Category: toy

REVIEW: Nerf Vortex Diatron (aka the Dead Space Plasma Cutter)

Nerf Vortex Diatron.  When I first saw it, I thought:

And as far as Nerf blasters get, this is about as close as I feel you can get to one without buying this:

Quick Stats:

Price: Approx $19.99
Ranges: 30-40′ @ Flat shooting (See video)

Ammo Type:  Vortex Discs
Ammo Capacity:  12 discs (load 10, prime, then load 2 more)
Orientation:  One-handed, ambidextrous handling possible
Tactical rails?  Yes, but not very comfortable (Read on)
Stock Attachment? Possible
Dual-Wield?  Not really

Annnnd Video:

The Nerf Vortex Diatron looks cool, first and foremost.  At least, I think so.  The Vortex discs give it decent range, and it’s part of the “MultiShot Madness” campaign that Nerf is running with it’s RoughCut and Triad, but that being said it’s a great thought but not without some reservations.

First, let’s take care of the good.  The MultiShot function works!  It fires 2 discs, and they both launch out of the top barrel.

Top barrel, only one disc shown but needs 2 to fire.

Also, higher capacity than a Vigilon, hence the common misconception that there are 2 barrel and one disc flies out of each.  It’s shaped as such to make room for the higher-capacity internal magazine:

There’s a tac rail on top, and if you’re aiming the blaster the priming lever is on the left, the disc release/jam clear is on the right.  The mag release switch is on both sides of the handle.  The rear part of the blaster can have stocks and such attached, adding to the customizable options of the blaster.


So the blaster’s multishot is a nice change of pace from what we’ve seen with the Vortex line so far, the paintjob is pretty cool, and the design is fresh from science fiction.  It fires pretty decently too, within the normal tolerances of a stock blaster, hitting anywhere from 40-50′.  The discs are stacked vertically when they exit the barrel and spread apart, with the bottom disc getting the lower end of the range, while the top-stacked disc goes a few feet further.  The thing is Vortex discs are so unpredictable in flight sometimes you do run the risk of getting tagged no matter what you do.

That being said, there are some issues to consider about the Nerf Vortex Diatron.  While the mag release IS on both sides, the priming lever and jam release placements might be problematic for lefties.  Also, the Diatron’s a bit tougher to reload than the Vigilon.  It’s a lot easier to palm 5 discs and slam them all in at once as opposed to the 10, 6 of which you might be able to bunch in, and individually reload the rest.  Thankfully, the extra shot trick still works (check the video for that).  The Diatron REQUIRES 2 discs loaded to fire, and it jams if there’s only one.  In the video I show how to troubleshoot the Diatron if only one disc loads on accident for some reason, but I see many people not reading the manual and wondering why their blaster is broken and the trigger is not pulling.  So, it’s a bit touchy.  One concern I have read about on other reviews is the Nerf Vortex Diatron’s priming lever is flimsy and counterintuitive. I agree that the priming lever is definitely not something I saw from this blaster in the preliminary photos, but what’s done is done, and if you can fit this with your playing style, then game on.  As for the arm being flimsy, I disagree on that.  I think it feels pretty robust and don’t see it breaking on me in the heat of the game.

Range-wise, the Diatron was on the low side for Vortex blasters I thought.  One of the discs only flies about 30′ while the other gets standard Vortex ranges, and I would have liked to see similar power put on both discs.  There’s an inherent inaccuracy with Vortex ammo, so that’s no surprise that the effective range is maybe 30-40′, and the discs slice severely after that.

One final thought is that I really would rather use this as a sidearm, but the Diatron’s so big it won’t even fit in my super-sized Grabit Pack.

Overall, is this worth the $20?  It’s no Pyragon, but the Diatron could be a fun little blaster in its own right.  If you liked the Vigilon, this is right up your alley.  If you like Dead Space but can’t afford a replica Plasma Cutter, this is your option right here (my cousin worked on the game and he agreed it looks pretty close).  The multishot feature is a bit disappointing in the disparate ranges between the fired discs, but I had no problems with the feature actually working.  And… ultimately, the Nerf Vortex Diatron looks really cool!  Whether you use Vortex discs or not or you play indoors or out, try it out and maybe you’ll find it does in fact work for you.  Try before you buy, if you can!

Review Time! Launch N Attack Annihilator

Alright!  Thanks to Eyespy Toys, I was able to get my hands on a Launch N Attack Annihilator and a Target Launcher.

Nerf Barricade, Prime Time Toys Quick Shot 6, Launch N Attack Disc, Launch N Attack Annihilator, Launch N Attack Disc Launcher

Cost:  $14.99 – $19.99 depending on vendor.
Ammo Capacity: 10 shots (closer to a Dart Tag Blaster in output)
Range:  Blaster shoots about 20-30′, the discs go up to 40′ upward (supposedly)

The disc launcher attaches to the blaster on the side, and you pull the rip cord which spins the disc that lifts it into the air.

Design:
It definitely looks styled after a Nerf Barricade, minus the trigger guard, or a nub to attach a stock.  It has the extra rail on the side to accomodate the attack disc, but some of the more important design differences are a bit closer…

Low amount of extra space in chamber to accommodate other darts.  This is literally sized for their ammo alone.
Dart length comparison between an original Nerf Streamline, a Nerf Elite Streamline, and a Launch N Attack Dart

The Launch N Attack rotating chamber only has enough clearance to barely cycle its own brand of darts through the blaster.  You can’t use other brands of ammo with it unless you force and manually rotate the blaster through each shot.  Not the most efficient if you’re in a pitched game where each shot counts and every movement means the difference between tagging or being tagged.  In the heat of things, finding this out could be wildly frustrating.  You can see the Launch N Attack Darts are just a touch shorter than Nerf ammo, hence the lack of compatibility.  One other quick note is the Launch N Attack Darts are a harder plastic/rubber on the tip, not as much give as the Nerf ammo tips, so you know if you decide to shoot your friend unawares.

Now, while I miss the trigger guard and the ability to use all types of ammo the Launch N Attack blasters do what they’re supposed to do blaster-wise, hitting 30′ or so and pretty consistently.  I say consistent in that it hits that range, but it does leave something to be desired in the accuracy department.  And that is a common trait among streamlined style blasters and flywheel ones at that.  The weather’s been a little bit crappy since I got these, so I haven’t had a chance to test the disc launcher outside yet to check the 40′ claim, but I do have something to compare it to:

Nerf N-Strike Disk Shot vs Launch N Attack Rapid Attack

Disc that comes with the annihilator, Rapid Attack Disc, and Nerf Disk Shot disk.

Utimately, how do I feel about the blaster?  With the market going the way it’s going,  to see a normal 20-30 range out of a blaster knowing there’s farther shooting stuff out there for just a few bucks more is a tough sell, in my opinion.  Never mind the lack of interchangeable ammo usage which makes using this in a game of tag a tough choice.  From a playability standpoint, the addition of the target disc is a good incentive to use it for target practice/reaction testing for yourself, or if you’re bored want a mobile target to shoot at.  I will definitely continue to keep an eye on this company though, as I like where they started, but definitely hope to see a more current take on their blasters considering what’s out there now.

Preview Review: Zing Toys Z-Tek Crossbow

Just some advance pics of a review I’ll be working on soon enough.  Latest air drop from the fine folks at Zing Toys, makers of the ZCurve Bow And Arrow, Hunter Crossbow, and others sent along a sample of their latest offering in the Air Storm line, the Z-Tek Crossbow.  Don’t have time to do a full range test, but it’s a definite improvement over the ZX Hunter Crossbow (which was pretty solid itself). 

For now, some pics.  You folks like pics, right?

Z-Tek Crossbow!  Flip-out bow arms, but the body is EXTENDABLE for a longer stretch!

Before opening

Z-Tek Crossbow
Released!  And comes with a target, too.  Note:  NOT extended as in the above photo.


Product Review: Bumpa’s Blowguns (Bumpa 2000)

EDIT:  Here’s the demo video, trying to shoot 50′ flat with a variety of darts.

So, I was at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTag)a couple of weeks ago working, and at some point during the show, I was struck by a Dart Tag dart.  Now last year, the only shooting toys I had seen were Vapor blasters, so I was a little confused.  Normally, ChiTag does not have a lot of shooting toys, instead having lots of board games, remote control cars, and things you can ride or drive.  I was a little confused.

Looking around the show floor, I found a vendor called “Bumpa’s Blowguns’ and solved the mystery.  They were selling, well, blowguns!  Let the pictures commence!  I also have a demo video, but while I wait for it to process, here you go :
 

The blowgun
Size compared to a Nerf Ballzooka and another brand of blowgun I had years ago.

Size comparison vs. a Nerf Nitron and the other blowgun

Simple enough design.  It’s a piece of PVC, painted, with an end cap at the muzzle, a mouth piece, and two foam hand grips.  Retails for 29.95$+tax for blow gun 5 (velcro) darts, glasses and vest. Comes in pink, and black.  (Check their website!)  $30 might seem a little steep, but each blowgun is assembled by hand, and the mouthpiece does have a little extra work to it-

The “Dart Stop”

 What you see in the pic is a little arm to keep darts from being sucked backward by a user, and to keep a dart from falling out of the barrel in general.  The mouth piece is pretty comfy, and the grips are solid.  It’s the details like that that show some definite thinking went into this blowgun, for sure.  And from what I heard, this was conceptualized by a grandfather looking for something cool to play with his grandkids.  And why not?

That being said, if you like blowguns this is not only made in the U.S.A, but it’s a new business that takes an old concept like the blowgun and adds just a little extra touch or two to it.  Even if blowguns aren’t your style, you’re getting a solid product with this.  There are other products out there for the same $$$ sure, but this you know someone directly took time to assemble and make sure every bit fits together.

Range-wise, you’re going to get typical blowgun ranges.  Depending on your lung capacity, body mechanics and angle of aim, you could get upwards of 150′ easily.  But to get good Rate of Fire on this takes practice, and you’d have to make sure to keep extra darts handy.  Reaching for your pocket can mean the difference between extended play and getting tagged out.  As for any dart issues, Nerf Dart Tag darts flew the best out of it, but it would fire pretty much any other dart, except for the yellow buzz bee darts.  Possibly because the wider collar on those darts interferes with the dart stop.

But yeah, how can you argue with a company that self-produces their own videos, too?

In any event, yay for small business and the spirit of entrepreneurship!

Review: JT Splatmaster – z100 & z200! (and a group shootout to boot!)

Splatmaster Playgroup – late 20-early 30 year olds, varying levels of experience with gas-powered paintball

Ah, paintball.  Flinging spheres of paint at 200-300 fps out of CO2 charged markers in games of combat, whether objective or elimination based, it’s a hobby that has had quite the following.  In Illinois, we have a truly unique field, CPX Sports that has a HUGE selection of fields.  And not just inflatables, but some include a full-on town (Bedlam), a burnt out city (Armageddon) and an ancient temple (Jungle of Doom).  What does all this have to do with JT Splatmaster, from JT Paintball?

JT Splatmaster wanted a review, and CPX was willing to let me bring a group over to play and give some feedback on both the JT Splatmaster markers and the field itself.  And on that note, let’s take a look at the markers.  Also available are a bevy of accessories, and you can read more about those HERE

First, the  JT SPLATMASTER Z100 PISTOL($29.99):

With barrel plug inserted; and pullback assistance handle attached.
A look at the magazine (7 shots)

Included:

  • Z100 marker x 1
  • Pullback assist handle x 1
  • Barrel plug x 1
  • Instruction manual x 1 
  • Magazine for the marker x 1 (additional magazines sold separately)

WHAT ABOUT IT?
Right off the bat, I knew this thing wasn’t a toy.  Sure, you had “paintball” things like the old lever-action Supasplats and others like those, but they did not feel NEARLY as solid as the Splatmaster markers.  The outside is a really durable and tough, thick plastic.  At least, I think it’s plastic.  Either way, this thing will take a beating.  There’s a button for a magazine release and  a safety switch (a proper one-touch switch; not the continuous hold like on the BlasterPro line), which adds to the feel, aesthetics, and usage of the marker.

The magazine holds 7shots, and primes by pulling back the side on the top, if you can use a Maverick, you can use this.  It’s definitely longer than a maverick and heavier, but it’s also much easier to holster.  Magazines are going to be sold separately.  I found the pullback assist handle not that easy to attach and it came off when I pulled it, so I just left it off.  Still a lot of fun to shoot though, I just wish I had more mags on-hand.

Next, the JT SPLATMASTER Z200 SHOTGUN ($39.99):

 Included:

  • Z200 marker x 1
  • Barrel plug x 1
  • Cleaning rod x 1
  • Instruction manual x 1

This was the marker we used for the duration of the day.  15 shots, pump-action, and breech loaded (even had a floppy trap door over the breach, nice touch!  It also has a safety switch but no other buttons.  You can see it has tactical rails, as I attached a camera to it.  It’ll accept picatinny mounts, so if you have’em, use’em!  Word has it that additional accessories are in the works, so keep your eye out for them.  Additional accessories such as ammo packs, targets, and safety equipment are all located here.  One recommendation from Hustle paintball is to use the 50 count grenade container to hold spare ammo, and there is a nozzle on that and the 200 paintball container to assist in loading through the breech of the Z200 swiftly.  This too is built incredibly solid, and I just wish it had a stock.  Maybe in a later marker.

GENERAL THOUGHTS:
 These have been chrono’d at 120-130 fps, drastically less than their gas-powered siblings.  Even at that rate though, it is wise to treat these as you would any other paintball marker, including using a full mask and goggles when playing in a player vs player game.  For target practice, you can get away with just using the goggles.  Safety first, and it’s usually a good policy to have eye protection on when playing with any toys that shoot.
That being said, these things were a lot of fun!  The group had limited experience playing paintball, some a handful of times and others not at all.  The general consensus was everyone enjoyed the decrease in pain (I told everyone to layer up as they would playing normal paintball) and the much more limited ammo available.  Instead of a full hopper, you had only the 15 rounds to make it in a round (none of us had extra ammo holders available, although some risked keeping spare ammo in their pockets.  I know, I know >_<)  People could run and charge at each other without getting tagged 5 or 10 times from a hail of paint.  Would we do it again?  Sure!  Will this kill paintball?  No!  It'll get more people interested at least, and this is a bang-up way to introduce them to the sport.  Whether 9 or 29, this is a good thing for people looking to play something a little different without feeling beaten up.  These things definitely stung enough to let you know you got hit, but no worse than getting a bad insect bite.  I've been punched harder than these things put out.

It was definitely nice to try some new strategies rather than just lay out paint, and JT is definitely onto something here.  Hopefully, we’ll see even more new markers next year.  Between the solid build, the fps, and the accuracy (these things definitely hit 50′ in a better cluster than I thought, but 100′ is still a max range, and it’s hard to hit anything then.

Interestingly, no ammo with the markers.  Considering how fussy paint balls can be, I shouldn’t be surprised.  It is much easier to regulate temperature and shipping conditions when you separate the products.  Also, the goggles and masks are sold as separate units, to reinforce that younger players should work their way up to playing Player vs. Player games.  Parents, this would be one way to incentivize proper blaster/marker safety.  They can’t PvP without earning their way up to the mask.  Also, some paintball fields might have these for rent:  rentals are different colored from the markers at retailers to prevent theft.  Rentals pistols are red, while the shotguns are blue.  Vice versa for consumer markers.  This does not mean consumer markers are different, just a different shell but they all perform the same.

On that note, here’s a video of various footage I snagged during that day:

Considering the ranges and power these things do have, it’s definitely better to keep the play to the backyard.  You don’t have to worry about accidentally hitting someone unexpectedly which again, safety first.  Definitely nice not having to pick up ammo after myself for once, but it definitely pays to play in a proper field, with ammo that washes away/disintegrates.  Worth giving a try!

Ah well.  Questions?   Comments?  Feel free to post below or write: foamfromabove_AT_G_MaIL-DOT-COM