By: Jeremy Alden
Nerf seems to pump out a host of dart blasters each year, which has resulted in an extensive line of blasters to choose from across multiple series.
But while water guns aren’t as highly discussed, the truth is that these products have seen just as much attention.
The problem?
While there are a ton of these water blasters out there, many have been discontinued or are simply too small to offer the right experience that players are looking for.
Best Super Soakers - My 5 Top Picks Under $50
- The Nerf Super Soaker Hydra water blaster drenches everyone in range with a deluge of water.
It features a large capacity tank, with a water capacity up to 65 fluid ounces (1.9 liters) of water. - This outdoor water toy blaster has a drop grip to help stabilize your aim.
- The pump handle also helps you steady the blaster as you pour on powerful streams of water from this kids water toy.
- Fill the tank with water then pump the handle back and forth to deliver a deluge of water in Nerf Super Soaker battles.
- Massive blast of water
- Large water capacity - Tanks hold up to 55 fluid ounces (1.6 liters)
- Move the handle to blast water
- Includes 1 water blaster
- Ages 7 and up
Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker
- Note: this version comes in simple brown packaging
- Barrage soaker has 3 modes
- Scatter, flood or distance mode
- Good water capacity - Holds up to 84 fluid ounces
- Soak targets up to 38 feet away
- To avoid injury: use only clean tap water
The 5 That I will Be Reviewing!
1. Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka
2. Nerf Super Soaker Hydra
3. Nerf Super Soaker Breach Blast
4. Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker
5. Nerf Super Soaker XP50-AP
If you’re looking for a Super Soaker that’s both within your budget and gives you the power you’re looking for, let’s take a look at the best Super Soaker under $50 and some extra water blasters to consider adding to your collection.
1: Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka
There are very few blasters that we would say are crafted almost perfectly. However, the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka absolutely qualifies as one of them.
The Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka water blaster is a classic-style Nerf water blaster that features an attractive blue and white body with a splash of orange in all of the right places. However, it still adds some of the mechanical flair that we do like to see in more modern products.
This water gun has a large water capacity. Speaking to the performance of this blaster, the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka water blaster comes equipped with a 1.6-liter water tank and uses a pump-action mechanism located at the top of the blaster to spray water at opponents.
Rather than holding it as you would a typical water blaster, this water gun features a handle towards the back of the blaster and a handle at the top to streamline operation. This makes it easier to set down, fill, and operate without experiencing any issues along the way.
Additionally, the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka comes at a much higher price than the majority of Super Soaker blasters and is still very affordable.
- Massive blast of water
- Tanks hold up to 55 fluid ounces (1.6 liters)
- Move the handle to blast water
- Includes 1 water blaster
- Ages 7 and up
2. Nerf Super Soaker Hydra
The Nerf Super Soaker Hydra is a similar product to the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka, with a couple of exceptions.
I have a complete comparison between the Soakzooka and Hydra that you can check out here.
Equipped with the same color scheme and pump-action capabilities, the Nerf Super Soaker Hydra instead handles like any other water gun, offering a handle to hold onto and featuring the pump-action handle towards the bottom of the weapon rather than at the top.
This change in design does make it a little bit harder to operate in comparison to our first suggestion. However, this blaster features a built-in shoulder stock that you can hold against your body to steady your aim as you’re blasting.
The cap on this one is featured towards the back of the weapon. It’s important to hold the blaster steady and to avoid setting it down as this product is known to leak when it’s set on its side.
The Nerf Super Soaker Hydra water blaster also offers a larger water capacity, 1.9-liter tank instead of a 1.6-liter tank.
You can read my full in-depth Super Soaker Hydra review here.
- Unleash cannon-blasts of water! The Nerf Super Soaker Hydra water blaster drenches everyone in range with a deluge of water. This monster means business with its intimidating size as you storm into outdoor games.
- It features a large capacity tank that holds up to 65 fluid ounces (1900 milliliters) of water.
- This outdoor water toy blaster has a drop grip to help stabilize your aim.
- The pump handle also helps you steady the blaster as you pour on powerful streams of water from this kids water toy.
- It's easy to use so you're soaking the competition in no time!
- Fill the tank with water then pump the handle back and forth to deliver a deluge of water in Nerf Super Soaker battles.
3. Nerf Super Soaker Breach Blast
The Nerf Super Soaker Breach Blast offers a style that we’re more familiar with when it comes to the Nerf blasters of today.
Similar in style to the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm, this is a medium pistol-sized Super Soaker has a decent water capacity that features a blue and white body with lime green and Nerf orange elements in the main features of the water blaster. (In case you are interested - read my Strongarm review here)
The similarity in design also means that this water blaster comes with a typical pump-action mechanism towards the front of the weapon as well as a handle where you can get a better grip on your water blaster (although there’s a place where your finger trigger will go, you don’t have to pull any triggers to release your water).
The cap is located conveniently at the top back of the water blaster and it’s reported that this water gun can fire its streams up to 38 feet. Additionally, this water blaster is much easier to carry and use no matter how far away an opponent may be.
If you’re looking for a reliable Super Soaker that’s easy to operate and doesn’t suffer from other problems faced by similar water blasters.
- N-Strike Elite blasters and Elite darts deliver the ultimate in blaster performance
- Mega Series blasters feature Mega Whistler Darts that scream through the air
- Defend against a zombie invasion with Zombie Strike blasters
- Ignite the night with FireVision sports gear that glows when thrown
- Raise your game with the Pro-Grip Football and Nerfoop basketball set
4. Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker
The Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker is a versatile, rifle-style water gun that is the perfect addition to any collection. Unlike the other water blasters that we’ve listed above, this one truly distinguishes itself from its competition by offering three different types of firing styles.
By simply twisting the nozzle at the front end of your water blaster, you can access scatter mode, flood mode, or distance mode, depending on who you’re firing at and what type of environment you’re in.
Additionally, this water blaster comes with an impressive 2.4-liter capacity for tons of firing fun.
Beyond this, the Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker offers a similar performance to the other water blasters listed above. This water blaster features a pump-action mechanism and a handle (without a trigger) to make it easier to use your blaster.
The access cap is located towards the very back of the water blaster and it’s important that you hold it steady so as to avoid accidentally spilling water while you’re playing. This water blaster can also shoot up to 38 feet.
- Barrage soaker has 3 modes
- Scatter, Flood or Distance mode
- Holds up to 84 fluid ounces
- Soak targets up to 38 feet away
- To Avoid Injury: Use only clean tap water
5. Nerf Super Soaker XP50-AP
The Nerf Super Soaker XP50-AP is a re-release of a classic Nerf Super Soaker back in the day.
This one is a bit different as it’s much thinner, can only hold 25-ounces of water, and is pressurized, meaning that you’ll have to pump and press down on the trigger to fire your blaster.
It’s a bit more complex and retro-looking than the newer entries on this list, but it can be a must-have for Nerf enthusiasts.
The good news is that it still fires up to 35 feet and is thin enough that’s easy to carry all around the battlefield.
This blaster looks very similar to the OG Super Soakers. Here's the history of the Super Soakers.
- Durable Plastic Construction: Made from recycled plastic for an eco-friendly design.
- Long Range Blasting: Can shoot water up to 72 feet away for hours of fun.
- Easy to Fill and Refill: Comes with a 50 oz water tank that can be refilled over and over.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs just 1.5 lbs for easy carrying and storage.
- Fun Water Blasting Experience: Creates a continuous stream of water for exciting play.
Best Super Soaker Under $50 - Water Blasting Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Although today’s water guns are much more exciting than older products, they’re quite affordable, making them perfect for summer fun.
If you have a $50 budget and want to get the best bang for your buck, take a look at our top pick or consider one of the alternatives that we listed instead.
No matter what your needs may be, you’re sure to find a water gun that offers ample capacity and gets everyone drenched!
You may be interested in the history of Super Soakers & How Lonnie Johnson created them.
What You Should Know About Buying a Water Gun
Which water gun has the largest water tank?
For a powerful, yet easy-to-use water gun, I recommend a water capacity of 24 to 35 ounces. Children need at least 24 ounces of water to play without interruption, but usually, 35 ounces is too much for them to carry while running and playing.
Weight of the Soaker
If a soaker holds too much water, it becomes too heavy to play with for an extended period of time. We recommend finding one that doesn't hold more than 35 ounces if possible. If you choose a larger size, make sure to look for handle options that will help support the weight. 16 ounces of water is 1 pound, 35 ounces of water plus the weight of the water gun is over 2 pounds, which is too much for a young child to carry.
Which is the best water gun for its size?
Likewise, a soaker that’s too large for the child you are buying for will prove unwieldy. Since soaker battles aren’t the kind of activity you play when standing still, any soaker you buy should be at a scale your child can easily manage.
What is the most powerful water gun?
Test your water gun before using it by firing a bit of water. Many brands add extra tension to their pump to make the weapon more powerful. To avoid issues, pick a soaker with an action that your kid can handle for long periods.
What is the range of a water gun?
The range is determined by the amount of water in the tank, the pressure of the pump, and the nozzle size. Most soakers have a range of about 30 feet. Some may extend up to 50 feet but require larger pumps that are harder to use. Soakers with a higher capacity and more pressure will have a longer range.
What is the best water gun for long-range shooting?
If you're looking for a water gun with a long range, I recommend one with a large water tank and a high-pressure pump. These types of guns are usually larger and heavier, so make sure to find one that's comfortable for your child to carry.
What is the best water gun for close-range shooting?
If you're looking for a water gun that's good for close-range shooting, I recommend one with a small water tank and a low-pressure pump. These guns are usually smaller and lighter, so they're easy for kids to carry
What is the most powerful water gun?
If you're looking for the best water gun that balances price with power, I recommend the the Super Soaker Hydra is a top pick with a few alternative options.
The Super Soaker Hydra (read my review) offers a pump handle unleashes a tsunami of water that will soak your opponents in an instant. Although you will empty the 65 fl oz (1.9L) tank faster than you'd expect, there aren't many options around the same price range that are worth buying.
In addition, more premium options give an even better performance. The company that provides the SpyraTwo product stated that it is "the world's strongest water gun." This is due to its electric pump instead of a stream that fires pellets of water.
Which water gun shoots the farthest?
After careful research, we discovered that the Stream Machine TL 750 water gun has one of the longest ranges. More specifically, it can shoot "up to 70 feet". This is much further than most comparable products.
For context, the average water pistol can shoot from 5 to 40 feet. Most guns fall in the mid-30s range, but we only recommend opting for a gun with at least 30 feet of range unless you're sacrificing power or soaking capability (as is the case with the Super Soaker Soakzooka).
HOW WE TEST WATER GUNS
Dart Dudes rigorously test water guns by shooting our unsuspecting friends and family members.
To find the best water gun, we looked at build quality, capacity, features and range. We also wanted to see if manufacturer claims were true in the real world. For example, if a product is advertised as being able to shoot water jets far but in reality, they only go a few meters, we'll tell you about it.
We also take into account the user experience. If a product is difficult to use or has a flimsy construction, we'll let you know. No one wants to buy a water gun only to have it break after a few uses.
Finally, we consider the price. We think that there's a sweet spot between performance and affordability, and we try to find products that fit that criterion.
Practical Uses For A Water Gun
We've already mentioned that water guns aren't just for kids; plenty of adults enjoy the thrills of water battles as well!
Here are some other practical uses for water guns:
- watering plants
- cleaning gutters
- washing the car
- cleaning windows
- spraying insect pests
- filling up a pool or sprinkler
- power washing
-blast off sand from your sandals
Watering Plants - With a water gun, you can target specific dry areas of your garden and quickly give them the relief they need. You can also bring your water gun indoors and go around quickly giving all your plants a good watering.
Cleaning Gutters - If your gutters are full of leaves and other debris, a water gun can help clear them out. Simply point the gun up into the gutter and blast away. The water will push all the debris out, and you won't have to get on a ladder to do it!
Washing the Car - A water gun is the perfect tool for washing your car. You can use it to wet down the entire vehicle, and then use a sponge or cloth to scrub away all the dirt and grime. Cleaning Windows - Water guns are also great for cleaning windows. Just point the gun at the window and squeeze the trigger. The water will blast away all the dirt and grime, leaving your windows sparkling clean.Spraying Insect Pests - If you have a problem with insect pests in your garden, a water gun can help. Simply fill up the gun with soapy water and spray the pests to kill them.
Filling Up a Pool or Sprinkler - If you have a pool or sprinkler, you can use a water gun to quickly fill them up. Just point the gun into the pool or sprinkler and squeeze the trigger. The water will flow in and fill up the pool or sprinkler in no time!
Power Washing - A water gun can also be used for power washing. Just attach it to your hose and use it to blast away all the dirt and grime from your patio, driveway or deck.
Blast sand off of your sandals or mud on your shoes - A water gun can also be used to blast sand off of your sandals or mud on your shoes. Simply point the gun at the sandals or shoes and squeeze the trigger. The water will blast away all the sand or mud, leaving your sandals or shoes clean. Water guns can be used for a variety of tasks, both big and small. So, whether you're watering your plants or power washing your deck, a water gun can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
As you can see, there are many practical uses for a water gun. So, if you're looking for a versatile tool that can be used for more than just water battles, a water gun is a great option!
Water Gun FAQ
Q: What is a water gun?
A: A water gun is a device that shoots a stream of water. Water guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for a variety of tasks, both big and small. Did you know that water guns have been around since the Civil War? The earliest known mention of a squirt gun is from 1896, spoken by General William T. Sherman: "It would be just as effective to try and put out a house fire with a squirt gun."
Water guns have evolved over the years , and today, there are many different types of water guns available on the market. From small hand-held pistols to large pump-action rifles, there's a water gun for everyone!
Q: How do water guns work?
A: Water guns work by using a small pump to draw water from a reservoir and then shooting it out through a nozzle. When you pull the trigger, the pump is activated and water is forced through the nozzle. The more you squeeze the trigger, the more water is released.
Q: How to fix common water gun problems?
A: If your water gun is leaking, the first thing you should do is check the O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that sits between the pump and the nozzle. If this ring is damaged or worn out, it can cause leaks. To fix this, simply replace the O-ring with a new one. If your water gun is not firing, the first thing you should check is the nozzle. If the nozzle is clogged, it will prevent water from flowing through. To fix this, simply clean the nozzle with a small piece of wire or a toothpick.If your water gun is not pumping, the first thing you should check is the pump. If the pump is not working, it will prevent water from being drawn up from the reservoir. To fix this, simply replace the pump with a new one.
Q: What are some of the most popular water gun brands?
A: Some of the most popular water gun brands include Nerf, Super Soaker, and Water Warriors. These brands offer a wide variety of water guns, from small hand-held pistols to large pump-action rifles. No matter what your budget or needs, there's a water gun for you!
Jeremy A
Dart Dudes
About the Author
Jeremy is the founder of Dart Dudes, the leading resource for parents looking to pick up a Nerf toy for a child. He grew up with his four brothers and two sisters where there was always a Nerf war taking place.
With a focus on safety, Jeremy has helped thousands of parents help chose the right Nerf toy for their kids or grandkids. He lives in California with his wife and family. Learn more about me. - You can email me jeremy@dartdudes.com
