Water balloons are the water war equivalent to the hand grenade. Unlike actual hand grenades, the blast radius of a water balloon is typically quite small. Also, it is quite easy to have these devices rupture on oneself as it is to throw it at a hostile. With the power of some of the larger SuperSoakers(tm), the water balloon's place in the battle field is minimized. However, there are still some advantages which a water balloon has over a SuperSoaker and these can be exploited during serious water combat.

FILL IT FIRST: An often overlooked aspect of working with water balloons is how they are filled. A water balloon needs enough water in them such that they are near to breaking-point. Unfortunately, the best way to test this is to sacrifice a few balloons and overfill them until the break. Fact is, balloons which are not filled enough may not break on contact, basically giving the weapon over to the enemy. Balloons which are filled too close to breaking point will break while being carried or thrown, never actually ever making it to the intended target. When just right, the water balloon will break on contact after being throw but can be carried relatively safely. Just try not to drop them or trip with them.

TRANSPORT: When moving about, the safest way to bring armed water balloons with oneself is in a plastic bag. The bag should have handles such that it can be looped around one's arm or attached to a rope/strap and slung over one's shoulder. In event of a rupture, the plastic will prevent the user from getting soaked by his/her own weapons.

GO THE DISTANCE: The main advantage that water balloons have over SuperSoakers is simply range. It is much simpler to throw a water balloon farther than most SuperSoaker water blasts can go, allowing one to soak a hostile beyond the range of his/her blaster. The main drawback is that water balloons are a one-shot deal. If one misses, no more balloon. Herein lies the importance of aim. If a balloon is to be used, make it count.

SLING SHOTS AND OTHER LAUNCHERS: There are various devices available in some areas which can allow the user to launch water balloons farther and faster than one can normally throw. Though this, at first, may appear appealing, it is not always recommended. The farther the distance a balloon must travel, the greater the likelihood that the balloon will miss the intended target. From experience, it is often better to go for the sure soak than the long shot.

BE NICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT: The bad thing about water balloons is the remaining rubber left behind. If possible, purchase balloons which are biodegradable and/or clean up after oneself once the water fight is over.