Nerf Holiday buying Guide Part 2: Nerf Vortex and Gear Up!!

The Nerf brand’s been busy this year, releasing a whole bunch of things.  The N-Strike line had a couple of repaint offerings, in the Gear Up and Whiteout series

along with additions to the transparent green Sonic Series (Barrel Break, Barricade, Longstrike, and Stampede)

Ultimately, if you know someone who HAS GOTTA catch’em all, then go nuts on the repaints.  Performance-wise I didn’t notice much difference from the original releases so there’s nothing new feature-wise here.  The real draw is following Nerf’s “it looks cool!” policy because I’ll admit, the neon green and whiteout paint jobs look pretty darn cool.

Main event:  the new Nerf Vortex line as the centerpiece! 
Find prices and more on my previous post here:  NERF VORTEX BREAKDOWN

“XLR” disc technology = increased ranges and a new clip system.  The discs are made of a plastic disc with a foam rim.  The discs fly pretty well, but they do carry in a high wind outside.  Honestly, so do darts.  How much of this is a problem for you is up to you.

Yes, this also means yet ANOTHER ammo type to start collecting in large quantities, but for what it’s worth the discs are not only soft, but they seem pretty durable.  The guys at Adult Fans of Nerf did an informal “stomp test” at the release party, and the discs did not squish very badly at all.  The clips with the Praxis and the tactical kit have a 10 round capacity, but the Nitron comes with a 20 shot clip (2 of them if you can find the special Wal-Mart only package.)

The increased ranges are pretty awesome considering previous Nerf offerings, albeit there have been reports of some user issues.  Some key points to keep in mind are to not be a spaz when using the blasters.  Make sure you perform a complete motion manipulating foregrips, triggers, slides, or other priming mechanisms when using the blasters.  Moving too fast is what causes mechanisms to grind.  It’s a new dimension to add to gameplay, and maybe worth your time this holiday season.  Aesthetically and ergonomically speaking, I really enjoy using the Praxis.  The stock is a little flimsy compared to the Raider’s, but the pump-action and general feel of the blaster is very comfy.  The pump-action makes aiming a little more consistent than with bolt-action or pull-back blasters for me, so this works for my playing style.  The only problem is what I have with N-Strike blasters, reloading the clips can slow down the action at a game when you run out.  Little details like the thumb-release on the Proton and the Praxis are those indicators that Nerf did go the extra mile in designing the blaster’s exterior.

Questions?  Comments?  Let me know, otherwise see you next time for my overview of the N-Force line!  Also find me on twitter: @vasthestampede!

nerf vortex disc, test throw!

Throwing a Vortex disc to see how it flies. There was a slight breeze. Throwing is by no means a proper test to check the flight of the discs, as the actual launch systems may be more awesome and exact than this! i will reserve final judgment until i get to look at them up close.

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Word is out! NERF GEAR UP SERIES

GET READY

From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom

Alright, Nerf’ put some fine pics on their facebook page regarding the new Nerf “Gear Up” series of repaints. Let’s take a quick look down memory lane to back in February when I got a close look at the blasters. The new series is just a repaint, nothing new or revolutionary has been done on the blasters, they’re just a snazzy new orange and black tigerstripe paintscheme.

From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom
From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom
From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom
From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom
From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom

So there you go – a brand spanking new Raider, Recon, Barricade and Maverick for the completionist in all of you! Ready to be unleashed around August 1 at major retailers! This line isn’t supposed to be a store-exclusive like the Sonic Series, so keep your eyes peeled!

OH HEY HOW DID THAT SHOT GET HERE.

From ToyFair2011 – Hasbro Showroom

04/11/11 – DAY OF REVELATION – NERF VORTEX

“Listen up, Nerf Nation, we know you’re anxious to find out everything you can about the new Nerf Vortex. 9.10.11 is just too far away, and we don’t want to keep you waiting.

Here’s the deal. On Monday April 11th we will reveal information, photos and a video of the entire all-new Nerf Vortex line – exclusive to fans of the Official Nerf Facebook page. Think of it as a huge “THANK YOU” to each and every member of Nerf Nation. RSVP now to get all the latest updates, and be sure to tell all your friends to “Like” the page so they don’t miss out!

Once you see what we have up our sleeves, you’ll be counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds til you can Gear Up for 9.10.11. The latest in Nerf evolution has arrived.”

So remember: http://facebook.com/nerfnation for all the Nerf Vortex news on 04/11/11 (does 4/11 = 4-1-1 = info? Probably a happy coincidence, and that’s U.S.-wise!)and pics! Yes, video too. See you there, Nerf Nation!