May 30, 2015

Kaos Aqua Bow Water Balloon Launcher Review

Normally, I don't review many water toys beyond a few Super Soakers and similar products. But after seeing the Kaos Aqua Bow at Walmart for $15, I decided to pick one up. It's rather unique, in that it eschews the typical slingshot or catapult setup in favor of a Zing Bow-type build. Pull back on the pouch, aim, and let go to launch the balloon.



While ranges (box claim is 150') depend on user strength and the size of your water balloon, almost all my balloons went at least 100'.


However, I didn't buy this for use with water balloons. Nerf balls, anyone???

Koosh, to be more precise.
As a person who enjoys using odd blasters and ammo during wars, I wanted to see how well the Aqua Bow could handle foam balls. Turns out that you can actually launch two at a time, at the expense of accuracy. Not good for tagging your opponents, but (assuming you're close enough) great for racking up points in Defend the Core.

Take good care of your ballsack!
In terms of actual performance with foam balls (~1.77" diameter), the bow did remarkably well, hitting max ranges of 70' at a slight angle. Aiming high, as it turns out, gets the same ranges at best, decreased range at worst. Simply put, you're firing a light but wide projectile, which will be slowed by air much faster than a dart. Firing straight ahead gets you the best ranges, at decent speed, and with the best accuracy (with some practice). Lobbing balls just increases hang time, and gives more time for things like wind and ball spin to throw off your shots.

For reference, here's a picture 80' away from the firing spot (bow is in the background).

Look closer at my balls!
This review is hard to end with a rating, seeing as I'm not using the Aqua Bow for its intended purpose (launching water balloons - which it does well). But it works wonderfully for launching ball-type ammo. Since it performs well in both cases, let's just give it an A, shall we?

8 comments:

  1. Great find! It will be interesting to see how these will perform with the upcoming Nerf Rival ammo. Could you possibly do an update if getting your hands on that ammo down the road? Thanks for your review!

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    1. Thanks for the reminder about Rivals! I'll have to check again in the future.

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  2. Can't find this product anywhere! My sister got at a Walmart, but I've checked all over and cannot find. Not on Amazon, and can't find anywhere else online either.

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    1. I have one new in box if you are interested let me know.

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    2. Hi Shirley! Do you still have this item? I would like to purchase! If you have multiple, that would be great! new/used, doesn't matter. Thanks!

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  3. Shirley sent me one. She's great, although way too ticklish for what I was planning to do

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  4. Sometimes I enjoy the touch of a more hirsute woman

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