Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor by WHAM-O – Review

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of WHAM-O, so this week I will be reviewing several products supplied to me for testing by WHAM-O, including their 60th Anniversary Special Edition products.  First up – the WHAM-O Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor.

The Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor is intended for children ages 5-12.  It is 18 ft. long and retails for $25.99.  The Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor works like a traditional Slip ‘N Slide where you simply roll it out, insert the provided plastic pegs through the holes and into the ground, attach a hose, and you’re ready to go.  The only other step is to inflate the splash zone area, so kids don’t slide off the other end.

The water comes out of a long tube that runs down the side of the Slip ‘N Slide and makes water rain across the entire surface.  At the end of the tube is what I’d refer to as a geyser squirting out in the splash zone, but it is actually meant to be there and called the Splash Factor Feature.  I have a complaint about this set up.  The geyser in the splash zone uses up most of the water pressure, so the water pressure that comes out of the holes that run along the side of the length of the Slip ‘N Slide is not as strong as I’d like.  My husband tied a knot in the plastic at the end of the tube the water runs through to turn off the geyser, then the water sprayed out along the length of the Slip ‘N Slide much better.  With more water spraying out along the entire surface, the surface actually got wet and slippery, making playtime much more enjoyable for my kids.

My only other issue with the Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor is that it doesn’t seem wide enough.  My kids are only 3 and it seemed too narrow for them.  A few more inches in width for the sliding surface would be better.

Aside from those two complaints, the Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor worked as you would expect a Slip ‘N Slide to work and my kids had a blast using it.  If you’re looking for a simple Slip ‘N Slide without all the bells and whistles that some other models provide, then the Slip ‘N Slide Wave Rider Splash Factor would be a good choice.  The price is reasonable, it works as well as you’d expect, and the assembly is very simple.  It also comes with two patches.  I should note, it’s also easier to put away than other, fancier Slip ‘N Slides with lots of inflating and attaching parts that need to be deflated and stored.

Image: WHAM-O.com