length to it. As such, it is quite effective at pressurizing the reservoir fairly quickly. The pump on this particular blaster tested was noticably loose and tended to slide forward if the blaster was pointed downwards. Whether this is normal for the XP 55 or simply a sign of age is unknown. Considering the age and unknown previous handling of this soaker, it is good that the pump remains in good working order. Though extending from the front of the soaker, the pump feels fairly sturdy.
Triggers / Grip ::
The trigger and grip area are fairly typical for soakers made in this era. The trigger, itself, felt a little stiff and took slightly more energy than average to pull despite being a non-Max-D-style trigger. This blaster's trigger felt as if it clicked to open and close the nozzle valve. Generally, though, the trigger does feel quite solid and durable.
The Reservoir ::
The reservoir on the XP 55 holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. Within the reservoir sits the long intake tube with a weighted intake opening, allowing the XP 55 to use the majority of its water supply. As in many other earlier soakers, the reservoir must be completely removed to fill. Despite its age, the O-ring on the reservoir was still in fairly good shape, showing no significant signs of wear. Additionally, the reservoir could be pressurized to good operational pressures, allowing nozzle output measurements to be taken.
Overall ::
As a whole, Super Soaker XP 55 is a good, light-weight soaker. The main nozzle and firing chamber provide respectable power. A standard, no-frills stock soaker of its time, the XP 55 performs well. Though lighter than its Super Soaker XP 95 and Super Soaker XP 150 brethren, the XP 55 would still have provided good back-up protection or even be used during light soaking campaigns. Capable of coping with most air-pressure-based soakers, the XP 55 would be easily overpowered by large air-pressure soakers as well as the majority of CPS and related types of blasters.
Pros
Durable, light, and offers good power for its size. Stream produced quite cohesive. Pump fairly sturdy and effective.
Cons
Pressurized reservoir prevents pre-pressurizing or refilling when pressurized. Pump loose (though this may be due to age of soaker tested).
70
Nozzle ::
Pump ::
Triggers / Grip ::
The reservoir on the XP 55 holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. Within the reservoir sits the long intake tube with a weighted intake opening, allowing the XP 55 to use the majority of its water supply. As in many other earlier soakers, the reservoir must be completely removed to fill. Despite its age, the O-ring on the reservoir was still in fairly good shape, showing no significant signs of wear. Additionally, the reservoir could be pressurized to good operational pressures, allowing nozzle output measurements to be taken. 
