Choose your weapon

NERF SUPER SOAKER TORNADO STRIKE AND THUNDERSTORM, approx. $14.99-$24.99

Range: 20-35 feet

Capacity: 10-33 fl. oz

Intimidating: Very much so

These Nerf guns are just about the snazziest available, with a ton of fancy extras. The Tornado Strike has a rotating barrel that delivers a “spinning cyclone of soakage.’’ For the lazy, the ThunderStorm is battery-operated - no pumping required. Both accept water clips for “lightning-fast water refills.’’

WATER WARRIOR ULTIMATE BANDIT, OUTLAW, RENEGADE, AND EXPLORER GUNS, approx. $14.99

Range: 38-40 feet

Capacity: 8-60 fl. oz

Intimidating: Yes, but less so because of the bright Play-Doh color scheme

The Water Warrior brand guns have impressive range and capacity. They can also be connected, one on top of the other, to unleash multiple streams of water at once. But otherwise, they lack any fancy add-ons.

BANZAI WATER BLASTER VALUE PACK, $8

Range: 15 feet

Capacity: Minimal

Intimidating: Not really

The pack comes with eight small and miniature-size squirt guns. Easy to carry, but less useful on the battlefield. Stuff a few in your pockets for watery sneak attacks or share with your friends.