Some people take potato guns VERY seriously.
It is unclear how the SpudFiles.com sanctioned Spud Gun Contest is judged by their website, as access is restricted to registered members.
My guess though, is that the criteria is based more on measurable performance, such as projectile velocity and power, than on cosmetics.
Having said that, the appearance of the two semi-automatic winners (pictured here), are enough to convince anyone that the technology of the backyard potato-gun pistol have evolved a great deal.
A quick Wikipedia search defines the basic types of potato guns as the following: pneumatic launchers, regular combustion, and hybrid launchers.
Each one differs by it's combination of compressed air or fuel source and ignition.
Potato Gun Contests
Spud-Launching Science
Trend Themes
1. Potato Gun Technology - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing advanced pneumatic launchers, regular combustion, and hybrid launchers for potato guns.
2. Performance-based Judging - Disruptive innovation opportunity in creating objective performance measurement criteria for potato gun contests.
3. Cosmetic Enhancements - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in designing visually appealing potato guns without compromising performance.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Recreational Equipment - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the development and manufacturing of advanced potato gun equipment for outdoor entertainment.
2. Compressed Air Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity in utilizing compressed air technology for efficient and powerful potato gun launchers.
3. Combustion Power Systems - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing eco-friendly combustion power systems for potato guns.