Nerf Mods & Reviews

NM&R Toy Fair Coverage

2012-02-12T14:09:00.015-05:00

All right guy's, by now you all should know the Toy Fair is going on and since I was going to be in NY I decided to make arrangements to attend. I did not stay long but I did snag a few pics of some interesting blasters. Now of course Hasbro would never approve me for their private showing but there will be plenty other sites that will get the scoop for us. The show was not quite what I was expecting. I was there as Press and a number of manufacturers was not very welcoming to press. But I did get a chance to talk to some good people and check out a few nice blasters, so check out the pics below.

Foam From Above was there so make sure to check them out for all the Hasbro coverage. So far there has been news of a Dart Tag Snapfire 8, trigger pull primes and fires the blaster. More on that over at FFA.
NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 Blaster
(HASBRO/Ages 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 2012)
The NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster features one-hand firing, an essential element when players are on the move during competition battle. This semi-automatic blaster allows competitors to load darts into the front and then cock and fire darts as the front barrel revolves with each trigger pull. The DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster also enables players to adjust the tension level for increased speed and distance. Includes 8 Velcro tipped DART TAG darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
(Thanks for the info Emmet)

FFA also got a better shot of the G.I Joe blaster.

FFA also posted on Facebook some info on the upcoming Elite Hailfire:
Hail Fire. Saw a profile view of it in the video playing in the showroom, (no photos of it allowed, sorry guys!) and one thing I noticed is... muzzle seemed a bit stampedeish, but there were FOUR 18 round mags under the main body of the blaster in various orientations. (lengthwise and horizontally) It also looked big. Whether that means four magwells, four extra mag holders, or some variation remains to be seen. But this looks like something more for the Heavy Weapons Guy.

Hasbro Press Release:
In 2012, NERF fans will experience a revolutionary new high-performance class of NERF N-STRIKE blasters to collect and carry into battle. Taking the powerful technology featured in the popular N-STRIKE line to the next level, the innovative N-STRIKE ELITE line gives NERF NATION the extreme performance it craves. The standout N-STRIKE ELITE blasters will officially launch on 8.1.12, with the most impressive blaster in the collection hitting shelves on 9.9.12. While fans will have to stay tuned for more details about the N-STRIKE ELITE line, the brand will also be introducing new VORTEX disc blasters, NERF SUPER SOAKER water blasters and more. Continuing the “NERF or Nothin’!” fun, the brand brings fans a completely new way to play with its sports gear in 2012 with the introduction of FIREVISION technology, an innovative enhancement featured in the debut FIREVISION SPORTS collection which allows for play in both daytime and dusk. Only those wearing NERF FIREVISION FRAMES eyewear will be able to see the action with NERF FIREVISION SPORTS Football and additional FIREVISION sports items once the lights go down.

Video from Toy Spy.

Dart Zone showed off 2 new Quickfire blasters that will be ailable later this year.

Quickfire 10 Dleuxe is a 10 shot blaster with magazine(look they got it right). This is similar to the Quickfire 6 that is available under Air Zone.

Is the Powerstrike 48 a little too big for you? Then check out the Powerstrike 24. If it performs as well as the 48, this should be a awesome blaster.

Last of the dart blaster coverage are these Badge Force blasters from China. The Maverick - D20 was available to test. Unfortunately they would not allow me to photograph the blasters but I did get the brochure.

The Striker looks to use a clip, and the Maverick-D20 looks similar to a X-Shot Turbo Fire.

The Maverick-D10 I'm guessing is a 10 blaster that operates similar to the Nerf Maverick.

2 smaller single shot blasters. Mini Shot and Double Shot.

Vapor was showing off the new edition to the line, the Delta 500. This blaster is very nice and a big improvement over the smaller blaster. Best thing about the Vapor blasters is you don't have to wait for the ammo to be ready. Coming later this year.

I will update this post as more info is leaked.

App Tag for iPhone & Android

2012-02-11T10:48:00.004-05:00

This has already been talked about on Urban Taggers, but App Tag reached out to me so I thought I would share the info also. This laser tag game uses your cell phone(iPhone/iPod Touch/Android) as the display for gameplay. The App Tag units can be fitted to any tac rail to be used with your favorite blasters. App Tag needs to reach a goal of $30,000 and they are well on the way. NM&R is going to get behind this and I hope the goal is met so this concept can become a reality.

From the site:

AppTag Laser Blaster brings first person shooter console gameplay to smartphones in the real world. Obviously, as with any blaster toy, the object is to shoot your friends! The AppTag does the shooting and the smartphone keeps score and tracks everything else, the App even adds Augmented Reality objects such as medkits, armour, weapons and ammo packs!

What Do You Get?

1. AppTag Unit
2. Pistol Grip
3. Trigger and wire
4. Free App.
5. Lovely retail box to hold it!

Head over to App Tag and check out the info. I hope the goal is met because this seems like a really cool concept that's designed around everyone's favorite device.

AppTag Laser Blaster from Jon Atherton on Vimeo.

New Vortex Pyragon And Other Nerf News

2012-02-10T22:52:00.003-05:00

Tactical Tag has the scoop on a new Vortex blaster, Pyragon. One really cool feature is the 40 disc mag. Head over for more info.

Toy Fair 2012 is almost here and Nerf has already started teasing us with new details.
Hopefully they will have more info at the Toy Fair. Keep checking back for NM&R's Toy Fair coverage starting Sunday.

From the official Hasbro page.

In 2012, NERF fans will experience a revolutionary new high-performance class of NERF N-STRIKE blasters to collect and carry into battle. Taking the powerful technology featured in the popular N-STRIKE line to the next level, the innovative N-STRIKE ELITE line gives NERF Nation the extreme performance it craves. The standout N-STRIKE ELITE blasters will officially launch on 8.1.12, with the most impressive blaster in the collection hitting shelves on 9.9.12.

Star Wars Captain Rex Electronic Blaster Review

2012-02-10T00:17:00.004-05:00

This Star Wars blaster is a repaint of the Clone Wars Blaster but with some slight changes and new features. The original had a light in the top but this blaster has a light up barrel and added sounds. I found the sharp edges of the handle to be a little uncomfortable. It is a rather large blaster for a single shooter. Other than that, it's a well built blaster. Ranges are about 35 feet with a barrel velocity of 51 FPS. It's actually not a bad blaster but it is a little pricey.

The darts are similar to the darts that come with the smaller Star Wars blasters. The priming handle is on the side and may not be able too strong of a spring.

You can see the clear plunger tube through the barrel.

With the blaster primed.

Unfortunately the light in the barrel doesn't do a good job of illuminating the whole plunger tube.

Inside the blaster. Lots of wires for the lights and sounds.

The clear plunger tube is cool.

The plunger gets a really good seal. Diameter is slightly less than a Nerf NF.

Air Zone Rads 12

2012-02-09T23:45:00.003-05:00

Saw this today at Toys R Us for $14.99. I didn't bother to pick it up since it's just a repaint of the Buzz Bee Rads 12(Review Here). I like the color scheme that Air Zone is now and this is a big improvement over the original green blaster. This blaster uses the new grey and blue darts that I picture Here. If anyone pics one up and compares it to the original, let us know if there are any improvements.

Nothing much on the back.

In case you didn't know, no batteries required.

Xplorer Xpower Kit Review

2012-02-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege to test the new Xplorer Xpower kit in my Longshot and I was left speechless. The kit was easy to install and gave me no problems. The kit is very solid and very well made from various materials that have been tested for strength and durability. The included stefan clip works well and can be used in any blaster that uses clips. This kit only works with the Xplorer clip unfortunately but it was designed that way to get the most performance possible.

After the easy install and taking a few shots, I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. This kit is amazing to say the least. I can honestly say I grinned from ear to ear with every shot. Ranges of 150ft are possible and the accuracy is dead on. This is the most powerful blaster I have tested with the Chrony at 172fps.

Anyone interested in this kit should contact Mark Loon over at Xplorer Dart Blaster Developments. No it's not cheap but when your dealing with custom made parts that are made in low volume, it's going to cost you.

The kit comes with 6 darts and clip plus everything you need for a easy install. This kit will be installed in my Longshot that already has the Xplorer front grip.

Whats in the kit:
1. barrel guide
2. barrel
3. dart gate
4. dart pusher
5. breech
6. plunger cup
7. Xplorer bolt sled
8. plunger head padding
9. plunger head O-rings
10. custom main spring
11. metal end cap
12. Delrin catch plate
13. heavy catch plate spring
14. Xplorer Stefan 12 dart super clip

Comparing the old parts to the new ones. All the Xplorer parts are made of very strong materials and are molded for a perfect fit with no modifications needed to the gun. The included spring is is a big step up from the stock spring. I believe it to be 14kg.

The sled wheels are easily removed from the stock sled so they can be used on the new sled. The new sled can withstand just about anything you throw at it so you don't have to worry about it braking.

The kit installs very easily. I decided to remove some of the locks although they can be left in place if you like. A detailed video of the install can be found Here.

The Xplorer clip holds 12 stefan darts. This clip works in modified blasters and unmodified blasters. There is a built in dart pusher in the clip to help load darts into a stock breach. This dart pusher can be disabled by pushing down on it if it's not needed(it's not needed in the Xpower Kit).

The Xplorer 12 dart clip compared to the Nerf 6 and 18 dart clips.

Here you can see the 6 included darts as well as 2 streamlines I cut down to use with this kit.

In the video you can see my test fire. Here are the results of the six shots with the included darts and 2 shots with shortened streamlines that did not perform as well.
1. 162.5fps
2. 172fps
3. 160.7fps
4. 153.6fps
5. 141.7fps
6. 161.1fps

Shortened Streamlines
99.58 and 138.4 fps. Not as good as the included darts but not too bad either.

Just to compare, the Longshot unmodified gets around 45-55 FPS unmodified. It really varies depending on if you use new darts or old worn darts. My Longshot with restrictors removed, barrel hole plugged and BBB spring added gets around 107 FPS.

Pro's:
172FPS,
Very accurate.

Con's:
Can't use a regular clip or regular darts.

If you want the ultimate Longshot and money is no issue, this is the kit for you.

Air Zone Quickfire Gatling & 8 Darts Blaster

2012-02-08T01:40:00.006-05:00

Tactical Tag has spotted some new Air Zone blasters at Toys R Us. The 8 Darts Blaster is a repaint of the HVZ blaster but with some included accessories.

You guys may remember my Review on this one. I was not impressed. Head over to Tactical Tag for more info and pics. Nice find Bazooka!

Nerf Light It Up TV Spot

2012-02-07T11:51:00.002-05:00

How many of you guys jump and flip when you Nerf? I just want to know how realistic this is.

Tactical Tags Whiteout Spectre Project

2012-02-07T02:56:00.003-05:00

I've been wanting to create my own Whiteout Spectre but it looks like Bazookafied beat me to it. More on this project over at Tactical Tag.

Air Zone Quickfire 12

2012-02-05T12:14:00.003-05:00

I know this blaster has been out in stores for a while but it's finally listed on US Toys R Us. This is a pretty good blaster, check my review Here. At $20 I hope they haven't changed anything to ruin this cool blaster.
The Air Zone Quick Fire 12 Shooter Double Barrel features:

Includes 1 dart shooter with 12 foam darts in 2 dart barrels
Revolving barrel shoots off 6 darts in seconds
Second barrel clips to the bottom of the shooter for quick reload
Pump the handle to load the dart into the firing chamber
Darts are made of soft foam for safe battle
Package Dimensions: 12 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches
Package Weight: 1.3 pounds

New Nerf Elite Blasters Spotted

2012-02-04T22:24:00.007-05:00

Urban Taggers got the scoop on 2 new Blasters, The Rampage, a Raider remake(above) and Retaliator, a Recon remake(below). The interesting thing about both blasters are the new style of darts and the claimed 75 feet ranges(crazy). A lot more info and pics can be found over on Urban Taggers.

New Nerf Microburst Super Soaker

2012-02-04T12:47:00.001-05:00

The video says it all, including the micro price, which is a big plus, but this water pistol is tons of fun, gets incredible range and accuracy for its size and seems to have a girlfriend radar built in. I've got a lightning storm review coming soon.

//V''''V

G.I. Joe Ninja Commando Blaster

2012-02-04T12:13:00.003-05:00

Looks like the Dart Tag Fury Fire will be making a return for the new G.I. Joe Retaliation Movie. This blaster is listed on Hasbro's site as coming soon. Hasbro has 14 more items that will be revealed later.

The Fury Fire was my favorite from the old Dart Tag line so I'm happy to see it live on. Thanks for the tip.

New Air Zone Darts

2012-02-04T02:01:00.003-05:00

New Air Zone dart refills. I have to say I like this a lot better than the old yellow and purple. Not sure the price. Hopefully there will be new blasters to go with the new darts.

I also spotted this Air Zone Blow gun. Not sure the price since it was hanging in the wrong spot.

Xplorer Xpower Kit Review Coming Soon!

2012-02-03T11:54:00.002-05:00

Very nice kit.

OMW Nerf Spectre Performance Spring

2012-02-03T02:00:00.005-05:00

I tested this OMW spring with great results. The spring fits in the blaster with no problems since it's about the same size as the original spring. No other internal mods are needed to use the spring. For my test I left the restrictors in, but it is recommended to remove them for best results. The blaster went from about 56fps stock to 68fps(50 feet) with the restrictors still installed. With the restrictors removed, performance should improve even more. If you are a fan of the Specter, this spring is a must buy. This spring also works with the Nerf Maverick. Get yours Here.

New spring installed. Perfect fit.

New spring(top) vs. old. Less coils but a lot stiffer.

Nerf Promises Big News at NY Toy Fair

2012-02-02T13:13:00.007-05:00

Nerf promises Big News at this years Toy Fair. Hope we don't have another Bumble Bee Barricade fiasco. What do you guys think the news will be?

From Nerf's Facebook page.

The Avengers - Captain America Brigade Blaster

2012-02-01T13:55:00.005-05:00

From Toys R Us Canada site. Looks like a altered Nerf Maverick with weird looking darts. Not sure what areas will get this blaster but I hope it's released in the US. Thanks for the tip.

*Update* Now listed on US Toys R Us, $15.99.

Can't wait to check this one out.

OMW MOd Spring for Nerf Nite Finder

2012-02-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

In the video below I test the Orange Mod Works 2x and 2.5x springs for the Nerf NF. OMW suggests that you remove the restrictors before installation. So for this test I removed the restrictors and tested the 2 springs, recording the fps with each spring installed.

Stock: 49.58 fps
2x Spring: 80-91 fps
2.5x Spring: 95-104 fps

The springs make big improvements in a mostly stock blaster. To get the full potential of the springs, additional mods should be done. With a new barrel and a plunger seal improvement, there should be no problem getting over 104 fps and 80+ foot ranges. Get yours Here.

Avengers Hawkeye BBB

2012-02-01T03:32:00.003-05:00

This Avengers Hawkeye Bow was spotted on Urban Taggers and will probably be released some time around when the movie releases. Hasbro usually does link some blaster to the big budget super hero movies and they seem to always be repaints. Luck us.

At least the Iron Man Blaster and Hulk Titan/Hornet was actually repaints. This looks like a original color BBB with a new sticker on the side.

Update: Officially announced on Nerf Facebook, will be in stores around March.

Vortex Lumitron Inside Blast

2012-02-01T02:21:00.001-05:00

For those that haven't seen this yet, Nerf has another Inside Blast video for us. Lets hear what you think.

The Mattel Ultimator, its incredible.

2012-01-31T11:53:00.002-05:00

Nerf guns shouldn't have any real kick, certainly not large ones. The Mattel Ultimator does, its that simple. This thing is the most powerful springer Ive ever held in my hands and ive fired everything from plusbows and crossbows to pumpsnaps and nitefinder rifles with foot long draws. The Mattel Ultimator seems to be the CPS 2000 1.0 of the nerf world in that the power it delivers is unrivaled by anything but the air blasters of yore. My only wish is that I had some missiles for it to really put it through its paces, but Ill single it and hunt small game soon enough.

// V''''V

Air Zone 2-Pack Foam Dart Blaster

2012-01-30T11:27:00.003-05:00

A new blaster on the Toys R Us site ($8). This looks to be a genaric single shot pistol with 2 dart holders that looks to be similar in size to a Nerf Scout or Nerf NF. These blasters have the new color scheme that most Air Zone blasters seem to be getting now days. I will have more info once these hit stores. If anyone has tried them, let us know how they are.
Description:
The Air Zone 2-Pack Foam Dart Blaster is a 7.5 inch long Foam Dart Gun. Each gun with holder for extra 2 darts. This 2-pack includes 10 Foam Darts.

OMW Performance Spring Reviews Coming

2012-01-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

OMW sent me some of the Performance Springs to test and I will be doing some in depth reviews on each spring. Most the springs come in 2 forms, 2x strength and 2.5x strength. I have springs for the Longshot 2x and 2.5x, NF 2x and 2.5x, Vulcan 2x and 2.5x, Swarmfire 2x and 2.5x, and a spring for the Maverick/Spectre.

Before I get started. Should I test the springs with the restrictors or without, or both maybe? The more ways I test the longer it will take to complete the reviews.

I have the 2x and the 2.5x springs for the Speedload 6 but I'm not going to test these unless there are a lot of requests for it. This gun is a pain to open and mod and last time I did so, it did not go well.

Nerf Vortex Lumitron Review

2012-01-28T23:30:00.009-05:00

Today I found a Vortex Lumitron at Target for $29.99. This is basically a repainted Vortex Praxis minus the stock but with a Firefly Tech clip and 10 glow in the dark discs. If you never purchased a Praxis, you may want to check this one out. Performance wise it's a great blaster, ranges are the same as the Praxis and shooting the glowing discs in the the dark is a lot of fun.

I wish it had a stock but the clip is very cool.

In the box.

The clip and the discs. Comes with 10.

4 "AA" batteries go in the bottom of the clip.

Light on.

The light is very bright and does a great job illuminating the discs.

Glow in the dark disc. Looks cool launching in the dark. (sorry you can't really see it in the video)

Glow discs vs. regular discs. The center of the discs are slightly translucent.

Praxis vs. Lumitron.

Lumitron with the Praxis stock.

The Firefly Tech clip will work in any Vortex blaster that takes a clip.

The 20 disc clip is slightly longer than the 10 disc light up clip.

Light It Up!