The Super Soaker XP Backfire is a dual-trigger,
dual-nozzle blaster capable of soaking foes in front of and behind the user
at the same time. The shape and trigger placement on the blaster means that
when holding the blaster, the side which the cap faces is forward. The XP Backfire
has two notable inconveniences when pressurizing the firing chamber. First,
the blaster relies on a pressurized reservoir. Thus, the cap must be securely
fastened otherwise air/water will leak out resulting in loss of pressure and
decreased firing range. The second pumping problem arises due to the placement
of the rear-nozzle trigger. Since the trigger is set high on the rear-hand hold,
one has a tendency to activate the trigger when pumping the blaster. To prevent
this, the XP Backfire should be held closer to the body than other blasters,
hugging the read end of the blaster between one's arm and body. This way of
holding a water blaster is a little different, but makes sense since one wants
the rear nozzle to be pointing behind oneself and not at oneself.
Once pressurized, the Super Soaker XP Backfire actually performs well for an XP-class blaster.
The rear nozzle appears to dish out water a little more quickly than the front
nozzle. When both triggers are depressed, the streams fire fairly equally though
reservoir pressure drops twice as quickly (for obvious reasons). Oddly, when
the reservoir is pressurized, if the blaster is not held, the pump will expand. Overall, the XP Backfire is a functional blaster, though its characteristics leaves a lot to be desired. Can be outclassed by most mid-to-large XP-class and higher water blasters.
Pros
Dual directional nozzles with independant control. Fairly light and not to difficult
to pump. Able to defend one's backside without needing to turn around.
Cons
Based on a pressurized reservoir system. The rear-nozzle's trigger is poorly
placed and can be accidently activated when pumping.
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