The Water Warriors Avenger is a pump-action blaster with three nozzle settings released in 2008 by Buzz Bee Toys Inc. The Water Warrior Avenger's most striking feature is likely its three-choice nozzle selector that adorns the front. While piston-based, the addition of this feature definitely increases the overall usefulness and effectiveness of this water blaster.
The Blaster ::
Nozzle ::
The Avenger features three distinct nozzle settings: small stream, large stream, and spread/fan stream. Differences in stream size between the two stream settings are notable and stream performance does feel different, through range testing still needs to be done to see how the different stream thicknesses affect overall stream stability. As the Avenger is piston-based, stream duration is only short-lived. This is perhaps most felt when on the spread/fan setting. Nicely, the fan setting does not spread the stream out too quickly to yield misting, rather it yields a broader, spreading flat stream that has reduced range, but more coverage, particular when closer to one's target. The nozzle selector works well, clicking into position, though the fan setting does seem to dribble just slightly from the base of the selector on the model tested.
Pump ::
The Water Warrior Avenger is a piston-based blaster, thus it fires from the nozzle with every complete pump. Pumping, itself, is smooth and the pump pushes a respectable amount of water per cycle. The fact that the pump is also in line with the grip allows better force transfer, as well, allowing the user to obtain optimum performance from the pumping motion. The pump grip has some texturing, making it comfortable to hold and less likely to become slippery even when wet.
Triggers / Grip ::
The trigger on the Avenger is ornamental only. The grip, however, has a good size and length, accomodating all but the largest of hands comfortably. While the grip does not have significant texturing on its surface, the mock trigger and the grip's shape makes it very natural to hold securely when pumping.
The Reservoir ::
The Avenger holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. Being piston-based, the Avenger is pretty much a reservoir with a pump, grip, and nozzle tagged on to various parts. Unforunately, the reservoir plastic is rather opaque, making it less obvious when water is nearing empty. As well, the exact location of the pump intake inside the reservoir is a little tricky to determine, thus one may end up producing slightly misted shots as water levels get lower.
The cap on the Avenger is a simpler snap-on design. As it is tethered, this should prevent its loss. The snap-top aspect should also simplify refilling and should not present any significant problems while the blaster is in use. However, due to the less effective seal on this type of cap, leaking becomes a problem if a filled Avenger is left on its side for longer periods of time. As well, the top of the reservoir feels slightly soft, making it sometimes require an added moment to properly snap on the cap into place.
Overall ::
As a whole, the Water Warriors Avenger is a good, light, piston-based blaster. Thanks to its nozzle selector, the Avenger offers better flexibility on the field compared to its single-nozzle brethren. The main drawback is the Avenger's limited output per pump. Then again, in the hands of an experienced water warrior, the Avenger can still prove to be quite effective for its size. As such, the Avenger can make for a great back-up or last resort blaster as well as a good option for small engagements or even scouting missions. Of course, versus larger water blasters capable of producing continuous streams, the Avenger's utility meets its limit.
Pros
Simple styling, clean lines, and good solid feel to the soaker. Decent pump volume and reservoir capacity. Three nozzle settings offer flexibility on the field.
Cons
Piston-based; continuous streams not possible. Snap-cap reservoir closure not as tight as screw-on caps. No strap.
70
Nozzle ::
Pump ::
Triggers / Grip ::
The Avenger holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. Being piston-based, the Avenger is pretty much a reservoir with a pump, grip, and nozzle tagged on to various parts. Unforunately, the reservoir plastic is rather opaque, making it less obvious when water is nearing empty. As well, the exact location of the pump intake inside the reservoir is a little tricky to determine, thus one may end up producing slightly misted shots as water levels get lower.
