Droolicious Shopping Guide: Banzai Water Toys

If you haven’t heard of Banzai Water Slide it’s like you either live in a very cold climate or don’t have kids between the ages of 2 and 10. From scary ten-foot high water slides to tame sprinklers, Banzai has tapped into a source of timeless summer entertainment–water.

Be warned parents. The comments pages on Amazon are filled with customers who purchased these toys and only got a few uses out or them, but with supervision and a bit of luck these toys are a great way to beat the heat. The best bet is probably something simple like the Banzai Wiggling Water Pillar ($15.99). You’ll get a bit of wet fun, and when the toys breaks (it seems likely), you won’t be out a lot of cash.

Banzai Wiggling Water Pillar: Water Spray toy. ($15.99)

Pro: Cheap thrills.
Con: Lots of leaks.
Best for: Toddlers who don’t expect a lot.

Banzai Sidewinder Falls: Massive 10′ backyard water slide with motor. ($429.99)

Pro: Holds up to 400 pounds.
Con: Requires a lot of space, water and energy. Complaints about liner.
Best For: Folks that don’t mind ponying up for a motor-operated toy that will only last one summer.

Pipeline Twist: Two slides and a giant pool. ($649.99)

Pro: More options for younger kids.
Con: Pricey, hard to clean and store.
Best For: Families with a wide age range of kids to entertain at a party.

Cannonball Splash: Backyard water slide. ($89.99)

Pro: 8′ splash pool is plenty of space for kids to frolic.
Con: A little small for bigger kids, not sturdy.
Best for: Small kids and gentle use.

Rain Forest Sprinkles Pool: 60″ diameter inflatable pool. ($34.99)

Pro: Great concept–a pool with cool sprinkles from the top.
Con: Complaints about quality.
Best for: A special treat at Grandmas.

Banzai Crazy Spray Porcupine Sprinkler: Water toy. ($17.99)

Pro: Attaches to just about any water hose.
Con: Once again, durability.
Best For: Party entertainment.