The Water Warriors Jet by Buzz Bee Toys Inc. can be considered the little brother of the Water Warriors Tarantula. Unlike the Tarantula, though, the Water Warriors Jet does not come with a rechargable battery pack, instead requiring three (3) AA batteries to operate. Like the Tarantula, the Jet does not require user pumping and will continue to shoot so long as there is water, battery power, and the trigger is depressed. It should be noted that the target audience for the Water Warriors Jet is 2+, thus its size, output, and styling are on the lower side, accordingly.
The Blaster ::
Nozzle ::
The Jet features one, smaller-sized nozzle akin to Classic Super Soaker Series size nozzles. Streams produced by the Water Warriors Jet have a decent lamination, but overall strength and force of the water flow feels slightly toned down. However, as the Jet can produce a continuous stream from its motor, its lowered output offers longer shot time.
Pump ::
The Jet, like the Water Warriors Tarantula, features a motorized pump. Akin to Tarantula, the Jet's pump is fuuly responsible for generating the force behind the exiting stream. Thankfully, unlike pulsating streams produced by the majority of motorized soakers released in the 1980s, the stream from the Jet is smooth and continuous. However, like the older water blasters of the 1980s, though stronger, the pump can only sustain a smaller stream relative to many of the separate pressure chamber blasters on the market.
There is no on/off switch on the Jet. The pump is activated and suspended simply by pulling or releasing the trigger. The Jet requires three (3) AA batteries to function (batteries not included). While it would have been nice had the Jet come with rechargeable batteries, many may already be using rechargable AA batteries for other devices, making Water Warriors' branded batteries redundant or not needed.
Triggers / Grip ::
The trigger and grip area of the Jet is functional and accomodating to most sized hands, though more optimal for smaller hands. small children using the Jet can use it two-handed, with one hand gripping and stabilizing the water blaster by holding onto the forward portion while the trigger hand operates the motor. The trigger, itself, must be pulled to activate the motor; the motor comes to a stop virtually immediately upon release of the trigger. The slight oddity regarding the trigger is that its pivot point is on the bottom, meaning if one tries pulling on the trigger near its base, one will be unsuccessful. Instead, pulling the trigger in a slight upwards-rolling motion of one's trigger finger works more effectively.
The grip region houses the batteries which partially explains its size. Its smooth surface may feel somewhat slippery to hold if wet, but the blaster's small size and light weight should allow most to be able to hold it securely nevertheless.
The Reservoir ::
The Jet holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. As much of the blaster is occupied by motor and batteries, the reservoir feels a touch on the low side. This becomes a little more apparent when using the Jet since, being manual-pump-free, it seems like one can very quickly use up the whole payload. Granted, total stream time on a full reservoir is just over 20 seconds which is actually on average if not even longer than many larger blasters.
The cap on the Jet is a simpler snap-on design. As it is tethered, this should prevent its loss. The snap-top aspect should also simplify refilling for the younger ones while its seal is adequate to hold in the limited payload without significant leakage, even if the blaster is left on its side.
Overall ::
As a whole, the Water Warriors Jet is a good, light, manual-pump-free blaster. Thanks to its motor, the can continuously blast for over 20 seconds should the situation call for such a prolonged attack. As well, being small and light, it is easy to conceal and use single-handedly, thus opening up the possibility of using two blasters at the same time; the Jet would also make for a great back-up or hold-out blaster. Of course, being tied to battery power, there is still the possibility of running out of charge, though this is unlikely if the batteries are new (total number of refills on a fresh set of batteries remains unknown). The main drawback is the Jet's limited output and capacity. Then again, being targetting for the age range of 2+, the Jet can make for a great initiation water blaster to get younger children into enjoying all that is water warfare.
Pros
Simple styling, clean lines, and good solid feel to the soaker. Optimal sizing for targetted audience of 2+. Pump free use and balanced design allows for possibilities of using multiple blasters simultaneously.
Cons
Relies on motor to generate stream; no more battery charge means no more stream. Reservoir slightly small for total blaster size. Low output; no nozzle selection. No strap or holster.
70
Nozzle ::
Pump ::
Triggers / Grip ::
The Jet holds a respectable amount of water for a blaster of its size. As much of the blaster is occupied by motor and batteries, the reservoir feels a touch on the low side. This becomes a little more apparent when using the Jet since, being manual-pump-free, it seems like one can very quickly use up the whole payload. Granted, total stream time on a full reservoir is just over 20 seconds which is actually on average if not even longer than many larger blasters.
