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Best Bottle Launchers

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
4M
Water Rocket Kit
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Bottom Line

For those who don't mind an element of surprise, the 4M water rocket kit can launch a standard 2 liter soda bottle at least 100 feet in the air. Works with most bicycle pumps, but an adapter may be necessary.

Pros

Works with either a specialized water rocket or soda bottles. Launches are unpredictable, adds excitement. Can be modified with an air compressor for maximum height.

Cons

Requires a smaller "presta" style air pump (or adapter), not a standard bike pump. Fins are not durable. Some consumers report not receiving the pump.

Best Bang for the Buck
Aquapod
Bottle Launcher - Launch 2 Liter Bottles
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Bottom Line

Safety is an important consideration with water bottle launchers, and the Aquapod includes a pressure safety valve to prevent over-inflation. One-piece launcher is very portable, may need additional bracing during use.

Pros

Bottle rockets with optional fins can reach incredible heights. Accurate air pressure valve provides scientific data. Designed for common 2 liter bottles.

Cons

Does not work well with all sizes and brands of soda bottles. Launch mechanism can jam, requiring manual release. Safety valve can leak under low PSI conditions.

Relationshipware
StratoLauncher IV Rocket Launcher + StratoFins
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Bottom Line

The StratoLauncher IV brings an element of science to the world of water bottle launching. Heights of over 350 ft. are possible, and unit can be attached to a computerized STEM launch system.

Pros

Significant launch heights achieved. Can be modified for multiple launches with air compressor. Accepts virtually all sizes of plastic bottles for launch.

Cons

Instructions are difficult to interpret. Fins are more decorative than functional. Launching mechanism requires frequent adjustment.

Delta Education
Bottle Rokit Science Kit
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Bottom Line

This is a basic water rocket launching system, designed more for classroom science demonstrations than backyard fun, but it still delivers a powerful punch per launch. Be sure to budget for an additional pump or compressor.

Pros

Flights can be exceptionally high and fast, with only 1/4th of a bottle filled. Great educational tool for STEM classes. Includes O-rings, fins, pressure hose and other essential parts.

Cons

Pictured air pump not included in package. 2-liter bottle rocket not as aerodynamic as others on the shortlist. Fins are narrow, tend to tip over before launch.

The Science Source
Single Bottle-Rocket Launcher
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Bottom Line

The Science Source bottle rocket launcher is not exactly a user-friendly toy, but closer to a minimalist launch system for class experiments with aerodynamics. Launches can be difficult to control.

Pros

Very durable metal construction, remains solidly in place for multiple launches. Includes astrolabe for scientific flight calculations.

Cons

Two-prong design creates an unstable launch platform, must be anchored in dirt. Release mechanism can tip rocket over, creating hazardous launches.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 16 Models Considered
  • 38 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 142 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    Bottle launcher toys generally use water and pressurized air to shoot an empty 2-liter bottle into the air. Typically, bottles are partially filled with water, sealed, and then pressurized with air from a pump. Once the pump nozzle is released, the water escapes through the injection hole, launching the bottle into the air. Consider where you may launch your rocket, whether your launcher will need to be anchored to the ground, and how high you want it to launch. Consider models with safety guards, and clear instructions, just in case STEM projects aren’t your forte. Since launches can be unpredictable, adult supervision is always recommended.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Eliza
      Eliza
      Production Manager
    • Michael
      Michael
      Writer
    ×

    4M

    Water Rocket Kit

    4M

    Water Rocket Kit

    For those who don't mind an element of surprise, the 4M water rocket kit can launch a standard 2 liter soda bottle at least 100 feet in the air. Works with most bicycle pumps, but an adapter may be necessary.

    $18
    ×

    Aquapod

    Bottle Launcher - Launch 2 Liter Bottles

    Aquapod

    Bottle Launcher - Launch 2 Liter Bottles

    Safety is an important consideration with water bottle launchers, and the Aquapod includes a pressure safety valve to prevent over-inflation. One-piece launcher is very portable, may need additional bracing during use.
    $39
    ×

    Relationshipware

    StratoLauncher IV Rocket Launcher + StratoFins

    Relationshipware

    StratoLauncher IV Rocket Launcher + StratoFins

    The StratoLauncher IV brings an element of science to the world of water bottle launching. Heights of over 350 ft. are possible, and unit can be attached to a computerized STEM launch system.
    $60
    ×

    Delta Education

    Bottle Rokit Science Kit

    Delta Education

    Bottle Rokit Science Kit

    This is a basic water rocket launching system, designed more for classroom science demonstrations than backyard fun, but it still delivers a powerful punch per launch. Be sure to budget for an additional pump or compressor.
    $23
    ×

    The Science Source

    Single Bottle-Rocket Launcher

    The Science Source

    Single Bottle-Rocket Launcher

    The Science Source bottle rocket launcher is not exactly a user-friendly toy, but closer to a minimalist launch system for class experiments with aerodynamics. Launches can be difficult to control.
    $34

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