It is water fight season! How can I tell? Every time I step into the back garden one of my kids throws a bucket of water at me, usually with the bucket included. At this point a water pistol could make for some excellent revenge.
Spyra claims the SpyraDash is the world’s most powerful manual water pistol, that makes me feel much less guilty when blasting it at a screaming 8-year-old (it’s not suitable for those younger). Unlike battery powered water blasters, the SpyraDash keeps things wonderfully simple. There’s no charging cable to lose, no batteries to flatten mid battle and no app demanding a firmware update before the fun can begin. Just dip the nozzle into water, pump to build pressure and you’re ready to fire. Sometimes, old fashioned muscle power really is enough.
Don’t mistake “manual” for “basic”, though. Using Spyra’s patented SingleShot Technology, each pull of the trigger launches a concentrated 30ml blast, the result is a satisfyingly accurate shot with a maximum range of up to 9 metres, powered by an internal pressure of 2.4 bar. It feels less like soaking your opponent and more like scoring direct hits.
A full 700ml tank provides 16 powerful shots before it’s time to reload. Fortunately, refilling takes only seconds, whether you’re using a garden tap, bucket or paddling pool. A transparent tank indicator also lets you see exactly how much water remains, removing the guesswork before launching one last heroic charge.
At 1.5kg empty and 2.2kg filled, the SpyraDash isn’t the lightest blaster around, but the textured grip keeps it comfortable during extended battles. Better still, the mechanical design means there’s very little to go wrong, making it a refreshing alternative to electronic models that eventually need charging or battery replacements.
The trade-off is capacity. Sixteen shots disappear surprisingly quickly if your aim resembles a garden sprinkler, and repeatedly pumping between reloads is naturally more work than using Spyra’s electric models. Younger children may also find the weight a little tiring after prolonged use.
The SpyraDash is a lot of fun, raising the game when it comes to water fight tactics without overcomplicating the experience. It’s accurate, satisfying to use and a great way to cool down this summer. RRP £44.95
- Powerful 30ml SingleShot blasts
- 16 shots per tank
- Up to 9 metre range
- No batteries or charging required
- Durable mechanical design
- Quick and easy refilling
- Only 16 shots per tank
- Heavier than many traditional water pistols
- Manual pumping between reloads
