Xshot Fast Fill 80s Super Splash Review

The Xshot Fast Fill line has utterly dominated spring toy shelves in recent years, combining sheer capacity and ease of use with Zuru’s ability to inexpensively manufacture blasters with near-total automation. And each year, we’ve seen more additions to the line, from new size variants to versions with custom paint skins. This time around, however, Xshot is aiming to evoke old childhood memories.

The 80s Super Splash works the same way the other Fast Fill blasters. But Zuru is molding it specifically to look like old Super Soakers. And while this one isn’t a pressurized monstrosity, it’s still a lot of fun to use.

REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE KIDS AND DIDN’T HAVE TO CARE ABOUT ANYTHING???

To be clear, the nostalgia here doesn’t exactly line up with reality (but when does it ever?). The color palette and patterns used on the three variants in this line (and their packaging) are definitely 1980s, but most people’s Super Soaker memories are from the 1990s. Even so, the original Super Soaker was from 1989-1990, so that falls under “technically correct”.

The blaster may be emulating the looks of early soakers, down to the greebles that suggest tubing and pressurized systems, but it’s a simple piston design. As with previous Fast-Fill models, a large door flips up from the back of the reservoir, allowing you to dunk the blaster into water to fill it up (or to just fill it more slowly the old-fashioned way with a hose). Close the lid, and you’re ready to go.

The faux trigger in the handle is just there for looks. Instead, you just move the orange pump handle back and forth to draw in water from the reservoir, then shoot it out the nozzle up front. No need to take the time to pressurize anything, just throw water at your opponents.

The plastic quality is the same as other Xshot Fast Fill blasters – it’s not the most solid thing in the world, but it’s also not dealing with any excessively large forces. If anything, the pump area could be a bit sturdier, since that’s what will see the most use. Time will tell how long that holds up, since kids aren’t exactly known for being gentle with toys.

Performance and Capacity

The blaster advertises 500mL of volume, but in my measuring, that’s a severe underestimate. Fully filled up, the blaster held 50% more, at 750mL! Shots average around 19mL each, based on the plunger dimensions and movement, but mileage will vary based on how aggressive and complete your pump motions are.

As for range, the blaster also exceeded expectations. It can reach slightly farther than advertised, with 35′ shots possible, but at that distance your shot has become a shower of droplets. Steady rearward pressure on the pump accomplishes more than franticly trying to go as fast as possible – with a steady hand, my shot stream stayed mostly together past 20′. It takes a little practice to find that sweet spot, but once you do, you’re drenching the opponent.

Last Thoughts

As a water blaster, the 80s Super Splash is better than advertised, holding more water and being effective over most of the claimed range. From that viewpoint, $15 for a basic blaster you can dunk to fill is already a nice deal, given the current state of water warfare. Having a design that evokes my childhood memories? That’s just icing on the cake.