Category: gear

Toy Fair 2017 – Day 1! Schedule and Preview (Buzz Bee, Dart Zone, Zuru, Precision RBS)

Toy Fair 2017 – What’s to Come for 2017

UPDATE:

Here’s the Rail Blaster from Buzz Bee. Inline clip, clear door to see your ammo, and rear-loading!

 

The above shows a hint of things to come for this year’s Toy Fair, like that new prototype from Zuru. Also on the schedule today I have meetings with:

– Precision RBS (Rubber band shooting launchers from Super Impulse)
– Buzz Bee Toys (With word on new Walking Dead blasters)
– Zuru
– K’Nex (and maybe some new KForce builds) – it’s the 25th anniversary for K’Nex today so who knows what they have in store?
– Dart Zone this afternoon – they typically don’t have functional prototypes yet at Toy Fair (they save the big news for the summer reveal) but maybe they’ll bring something extra this time.
– World Tech Toys  – they make some new blasters to hit the market.
– Factory Entertainment – Soft Weapons and Tactics!
– And a special event for bloggers with Playmates Toys, home of the T-Blasts 

I’ll be checking in on Instagram and Facebook, don’t forget to get connected!

 

New Nerf Blasters for 2017 – the story continues! The Road To Toy Fair.

Nerf Blaster releases for 2017 – The Story So Far
Vas The Stampede



The road to Toy Fair continues! Nerf let loose a slew of information on new releases, from Geek.Com and Popular Mechanics say hello to the newest upcoming additions to the Nerf Arsenal. Don’t forget to check some of the previous release info Here and Here (some items were scheduled for 2017, but are readily available. It happens, certain areas are subject to availability.

NERF MODULUS REGULATOR Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Bring the power of three firing modes with one epic blaster! The NERF MODULUS REGULATOR blaster features single-fire, burst-fire, and fully motorized blasting power. The REGULATOR blaster is customizable and compatible with accessories within the MODULUS system, sold separately, so fans can build their blasters and have the ultimate blasting experience. Includes two 12-dart clips and 24 MODULUS darts. Requires 4 C batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.



NERF MEGA TWINSHOCK Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Experience double-barrel MEGA blasting power with the NERF MEGA TWINSHOCK blaster! The pump-action blaster shoots two MEGA darts at a time, sending darts flying up to 90 feet! Want to shoot one dart at a time? The TWINSHOCK blaster has a single-fire option. Includes 10 MEGA whistler darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.


NERF N-STRIKE ELITE ACCUSTRIKE RAPTORSTRIKE Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Hone your skills and hit your mark with the NERF N-STRIKE ELITE ACCUSTRIKE RAPTORSTRIKE blaster. This clip-fed blaster with pop-up sight, adjustable stock and bipod helps players line up their shot and to aim with precision and confidence. Includes two six-dart clips and 18 ACCUSTRIKE series NERF darts. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.

NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE DREADBOLT Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Outsmart and dominate the zombie hordes with the ZOMBIE STRIKE DREADBOLT blaster. The first-ever arrow-firing ZOMBIE STRIKE crossbow, the DREADBOLT blaster can take down zombies like never before. Use the detachable scope to line up the target, aim, and fire! Includes five arrows and detachable scope. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.




NERF ALIEN MENACE VOIDCASTER Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Fight off aliens with the new ALIEN MENACE VOIDCASTER blaster! The blaster’s unique styling and pump action power gives NERF fans an edge against the intergalactic foe. The VOIDCASTER blaster fires four darts in a row without reloading and has storage for an extra four darts for easy reloading. Includes 8 ALIEN MENACE Elite darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.




Still no press release that’s been sent to me on the Nemesis – but it’ll be $100 in the U.S. when available. As soon as I get one, it’ll get posted!

I have some opinions to post on these blasters too, they’re coming up later this week.

[Build Video] – K’Nex KForce Rotoshot 25x

K’Nex KForce Build video – Rotoshot K25x blaster

Product provided! Opinions remain my own, thanks K’Nex!

Ultimately, the blaster took me over an hour to build, from dumping out the contents to the first shot. I did make some mistakes during the build, but unfortunately I didn’t catch them until well after they happened which meant backtracking and dismantling parts of the build to go back. As someone unfamiliar with using K’Nex construction kits, maybe this is growing pains at learning a different medium. The build isn’t even entirely like the one on the box because I messed something up and would have had to flip pieces that I installed at the beginning. But that’s the point of the line, right? Making your own blaster ultimately, after building the one shown?

For a blaster that reports 75′ on the box for 5 shots, at approximately $25 for the whole thing the replay value is potentially endless for a kit you can build and rebuild, with additional shots and turrets if you have the other kits. Is it worth it? If you aren’t heavily modding your blasters already, and do enjoy the satisfaction that comes from completing puzzles and building kits, this could be a neat addition for your collection. The colors are eye-catching for sure, and there are some spots on the blaster body I naturally found to be good for gripping, I didn’t stab my hands on any corners. Minus anything that resembled a stock, holding the blaster seemed pretty intuitive.

Battle-tested, I have tried some k’nex blasters at games before and maybe it’s just me but I definitely worry about losing the odd connector or slamming the blaster unexpectedly and spraying pieces everywhere. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have lost the odd piece from the body… maybe 2 at this point on other kits. Not a terribly bad ratio I guess but that’s not something you worry about right off the bat from other blasters.

K’Nex is planning on being at New York Toy Fair again, and so will I! Don’t forget to tune in here please and see what I find. (Full schedule posted shortly before the trip)

Amazon Associate notice:

Thanks for reading! Like what you see? Interested in the product? Get your own at Amazon.com (Associate links help me keep the site open and allow me more time to do this!)

New Nerf Rival Artemis and 2017 Gear and Accessories!

New Nerf Rival accessories and the Artemis for 2017

The Nerf Rival Artemis is already out in some areas and online (for a hefty price judging by what I saw on Amazon) but the official press release and info finally came in from Nerf. Check out below for the Artemis, as well as some new accessories (finally!) for your Nerf Rival blasters.

I think I saw the battery pack myself out at a Toys R Us recently, but originally I had thought that the battery pack only saved you from buying batteries, I had not realized it also promised improved rate of fire. I do believe there’s already video out there, but as always I want to see things for myself whenever I can. Anyway, samples from Nerf are promised, so stay tuned! (And thanks, if you’re reading!)

 NERF RIVAL ARTEMIS XVII-3000 Blaster
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Experience ultimate precision and power in battle with the NERF RIVAL ARTEMIS XVII-3000 blaster! Available in red or blue (each sold separately), the ARTEMIS XVII-3000 blaster features a spring-action cocking mechanism, easy-load internal magazine, and boasts slam-fire capability firing NERF RIVAL foam rounds at a velocity of up to 100 fps.  Compatible with NERF RIVAL tactical rail accessories (sold separately). Includes 30 NERF RIVAL foam rounds. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Red Dot Sight Accessory
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2017)
In the heat of battle, take aim with the NERF RIVAL Red Dot Sight accessory. Players simply look through the lens and align the red dot with their target for precision battling. The sight features die cast details, is adjustable and is held securely in place with a quick-release camlock mechanism. Compatible with NERF RIVAL blasters, sold separately. Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Flashlight Grip Accessory
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Illuminate NERF RIVAL blaster battle with the LED Flashlight Grip accessory. The light features die cast details, a removable grip, and quick-release camlock that holds it in place. Attach the Flashlight Grip accessory to any compatible NERF RIVAL blaster (sold separately) and light up the action! Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Rechargeable Battery Pack
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2016)

Amp up your battle with the NERF RIVAL Rechargeable Battery Pack! The first rechargeable battery in the NERF RIVAL line, fans can use this lightweight battery pack with the NERF RIVAL KHAOS MXVI-4000 blaster (sold separately) instead of batteries to increase the blaster’s rate of fire. Includes wall charger. For use with NERF RIVAL products only; not compatible with the NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster. Includes rechargeable battery and wall charger. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.

The Walking Dead Abraham’s M16 Zombie Blaster

The Walking Dead Abraham’s M16 Zombie Blaster Clip-fed dart blaster

Basics:
  • Includes: Blaster x 1, 12 Long Distance darts, 8 round magazine
  • Blasts Darts up to 72′
  • Carrying handle and extended stock
  • MSRP: $32.00 – Ages 6+ 

Abraham! A character from “The Walking Dead” but not quite the character you might be thinking of. There’s the Survivor played by Michael Cudlitz on the hugely popular TV show, and then the character on the hugely popular longrunning “The Walking Dead” comic. This blaster references the latter. Here’s a look at them both (images used from The Walking Dead wiki:    

As played by Michael Cudlitz

The Buzz Bee blasters in general really stepped up in the last year. Revealed at New York Toy Fair last year, the new “The Walking Dead” was a real surprise to me in terms of licensed blasters to any degree. Up to this point, the only licensed weaponry was from Thinkgeek (non-projectile, non-foam) or a pretty poor performing Daryl crossbow that shot large foam darts.

BUT WAIT NO MORE.

These “Walking Dead” blasters are not only in a $30 and less price range, but they also are marketed at hitting 72′. Given the rising price of blasters, this adds some much needed relief for comic fans, collectors, and blaster enthusiasts.

Let’s talk colors.

Once again, the blasters draw inspiration from “The Walking Dead” comic book universe, in packaging and font, so if you’re a fan of just the AMC show the aesthetics might seem different to you. Also, Daryl wasn’t originally a character in the comic book, so no crossbow (yet…?)

The colors are a vibrant yellow/red/white, which is common to keeping cosplay enthusiasts and players from being identified as using anything dangerous. It’s not exactly some of the first colors you think of with a black and white comic or the zombie apocalypse but I like them and think they work in the space of making easily identifiable toys. (Yes, Toys! Remember, these are toys.)

The blasters are also a bit on the larger side, some folks may say this has a lot of empty space in the shells. Personally, I like the dimensions of the Abraham blaster, as it feels the most comfortable of the bunch to me, even without the adjustable stock. The mag release button is in an intuitive location, and resistant enough that I won’t accidentally hit the release at some point and dump my ammo. The priming slide/carry handle is a familiar motion for me from past blasters, so it’s not a pain to use, and the handle actually helps keep my hand from sliding off for some reason, such as dirt, sweat, or rain. I haven’t had a horrible jamming problem at all, whether that’s to the design or the fact I use fresh darts regularly is anyone’s guess. But finding a comfortable hand position on the blaster is definitely not an issue, the only real problem for me is carrying enough magazines to keep myself blasting 🙂

The carrying handle did come in handy to use while running, oddly enough. It’s one of those neat touches to a blaster that while it doesn’t affect performance, it adds to the feel and look of it to a huge degree. Otherwise, the blaster’s length isn’t super problematic in close quarters either, and aiming at targets wasn’t obstructed (as you can see in the video). The Buzz Bee darts need some further testing, but I like where they’re going so far.

In all, I feel it’s a really solidly built toy. The cost is right, and the biggest boon for parents is the magazines and darts will work with Nerf branded toys. Through some alchemic reaction the Buzz Bee and Nerf mags and darts are cross-compatible from what I’ve seen so far, so having to reinvest in a new ammo type or mag type (while preferred) is not a necessity. Keep in mind that stock blasters are built for their own proprietary accessories, and while they work together it may not provide full range and may lead to jamming some of the time.

Whew! So is this on your to-buy list? Will you use it for a costume? I have more reviews on the way, if you have any questions make sure to comment below! The blaster is available now, at a suggested retail price of $32. Fight the dead, but fear the living!

Edit: Sample provided by Buzz Bee toys, opinions remain my own.

SPOILER:

RIP Abraham, in both comic and tv show universes.

Nerf Spring 2017 Release info! Pricing and additional details

Thanks Nerf for sending along the price and press release information on the Spring 2017 Blaster reveals! Missed out on images on new blasters? Make sure to follow Nerf on Snapchat!

*Having some trouble adding photos from my phone, will update this post with pics later.
NERF SPRING 2017 Prices and Release info! (Pictures taken from Nerf’s Snapchat – check it out!)

NERF MEGA DOUBLEBREACH Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Deliver double the blast with this breach-load blaster that fires two darts in a row. Open the breach door on the NERF MEGA DOUBLEBREACH blaster to load the darts, then unleash fury one MEGA dart at a time. Pump-action blasting sends darts flying up to 90 feet! Includes six MEGA whistler darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com. 

NERF DOOMLANDS NEGOTIATOR Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Defend justice in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with the DOOMLANDS NEGOTIATOR blaster. This hammer-action blaster fires eight darts in a row for ultimate domination. A transparent area on the blaster reveals the inner firing mechanism. Includes eight ELITE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE OUTBREAKER Bow
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2017)
The zombies are getting stronger, but so are the survivors battling them. Defend humanity against the hordes with the NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE OUTBREAKER Bow. Experience crossbow action as you fire from the 5-dart rotating drum. Includes five ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.
BarrelStrike on Top, Stockshot on the bottom
NERF MODULUS BARRELSTRIKE Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Upgrade your blaster for any mission with the NERF MODULUS BARRELSTRIKE blaster! This four-shot blaster fires one dart at a time and can also convert into a barrel attachment for endless ways to battle. Use on its own or attach it to the barrel of any NERF MODULUS blaster when the mission calls for long-range blasting! Includes four ELITE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com. 
NERF MODULUS STOCKSHOT Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Get double the advantages with the NERF MODULUS STOCKSHOT Blaster! This four-shot blaster can be used on its own or be converted into a stock attachment. Pull out the front end of the blaster to extend it in stock mode for extra stability, or keep in blaster mode and blast away the competition! Includes four ELITE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.
And certainly don’t forget about the Nerf Accustrike line also due out later this year (hopefully as early as December if you have enough Nerf Perks points!)

 NERF RIVAL ARTEMIS XVII-3000 Blaster
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Experience ultimate precision and power in battle with the NERF RIVAL ARTEMIS XVII-3000 blaster! Available in red or blue (each sold separately), the ARTEMIS XVII-3000 blaster features a spring-action cocking mechanism, easy-load internal magazine, and boasts slam-fire capability firing NERF RIVAL foam rounds at a velocity of up to 100 fps.  Compatible with NERF RIVAL tactical rail accessories (sold separately). Includes 30 NERF RIVAL foam rounds. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Red Dot Sight Accessory
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2017)
In the heat of battle, take aim with the NERF RIVAL Red Dot Sight accessory. Players simply look through the lens and align the red dot with their target for precision battling. The sight features die cast details, is adjustable and is held securely in place with a quick-release camlock mechanism. Compatible with NERF RIVAL blasters, sold separately. Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Flashlight Grip Accessory
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Illuminate NERF RIVAL blaster battle with the LED Flashlight Grip accessory. The light features die cast details, a removable grip, and quick-release camlock that holds it in place. Attach the Flashlight Grip accessory to any compatible NERF RIVAL blaster (sold separately) and light up the action! Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF RIVAL Rechargeable Battery Pack
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2016)

Amp up your battle with the NERF RIVAL Rechargeable Battery Pack! The first rechargeable battery in the NERF RIVAL line, fans can use this lightweight battery pack with the NERF RIVAL KHAOS MXVI-4000 blaster (sold separately) instead of batteries to increase the blaster’s rate of fire. Includes wall charger. For use with NERF RIVAL products only; not compatible with the NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster. Includes rechargeable battery and wall charger. Available at most major toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.

Blaster Test Tuesday! Taking aim at the Grossery Gang

Target Practice: Testing blasters on The Grossery Gang!

Thanks to the folks at Moose Toys for the samples! They sent along some members of The Grossery Gang, a new collectible mini set of toys. For those who don’t know, if you’ve seen the Trash Pack or the The Ugglys, you’ve seen Moose. They specialize in collectible sets like this, most recently the phenomena known as Shopkins.

And they let me take the the Grossery Gang (some of the set of 150) down the sight of my barrel. I tried a variety of blasters, from the Precision RBS Hyperion, the Nerf Recon MK II, the Reflex Tk-6 Revolver from Zuru, the Dart Zone Covert Ops Enforcer…. and a special friend from the past. Naturally, given the Grossery Gang toys measure 1″ x 1″ (besides the containers), aiming at them was a challenge. Even moreso trying to hit them from 20′, perhaps the saying “bull’s eye a womprat come to mind here?

These eyes, mocking you when you miss. Don’t miss. Don’t bink.

Toy blasters tend to be inaccurate enough as it is, because of ammo quality and a litany of other reasons why torsos are easier to tag than small precision targets, but consider the Challenge Accepted!

I feel like the Precision RBS blasters might have had the edge and lived up to their name by taking out 3 targets, while foam darts tried to go every which way but toward where my sights were. But maybe YOU, dear reader, will have better success? Take a look at the video, and don’t forget to Like and Subscribe!

Dart Zone LegendFire Powershot Blaster: Review!

Dart Zone LegendFire: Triggerless blaster, but I like it!

Basic Stats:
MSRP: $14.99
Includes–
Legendfire x 1
Dart Chambers x 2 (9 shots each)

I want to update this post with some actual gameplay testimonial, that will have to wait! In the meantime, here are some quick first impressions.

I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like this blaster. Triggerless offerings in the past were often disappointing, uncomfortable, or made firing more complicated than it had to be, simply because there was no trigger. Other times, because the blaster required you to constantly shift it through motion your aim sights were constantly moving and you were always shifting… that’s one reason I always want a slamfire enabled blaster to have a stock, for just that slight bit of stability while you have to keep priming the blaster.

The LegendFire is basically in a constant state of slamfire. You pump the blaster and that primes it/fires it. Dart Zone admitted this was because the blaster would have been made out of the price point they set and in order to keep costs down they had to sacrifice a traditional trigger. While unfortunate, the blaster is a pump-action, which already gives it a different feel from other triggerless blasters. Like I said, the blaster is in a constant state of slamfire so you could easily throw your aim off a bit shifting the pump handle, but with a little practice you could steady it a bit more. The length of the blaster also helps in that regard. You might find yourself spraying ammo more than surgical pot shots, as it starts to almost feel like more of a shotgun, regardless of the barrel length. I was getting pretty decent range out of the blaster too, the 80′ claim (angled) isn’t too far from the truth. From the looks of the video, it hit even farther than that. Now, accuracy wise? That’s a whole different tune. The video shows the spread was pretty wide on the shots I took, and given the foam medium that’s nothing terribly new to see. But how much of that might have been solved with a stock to brace against or a trigger, maybe some day we’ll get a different version. It’s my continued belief that a stock is a necessity if your blaster has slam fire, unless it’s a pistol like the Strongarm.

Second cylinder included! Extra ammo reload for a unique magazine type! Thanks Dart Zone!

The thing that really got me about the LegendFire is that it reminds me of any number of Borderlands sniper rifles that use revolver style chambers – (I can’t seem to remember any at the moment…) and breaking the blaster in half to get to the revolver cylinder to swap it out is a neat feature. Even better because Dart Zone includes a SECOND CYLINDER to store on the integrated ammo holder and swap out, in incredibly satisfying (for me) fashion.

And…. it’s $14.99. For that price, given all the high-end blasters coming out this year, this can give you a much needed break on the wallet. For parents, here is a very interesting low-cost option for your kid’s upcoming holiday gifts. It’s an engaging design with the reload mechanism and just the look of it, has a slim profile (for easy storage!) is compatible with Nerf darts, and pretty good range for under $20. If you haven’t looked at Dart Zone blasters before, this is definitely something you should consider!

Product provided for review: opinions still remain my own.

Firing Demo: Adventure (Dart Zone) Zone Enforcer – 140′ angled?

Assembly/Firing video of the Adventure Zone (Dart Zone) Enforcer Blaster – it gets 140′ (angled)?

 

Thanks to Dart Zone for the sample! As always, my opinion remains my own.

STATS:
Enforcer: (Dart Zone/Adventure Zone) – Wal-Mart Exclusive!
MSRP: $29.99
Capacity: 40 Darts (belt-fed)
Includes: Blaster, belt, darts, instructions
Requires: 6 AA Batteries (not included)
Range claim: 80′ (box)

I want to get some game time with this blaster before coming up with a proper review, but right off the bat the Adventure Zone Enforcer belt-fed blaster from Dart Zone got AT LEAST 140′ right out of the box. That’s pretty impressive for a freshly opened blaster. That being said, reloading this beast would be a moderate pain since I don’t think there are plans to sell the ammo belts separately. And to head off another question, yes, this blaster is branded “Adventure Zone” but that’s to identify the Wal-Mart specific brand of action toys associated with this and other blasters undoubtedly coming out as Wal-Mart exclusives. It’s a Dart Zone blaster, same as the LegendFire and Magnum. It unloads its ammo payload pretty quickly, and should give any rushing team a reason to pause but the groupings are pretty wide the farther out you shoot. For $29.99 though you are getting good power, good ammo capacity, and a really satisfying shooting experience feeling the chains move and hearing the blaster chug through darts. Kids are gonna love the gatling feel of this blaster, and older users are going to like the power. And for $29.99, the price is just right compared to other blasters out there that shoot either less ammo or slightly shorter max ranges. I don’t say this often, but if you have to spend on any blaster, definitely give this a look. I’ll update this review with some gameplay thoughts once I actually field test it, but until then, color me impressed for now.