The NERF Obsession
In Australia, we can't have airsoft - so what is the best option?
NERF!!
Behold my sad devotion to the NERF cause
NERF!!
Behold my sad devotion to the NERF cause
Blog Posts On Nerf You Might Have Missed
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Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire Review
It's been 6 months since we first saw the Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire and it with it's release this week we have the 1st major release of 2014.
Like the othewr blasters inh the Zomkbie Strike line, it is really well pacakged, with the same graphics and sketch-style back panel as the rest of the line. Unlike the rest of the line, the foam darts are well hidden within the packaging - is this an anti-theft device or it just looked better?
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The loading and firing of the Slingfire is pretty basic if you've very watched a wild west film; fire using the trigger, then reload using the lever. If Arnie can do it in Terminator II you can manage it with Nerf... and you're not even on a bike! Or are you??
As far as interesting hints on the packaging, this was really the only other thing of interest - the Nerf Zombie app.
Out of the box, the Slingfire is a nice looking blaster that's also quite light and easy to hold. The small magazine looks a bit odd, but a quick swap out for the Rampage 25-round magazine fixed that. I don't know why Nerf go for the small magazine, but they insist!
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There are some nice details on the blaster, including some nice instructions, the stencilled logo (notice the ability to attach a sling?!) and various "bandages" with dirty marks on them.
Also notice that the hatch to remove stuck darts is now orange and not green as first shown.
Also notice that the hatch to remove stuck darts is now orange and not green as first shown.
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Now speaking of jams - this can jam! The lever action is cool - but you have to move it ALL THE WAY forward before reloading or the dart, lever and trigger will jam - all at once!
Luckily there is a very easy little button (see above) that will clear the jam and make the lever free to move. It works very well actually.
Luckily there is a very easy little button (see above) that will clear the jam and make the lever free to move. It works very well actually.
Verdict
The Slingfire is a nice piece of kit, both light to hold but also fitting into your hand well. There's a certain satisfying feeling to cocking the lever. Maybe it's a throwback to all those wild west movies, but it's cool!
Distance is standard with the rest of the Zombie Strike line making it pretty accurate and packing a bit of a punch.
At $50 AUS at retail, think on it, but if you have the cash to burn and you're looking for something fun or new - this might be the one!
Distance is standard with the rest of the Zombie Strike line making it pretty accurate and packing a bit of a punch.
At $50 AUS at retail, think on it, but if you have the cash to burn and you're looking for something fun or new - this might be the one!
Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Review
It took it's time, but the Nerf Zombie Strike blasters have finally made their way to Australia.
There've been two blasters released in Australia so far; the Hammershot and the Sledgefire.
There've been two blasters released in Australia so far; the Hammershot and the Sledgefire.
Hammershot
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Sledgefire
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The Pistol
I do have to say - this thing is smashing!
It fits in the hand nicely, the hammer cocking mechanism on the back pulls back easily and smoothly and it fires straight and smoothly.
It is surprisingly accurate - and hits with a bit of force too!
This blaster (as you can see by the grey trigger) has been tuned for Australia, so it have reduced distance, but what it does have flies straight and true.
It fits in the hand nicely, the hammer cocking mechanism on the back pulls back easily and smoothly and it fires straight and smoothly.
It is surprisingly accurate - and hits with a bit of force too!
This blaster (as you can see by the grey trigger) has been tuned for Australia, so it have reduced distance, but what it does have flies straight and true.
Darts
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The darts seem to be recoloured standard darts - not being as firm as the Elite darts or having the slightly smaller hole.
The green does look good too!
The nice thing about these darts is that, unlike the Maverick, if you push them in firmly they will still fire. The Maverick had issues with darts getting stuck in the rotating cylinder.
The green does look good too!
The nice thing about these darts is that, unlike the Maverick, if you push them in firmly they will still fire. The Maverick had issues with darts getting stuck in the rotating cylinder.
Other bits
The included stencils to customize your blaster
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Now the Hammershot may look a bit familair, becasue a version of it (though slightly different) has been released in the almost universally derided Nerf Rebelle line called the Sweet Revenge.
In many ways I prefer this to the Strongarm which in itself is fine - but boring! The Hammershot is interesting, full of character and fun to use.
I highly recommend one - perfect for combat as your sidearm or something to use while cosplaying. The introductory price of $24 though is a tad high for what it is. Wait until the sales and pick up two! |
Tek Recon Review - Havok & Hammerhead
Tek Recon's Kickstarter page
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You may remember it was with much excitement we hyped the Tek Recon Kickstarter back in June.
Now, a few long impatient months later - they're here! So first of all, I have to say, they are pretty impressive! For a small operation to turn these out is pretty amazing and if nothing else a tribute to the owners and backers. Tek Recon were smart; they not only offered the original packages (I went for the Havok deal) but also brought out a number of bargain-priced add-ons so you could increase your armoury or just help out a friend. I eventually took up one of these add-ons and also bought a Hammerhead, an extra Hammerhead clip and an extra Havok clip, so I will be looking at all of these in this review. |
There has been recent controversy with Tek Recon releasing the blasters to retail before distributing to backers leaving a pretty bad taste in many people's mouths.
Tek Recon say this was to get the final funds to get the App up and running and also so they don't miss the last shipment intake before the Xmas influx.
Either way, it wasn't great, but all that really matters is the quality of the product.
Tek Recon say this was to get the final funds to get the App up and running and also so they don't miss the last shipment intake before the Xmas influx.
Either way, it wasn't great, but all that really matters is the quality of the product.
Review
First of all, the thing you notice that's so different to the traditional ammunition for this kind of thing is the absence of foam darts - these use a form of o-ring, not dissimilar to the ones so familiar to 3 3/4 GIJoe collectors of the 80s and 90s.
And boy is it different!
And boy is it different!
The ammunition inside the Hammerhead clip.
As you can see it's a tight fit which changes the shape of the o-ring and makes loading individual rounds just a tad laborious!
The Hammerhead clips itself is multi part and has a spring mechanism.
It slides into the blaster quite easily.
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The ammunition inside the Hammerhead clip.
Again, the tight fit makes loading individual rounds a bit of a pain. You can also see some of the residual white powder that covers the o-rings.
Cleverly, the Havok magazine is double sided and splits the 72 round capacity into two 36 round chambers.
Although timely to load, in combat this comes in handy!
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The supplementary ammunition you can buy comes in lots of 25 - perfect for the Hammerhead, annoying for the Havok! Nicely packaged though.
Tek recon did a great job with all the packaging - more to come on that later,
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So lets have a look at the build quality and features of each blaster.
The Havok was the blaster that caught my eye - it has to be said, this is probably the best looking blaster (of any brand) currently around.
It has a 72 round clip, a fully operational trigger and a secondary pump-action trigger on the front. There is also a sliding stock that locks nicely and fits the length of the arm very comfortably.
The Havok is also weighty and doesn't feel a plastic as, say, a Nerf blaster.
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The Havok was an impulse buy as part of the add-ons.
It's ok looking, but not stunning.
It has a 25 round clip, a fully operational trigger and a secondary pump-action trigger on the front which is supposed to look like a tactical light. The option to have an actual tactical light would have been nice actually - this is all for show!
There is also a slide that moves back with each pull of the trigger which is cute.
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You can see on both of the blasters I have attached the mount for the app on your smart phone. Great if you have an iPhone, but if you have an Android or Windows phone you're in bad luck, that app isn't ready yet - pretty poor form as they now hold the bulk of the smart phone market now.
The mount for the smart phone on the Havok.
This may fit your smart phone - but it didn't fit mine!
There are 3 different sized rubber holders for different sized phones, but the thicker one is actually too thick for the small rubber pad on the blaster that holds the phone. The rubber stopper you see to the right is also a bit awkward and doesn't hold the phone very well - your's it might - but not mine.
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The mount for the smart phone on the Hammerhead. Unlike the Havok, this holds the smart phone a lot better and tighter. The ribber stopper actually does what it needs to do here too.
This pic has the rubber holders on the mount removed so you can see what it looks like.
Over all, I found the mount for the smart phone difficult to adjust and not very secure. I would worry about putting my expensive phone in there!
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Each blaster also lets you choose if you want the ammunition to fire faster or harder (distance).
Here you will see the Havok is on distance and the Hammerhead is on rate of fire.
I found the Havok really needs the pump-action trigger under the barrel to use the distance setting. The trigger feels like it's going to break to me. The Hammerhead is more stable in the regard.
Either way, it's an interesting feature, but much-of-a-muchness when it comes to performance.
Here you will see the Havok is on distance and the Hammerhead is on rate of fire.
I found the Havok really needs the pump-action trigger under the barrel to use the distance setting. The trigger feels like it's going to break to me. The Hammerhead is more stable in the regard.
Either way, it's an interesting feature, but much-of-a-muchness when it comes to performance.
The grip on the Havok is as good size for an adult hand. I never knew my hand looked so fat though!
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Really nice rubber stock end on the Havok. Robust and very comfortable. A very nice surprise!
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Build Quality
Both blasters are lovely!
I have had issues with the Havok ammunition not firing at times, but simply removing the magazine and replacing it again solves it.
The Hammerhead is very reliable and fun, but hands down, the Havok is impressive! Beautifully designed and created, weighty and serious.
I do look forward to seeing what these guys come up with next!
I have had issues with the Havok ammunition not firing at times, but simply removing the magazine and replacing it again solves it.
The Hammerhead is very reliable and fun, but hands down, the Havok is impressive! Beautifully designed and created, weighty and serious.
I do look forward to seeing what these guys come up with next!
Accessories
The Havok Ammo Pack - one magazine and 72 rounds. Pain in the arse to fill!
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Here's the illustration from the back of the Havok Ammo Pack.
You can clearly see how they have divided up the 72 rounds into two independent reservoirs.
Great idea, and they are held securely by the shape of the reservoirs - actually one of the reasons it's so fiddly to load.
This is a must for a combat zone!
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The Hammerhead Ammo Pack - one magazine and 25 rounds. Fiddly to fill, but not as bad as the Havok!
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The illustration gives you an idea of how the rounds are stored in the magazine.
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Possible additions:
Honestly there isn't much - but I would have somewhere for a strap on the Havok - a bit like Nerf do with the Alpha Trooper.
It's also kind of a shame the smart phone mount doesn't attach to the rail.
It's also kind of a shame the smart phone mount doesn't attach to the rail.
Value
Should you buy one of these blasters?
Yes, absolutely!
Not sure about the ammunition?
Well it is different... but buy the Hammerhead and see - then once you get used to it, go the whole hog and buy a Havok.
For me, as I said before, the Havok is nicely weighted and satisfying to hold - overall just a nice looking piece of kit - it's the standout for me!
Obvious drawbacks for me are the redesign of the smart phone mount on the Havok - it just feels unstable to me and the potential endemic problem with the ammunition.
Will the fans be patient enough to load them?
Apart from that - if you like Nerf and you want to try something just a little bit different - give Tek Recon a go!
Yes, absolutely!
Not sure about the ammunition?
Well it is different... but buy the Hammerhead and see - then once you get used to it, go the whole hog and buy a Havok.
For me, as I said before, the Havok is nicely weighted and satisfying to hold - overall just a nice looking piece of kit - it's the standout for me!
Obvious drawbacks for me are the redesign of the smart phone mount on the Havok - it just feels unstable to me and the potential endemic problem with the ammunition.
Will the fans be patient enough to load them?
Apart from that - if you like Nerf and you want to try something just a little bit different - give Tek Recon a go!
September 2013
Tek Recon gets Kickstarter backing
Exciting news this morning - the Tek Recon got it's backing on Kickstarter!
With 455 backers and just over $59,000 raised, we have a new player on the Nerf market.
Apart from the very attractive design, the thing that sets the Tek Recon apart is the app which turns the blaster into a multi-platform weapon and allows you to play the kind of missions you'd see in Call of Duty (such as Capture the Flag) using a sensor.
The Tek Recon range is two blasters; the Havok, one of the best looking blasters for a long time and the Hammerhead which, amongst other features, includes recoil every time you fire - now that's just cool!
With 455 backers and just over $59,000 raised, we have a new player on the Nerf market.
Apart from the very attractive design, the thing that sets the Tek Recon apart is the app which turns the blaster into a multi-platform weapon and allows you to play the kind of missions you'd see in Call of Duty (such as Capture the Flag) using a sensor.
The Tek Recon range is two blasters; the Havok, one of the best looking blasters for a long time and the Hammerhead which, amongst other features, includes recoil every time you fire - now that's just cool!
“It’s the perfect gift for parents who want to get their kids off the Xbox for a few minutes and the perfect toy for kids who never want to stop playing Halo.” - Bloomberg TV
Tek Recon range - expected delivery date: August 2013
June 2013
IT'S HERE! The Nerf Elite Alpha Trooper
As I've previously told you, I'm a huge fan of the Nerf Alpha Trooper - it is my preferred weapon of choice and when the zombies attack and we discover they are killed by Nerf darts, this is what I will be packing!
So when it was revealed by Pocket on Urban Taggers that there would be a Nerf Elite version - the world freaked out!
[If you're new to Nerf, Elite promises greater distances by using a newer sealed internal mechanism]
So I've been skulking the internet to potentially buy one and was tempted by the $56 price tag from the UK, but held off.
As it's a Target exclusive, it makes it harder to find, so you have to factor in you may be paying some $$ to get one! Boooo...
Then, there I was buying a Mothers Day present in Target and I thought I'd check out the Nerf section - BOO-YAH - there it was.
All glorious and blue and sexy - and only $29!
Immediately I asked if I needed two, but a I already have 4 of the normal ones, 2 seemed over kill!
So what's it like?
It's light!
It's definitely lighter than the original (I assume due to the new internal sealed mechanism) and when it fires there's not so much a 'thunk' as a 'whoosh'. I think I miss the 'thunk'.
It comes with a 12 round magazine, rather than the 18 round drum like the original and the distance is pretty damn good, so if that's what you're after - get one.
Conclusion:
If you can't get a normal N-Strike Alpha Trooper, definitely get one - I mean it's $29, and when the zombies come, you'll need something reliable by your side...
So when it was revealed by Pocket on Urban Taggers that there would be a Nerf Elite version - the world freaked out!
[If you're new to Nerf, Elite promises greater distances by using a newer sealed internal mechanism]
So I've been skulking the internet to potentially buy one and was tempted by the $56 price tag from the UK, but held off.
As it's a Target exclusive, it makes it harder to find, so you have to factor in you may be paying some $$ to get one! Boooo...
Then, there I was buying a Mothers Day present in Target and I thought I'd check out the Nerf section - BOO-YAH - there it was.
All glorious and blue and sexy - and only $29!
Immediately I asked if I needed two, but a I already have 4 of the normal ones, 2 seemed over kill!
So what's it like?
It's light!
It's definitely lighter than the original (I assume due to the new internal sealed mechanism) and when it fires there's not so much a 'thunk' as a 'whoosh'. I think I miss the 'thunk'.
It comes with a 12 round magazine, rather than the 18 round drum like the original and the distance is pretty damn good, so if that's what you're after - get one.
Conclusion:
If you can't get a normal N-Strike Alpha Trooper, definitely get one - I mean it's $29, and when the zombies come, you'll need something reliable by your side...
Oh, and the cats like the box...
May 2013
Best Nerf Blaster yet??
The Nerf Pyragon was greeted with unabashed enthusiasm by Nerf fans around the world.
Initially appearing in the familiar Vortex colours, the actual release scheme is closer to the White-Out range.
So is it any good?
Short answer: Yes
Longer answer: It's a very fast, accurate blaster with a great rate of fire.
I imported mine from Amazon as I wasn't sure if it would get an Australian release AND I didn't want the reduced firing distance Australian blasters have been mandated to have.
I haven't tested it in combat, but short trials show it puts out a blistering amount of discs.
If you're sold on the Vortex line - this is tghe blaster for you.
If you're not sold on Vortex - the Raider or the Alpha Trooper will give you similar performance, if not similar distance.
I added the stock from the Lightning Storm to mine, as the addition of the stock makes it more comfortable - and a hell of a lot sexier!
Honestly, it's a game-changer for those not sure about Vortex (like me).
Initially appearing in the familiar Vortex colours, the actual release scheme is closer to the White-Out range.
So is it any good?
Short answer: Yes
Longer answer: It's a very fast, accurate blaster with a great rate of fire.
I imported mine from Amazon as I wasn't sure if it would get an Australian release AND I didn't want the reduced firing distance Australian blasters have been mandated to have.
I haven't tested it in combat, but short trials show it puts out a blistering amount of discs.
If you're sold on the Vortex line - this is tghe blaster for you.
If you're not sold on Vortex - the Raider or the Alpha Trooper will give you similar performance, if not similar distance.
I added the stock from the Lightning Storm to mine, as the addition of the stock makes it more comfortable - and a hell of a lot sexier!
Honestly, it's a game-changer for those not sure about Vortex (like me).
First Nerf Blaster? Buy this one!! Best Nerf Blaster? BUY THIS ONE!!
Nerf Blasters are a very personal thing.
Do you like the pump-action or the battery?
Battery powered seem to be taking off, but that comes with added weight and expense.
It aslo means the Blaster determines the rate of fire, rather than your needs.
Therefore - for my money - pump-action is the way to go.
My first pump-action was the Raider - a brilliant Blaster for a number of reasons; size, the blistering firepower of the 35 round drum mag, the slam-fire capability, and the very cool stock! As i've said before - the Raider is awesome. Expensive, but awesome!
But if you like the idea of the pump-action, and prefer a cheaper price and lighter, more compact unit - the Alpha Trooper is brilliant!
This is my favourite Blaster - hands down!
This is what I would take to war (well a Nerf war - otherwise I would have a problem!).
As you can see from the picture, I added the Barricade stock to mine and the Blaster takes on a whole other life.
It's light, it's small, accurate and fires very smoothly.
And at a price point under $30 AUS - this is a real buy.
I have two of them, one modified with the Orange Mods kit. Fiddly to put in, but amazing improvement to performance.
If you were after a new Blaster or a gift for a friend - this si the one to buy.
A fan favourite to modify, it's not being produced after 2012 - so do not miss out.
This is THE blaster to own.
Do you like the pump-action or the battery?
Battery powered seem to be taking off, but that comes with added weight and expense.
It aslo means the Blaster determines the rate of fire, rather than your needs.
Therefore - for my money - pump-action is the way to go.
My first pump-action was the Raider - a brilliant Blaster for a number of reasons; size, the blistering firepower of the 35 round drum mag, the slam-fire capability, and the very cool stock! As i've said before - the Raider is awesome. Expensive, but awesome!
But if you like the idea of the pump-action, and prefer a cheaper price and lighter, more compact unit - the Alpha Trooper is brilliant!
This is my favourite Blaster - hands down!
This is what I would take to war (well a Nerf war - otherwise I would have a problem!).
As you can see from the picture, I added the Barricade stock to mine and the Blaster takes on a whole other life.
It's light, it's small, accurate and fires very smoothly.
And at a price point under $30 AUS - this is a real buy.
I have two of them, one modified with the Orange Mods kit. Fiddly to put in, but amazing improvement to performance.
If you were after a new Blaster or a gift for a friend - this si the one to buy.
A fan favourite to modify, it's not being produced after 2012 - so do not miss out.
This is THE blaster to own.
The Mutha of all Nerf Blasters - Nerf Raider
It's chunky, it's a tad cumbersome, but it's awesome!
The Nerf Raider is almost perfection; the 35 round drum mag, the slam-fire capability, the comfy grip and the very cool stock!
It's probably the best Blaster out there - and the price proves it.
Retailing at almost double the Recon or the Alpha Trooper, the Raider is your squad support weapon.
It will lay down fire - it will hit your targets and keep on giving!
If you were looking for a great Blaster, and you want something not too heavy but still impressive - this is it.
The Raider demands respect!
Originally released in blue, it was available for a limited time in the Gear Up colours of orange and black.
You may think that sounds horrible - but it looks even more amazing!
Photo below courtesy of Urban Taggers.
The Nerf Raider - if it wasn't for the Alpha Trooper being so good and the Raider's high price - I'd own more!!
The Nerf Raider is almost perfection; the 35 round drum mag, the slam-fire capability, the comfy grip and the very cool stock!
It's probably the best Blaster out there - and the price proves it.
Retailing at almost double the Recon or the Alpha Trooper, the Raider is your squad support weapon.
It will lay down fire - it will hit your targets and keep on giving!
If you were looking for a great Blaster, and you want something not too heavy but still impressive - this is it.
The Raider demands respect!
Originally released in blue, it was available for a limited time in the Gear Up colours of orange and black.
You may think that sounds horrible - but it looks even more amazing!
Photo below courtesy of Urban Taggers.
The Nerf Raider - if it wasn't for the Alpha Trooper being so good and the Raider's high price - I'd own more!!
