Arctic Blast v2.0

[wetmonkey442]

While I currently lack the time to make these modifications, I plan on performing these soon when I'll have a whole weekend (gasp!) to experiment with this great gun. Basically, I am looking for a well-balanced replacement to what has been my standard for the past 8 years: a 30 balloon k-modded CPS 2100. I love the 2100, but all 5 of mine are 8-9 years old at this point, and are not getting any younger. About two years ago I began to search for a medium-sized, powerful stock alternative to the 2100. This was not an easy task, as you can imagine, and I was split between something like a Flash Flood/Arctic Blast or something from WW like the Tiger Shark (one of my all-time favorite stock blasters). While the WW options are probably superior out-of-the-box to something from SS, I decided to go with the Arctic Blast for three reasons:

1) Safety-net: I recently acquired a second Arctic Blast. I make it a personal rule to never seriously modify a blaster that I only have one of, a list which unfortunately includes both the Flash Flood and the Tiger Shark.

2) Age: The Arctic Blast is a spry young-thing, released in 2007, 2008, and as the IM2 (I believe) in 2009-2010. Not only will this give me more time before rubber bladders/trigger valves wear out, but it will also increase me chances of finding a replacement in case of catastrophic failure.

3) Ergonomics/Design: I know there are complaints out there about the way the Arctic Blast is designed, but I actually love the way it handles and think it looks really good. A few of my modifications will be aimed at improving balance/aesthetics.

Of course, the ultimate question remains, why bother at all? The answer is that I am unsatisfied with the power of the current stock lineup. I am also looking to sell most of my blasters within the next year or so. I have never wanted to be a collector, and I now have close to 30 water guns in my collection. This is far more than I need, and I would like to get rid of many of them. My hope is to create a solid and powerful blaster that will serve me well in a variety of situations, be it casual soakfests or competitive 1HK. My ideal situation would be to have a small collection of powerful and versatile blasters supplemented by an larger and more powerful APH and a small WBL. These are changes that will most likely be happening during the off-season this winter.

Here are a list of the changes I want to make:

1) Colossus modification: I am planning on using several layers of thin rubber, either from bike tubes or LRT.

2) PRV removal

3) Pump replacement: I will be replacing the pump shaft with a 6" length of 1/2" PVC, as well as lengthening the existing pump rod. I will be replacing the comically small pump handle with a large PVC handle. The effect of this modification will be to reduce total pumps.

4) Reservoir elimination: I will be removing basically the entire bottom half of the blaster, and replacing the on-board reservoir with a backpack-fed intake. The days of re-filling a tank in the middle of a war are behind me.

5) Nozzle modification?: I am contemplating enlarging the main nozzle as well as adding an exterior laminator.

6) Misc. Aesthetic modifications: Paintjob, stencilling etc. etc. etc.


The cumulative effect of these modifications will be to increase power and reduce pumps. I am NOT replacing the PC, as I am relatively satisfied with the shot-time as it stands now. A PRV removal will serve to increase total out-put anyway. I would rather have a gun that pump-shoot-pump-shoots with a good amount of kick than a gun that requires a lot of pumps for extended shot-time. I'll be tap-shotting most of the time anyway, so this is something I am really not worried about.

[isoaker]

That sounds like a fun modding project you've got planned! Keep us informed of how well it ends up working out. Pics would be great, too, especially before, during, and after ones if possible.

That said, as a general request to all modders and builders, the iSoaker.net wiki could use a little more substance *hint hint*

[marauder]

Dude, I hope you finish it before the war. Bring it.