XTRA POWER
SERIES: The summer of 1993 marks the start
of the 2nd Age of Super Soaker(tm). The Xtra Power series boasted larger
nozzles and a more rugged design compared to the original makes. The first
XPs on the market were the XP 75, XP 150, XP 250 and the XP 300 (which
was actually a SS 300 repackaged and made slightly sturdier). The XP 35,
XP 55 and XP 95 were released in 1994 bringing the total number of XPs
available to seven. These weapons provided decent power for the majority
of simple water fights, packing a good punch for their size. The larger
nozzle size on all XPs means greater soaking ability.
In 1996, Larami released five more weapons based on the XP system, namely
the XP 65, XP 85 Triple-Shot, XP 105, XXP 175 and XXP 275. These weapons
boasted generally greater water capacity and more effective water deliverance.
However, the future of the XP as the top-class of water weaponry would
be cut short as Larami also released the CPS 2000 at the same time. Also,
some of the early models suffered from pressure tank problems and reservoir
attachment problems.
In 1998, Larami showed the water weapon world how the XP could be refined
into truly effective water weaponry. The XP 20, XP 40, XP 70 and XP 110
pushed the XP technology to its limits. However, 1998 was the year of
the CPS. The XP 90 Pulse-Fire, released in 1999, added the novelty of
creating a pulsing stream but changed nothing in terms of the inner workings
of the XP. Though dethroned from once being the best water weaponry, the
XP-class weaponry can still provide good backup and decent firepower even
on the modern battlefield.
In 1999, Larami added the SC 400 and the XP 90 to the series.
The year 2000 marked a surge in XP-blasters types. The SC 400:2000 Edition,
SC:Triple Charger, XP 15:2000 Edition, XP 220, XP 240, XP270 and XP310
were made available, showing that the XP line was here for at least the
next millenium. These blasters boasted larger capacities than earlier
counterparts and were built for serious use on the water war field.
In 2001, the XP line was further expanded with the introduction of the
XP 215, the XP Backfire and the XP Triple Play.
General
Notes: Being based on air pressure to
deliver the water, these water blasters have a tendency to trickle as
pressure drops. Pumping between and even during shots is recommended just
to keep the pressure, thus firing rate, at maximum. The XPs, though now
considered an older-model type, are still weapons with soaking power to
be reckoned with.
