iSoaker.com - The Monster (2001)

The Monster (2001)

Classification: Monster | Type: MEDIUM CANNON

BUY NOW: Monster

Description: The Monster (2001) represents the first mid-sized blaster which truly balances CPS power and multiple nozzles while having both regular and SC-capability. Unlike its larger, older brethren, the Monster (2001) is shorter and lighter, making it a blaster that is very enjoyable and easy to use on the water war field. Its reservoir holds a respectable amount of water (2.2L) for a blaster its size (basically equal to the CPS1200 capacity). Its firing chamber appears to be able to unleash a little more water than the Monster X can!

Nozzles: The Monster (2001) has four (4) nozzle selections from which one can choose: 2.5x, 4x, 8.5x and Fan Blast. The 2.5x nozzle allows the user to conserve water as well as increase firing time. This setting is good to use when the main reservoir is running low. The 4x nozzle produces a nice mid-sized stream capable of soaking one's foes quite quickly while not draining the Monster's resources all at once. For a blaster this size, the 4x nozzle is a good setting for general use when on patrols or when dealing with minor enemy engagements. The 8.5x nozzle is meant for heavy assaults. The output of the Monster is increased significantly over the 4x nozzle, but firing time is dramatically reduced. The Fan Blast setting of the Monster (2001) is a welcome addition to the Monster's capabilities. The Fan Blast offers the Monster's user the ability to cover a wide area simply by pulling the trigger. Granted, the range of the blast is greatly reduced, but this is the price one pays for greater area coverage. One minor down point to the nozzle settings is that the mount they are on does not feel as sturdy as in other blasters such as the CPS3000 or Monster X. As such, one feels a slight need to double check that a nozzle is properly locked into place. The nozzles, themselves, do appear to hold a little bit of water after firing. Switching between nozzles can often result in this water trickling out the front.
Firing Chamber: Thanks to the CPS firing chamber, all settings are functional and useful, including the fan spray for dealing with larger group encounters or if one does not feel like aiming as carefully. The transparancy of the barrel makes knowing how much water is pressurized very easy to determine. Quick-fill capability of the Monster gives any user a good refilling advantage should there be an active Q.F.D. in the vicinity.
Other Features: The shoulder strap and top-mounted handle make this blaster very easy to handle on the field and in the filling station. The body of the Monster (2001) feels fairly sturdy. However, certain areas of the blaster do feel a little weaker such as the glide area for the pump shaft.

For the minimalist soaker, this is the iSoaker.com 2001 Blaster of Choice. The four nozzle choices, decent size, SC-capability and CPS power, this blaster can cope with virtually any situation during a water battle. Just remember that it only holds a limited amount of water.

Pros: A CPS-based, SC-capable, mid-sized water blaster which balances size with power. Four nozzle settings to choose from will meet virtually any soaking need. Pressure chamber indicator, transparent body styling, shoulder strap, and top-mounted handle make up the rest of the kudos.

Cons: It take many pumps (over 30) to load the firing chamber, but only a few of blinks to empty it. Its styling and multiple nozzles will make most run or get a bunch to gang up one the user. Selecting a nozzle does not feel as certain compared to other multi-nozzle blasters. The nozzles also tend to trap a fair amount of water after firing, resulting in dribble when switching between nozzles during a battle.

Dimensions: 76 cm x 14.5 cm x30.5 cm (31.0" x 5.9" x 12.4")
Weight: 1.82 kg (64.2 oz.)
Reservoir Volume: 2.2 L (73.3 oz.)
Firing Chamber Volume: 590 mL (19.6 oz.)
Pump Volume: 37 mL (1.2 oz.)

Range: 2.5x (level/1m) 6 - 7m (19.6' - 23.0') (45 degrees) 9 - 10m (29.5' - 32.8')
4x (level/1m) 6 - 7m (19.6' - 23.0') (45 degrees) 9 - 10m (29.5' - 32.8')
8.5x (level/1m) 6 - 7m (19.6' - 23.0') (45 degrees) 11 - 12m (36.0' - 39.3')
Fan Burst (level/1m) 5 - 6m (13.1' - 19.7') (45 degrees) 8 - 9m (26.2' - 29.5')

Output: (2.5x) 113 mL/sec (3.8 oz./sec)
(4) 155 mL/sec (5.2 oz./sec)
(8.5x) 330 mL/sec (11.0 oz./sec)
(Fan Blast) 174 mL/sec (5.8 oz./sec)
Average Shot Time: (2.5x) 5 sec (4x) 5sec (8.5x) 1.5 sec (Fan Blast) 2.5 sec

iSoaker Rating:
Power: 4.5
Weight: 4
Capacity: 4
Overall: 4.5

Other Reviews:
Review By Sandman (Edited by iSoaker.com)

The Monster 2001 edition is the first decent attempt to make Monster Series weaponry practical. But then again, how practical is a huge water blaster? With the release of the Monster X and Monster XL in 2000, Larami found itself with two of the largest blasters ever produced. Both of these were somewhat cumbersome on the battlefield, not to mention that the firing rate (2.5 sec on 5x nozzle) of the Monster X and the firing distance (9m on dual 5x nozzles) of the Monster XL are both sub-par. The average CPS weapon can shoot farther and for a longer time

Enter the Monster 2001 edition. Smallest of the Monsters, yet with a longer range than the Monster XL and a slight increase in the amount of water fired per full firing chamber compared to the Monster X. The Monster represents the ideal weapon of choice for those looking for a decent firing speed, rate, distance, etc. The blaster weighs in at just under 4 pounds, which is just fine and dandy for those of us used to carrying around a Monster XL. Some may say that the reservoir is the weakest part of the gun, but in reality, the Monster only gives up 1.3L of water to the Monster XL and 0.9L of water to the Monster X. The Monster first hit my local ToysRUs store with a $24.99 USD price tag, making it cost HALF that of a Monster XLs. And as a final bonus point, iSoaker.com maintains that it requires "over 30" pumps to load the firing chamber, but 20 pumps will load it for me, making this blaster easier to reload. This nice feature allows those lousy people who like to "hit and run" on reloaders to receive a bucket of water courtesy of the Monster's quick reload time. Trust me, it works.

No gun is perfect however. The Monster does have a smaller water capacity than its older brethren, meaning that those who take full advantage of its longer range and fuller firing chamber will need to make a trip to the hose before the Monster X and XL users do. The body of the gun is rugged and well constructed, but the body-mounted pump is double-screwed through an upper and lower portion of plastic. This means that a 1cm section of thin plastic runs along the interior where the pump slides when reloading the weapon. The section of plastic is only supported at the ends (the trigger end and nozzle end) of the pump slide, making it likely to crack or bend. So if you like an additional support for your left hand while your right hand has trigger duty, you may not be satisfied with the Monster's construction. Another major disappointment on the gun is the nozzles. It seems Larami only got the nozzles right on the Monster XL, because the Monster X's nozzles seem stiff when interchanging. The Monster's nozzles are the opposite. They seem to "glide" into place, making it very easy to miss a nozzle setting. Without the feeling of a nozzle "locked" in place, many users will have to trust their eyes to set the nozzles, which is a no-no in the heat of battle. Finally, the hand grip seems designed for an 8-year old. It is shorter than the Monster X and XL hand grip, and also curves too sharply, making the hand feel somewhat uncomfortable on the grip.

Despite these downfalls, the Monster 2001 edition looks to be the true "workhorse" of the Monster line, combining all desirable aspects of a water blaster while at the same time keeping the price down and the water squirting. If you plan only to buy one blaster for your water fight, buy the Monster and keep it on the 4x nozzle, and you will be the most worry-free and dependable warrior on the battlefield.

(Posted on 2001/05/24)