NERF VORTEX REVEAL – ONLY ON FACEBOOK

Got a facebook account? Like Nerf? Make sure to check their page, and hit that “Like” button!

The grand reveal of the Nerf “Vortex” line (not even shown at Toy Fair)is going to be revealed for a little while on the Nerf Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/NerfNation

Videos, pics, and more! Revealed when?

APRIL 11th. Just enough time to get us ready to “Gear up” and keep waiting for the latest in Nerf material.

Remember, hit up Facebook, find the Nerf Facebook page, and then hit that “Like” button. Tune in April 11th, and the new Vortex info should be there! Woo!

Personally? I’m inviting everyone 🙂

New FoammeFatale!

Say hi to ALP from Australia! Fresh off the FB page, girls Nerf too!

Thanks again, ALP for letting me use your pic as another great addition to our “FoammeFatales!”

Want to be featured in this gallery, ladies or friends of ladies? Get some shots of yourself at play with Nerf or other foam related blasters and send’em to foammefatale@gmail.com! Once again, pics will NOT be selected if they are overly sexual/scantily clad/yadda yadda yadda. I’m not here to pander on this website!

-VasTheStampede

NEW NERF BLASTER ALERT: N-Strike Spectre REV-5 blaster

Here are the stats:

· N-Strike Spectre REV-5 blaster

· Combines fave features from the N-Strike Maverick REV-6 blaster and the N-Strike Recon CS-6 blaster

· Adjustable stock

· 5 dart rotating barrel with barrel extension

· Available exclusively at WalMart, October 2010

Yup, got this in my inbox today! So there you go, Target gets the Trooper, Toys R Us gets the Barrel Break, and WalMart gets the Spectre. See you in October!

– VasTheStampede

And lo, the story breaks – 09/09/10 blaster news?

Well, I first saw this on Nerfhaven and it looks like amazon.com and other vendors started listing for a toy called the….

Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS-50.

So what does this mean, besides Nerf finally naming a blaster after me? (A guy can dream, right?)

Well, naming conventions being what they are this thing’ll have 50 shots in some kinda automatic configuration (the listing says 6 “D” batteries needed, like the vulcan) and signs indicate clip system. It’ll be out 09/09/10, suggesting the initial “Big Blast” moniker was possibly a code name.

I’m going to avoid speculating, but this is actually pretty interesting, and exciting! I almost hope there’s an early release somewhere…

LET THE WILD RUMP-

Wait, no. LET THE SPECULATION BEGIN!

See you next time, but definitely at the release in September!

-Vas The Stampede (No, not like the Nerf blaster!)

A break in the products, get some POV

So once upon a time in the midwest there was a situation. Not like the Jersey Shore. This one involved the Midwest Nerf Community in the spirit that blasters are becoming more and more powerful. People one-upping each other in the pursuit of blasters that shoot faster, farther, and with a high rate of fire. In some respects, it’s been called an “arms race”. Feeling the need to get and create more powerful blasters so people will feel competitive.

There’s the perspective that banning guns and crying foul limits the creative aspect of modding blasters. Fair point. There’s also the thinking that’s all about going balls-out with skill to get every inch out of our foam kids’ toys in order to stoke the fire of competition. So you’ve got creative expression and the spirit of ingenuity here, some fine forces to consider when it comes to taking a toy and making something darn impressive out of it. However, there’s a problem in the perspective here. Exactly what is the goal?

Some go out to nerf to have a loose time being silly with kids’ dart blasters and doing epic dodges like “The Matrix”. Everyone can be Neo against a stock Nerf blaster. And I’ve played on both sides of the street, between heavily modded blasters hitting over 100′ and going up against stock blasters where a blowgun is the highest ranging blaster out there. Either way, I’m out there and playing my way and my style, usually with a shorter range blaster or in some cases a melee weapon for each hand. Why? Because it’s fun for me! Posting up by a tree or a teammate all day and plinking away at people is not my idea of an ideal day. I don’t go out with the express purpose to lose, but I am not out there where my only goal is winning at any cost and looking for any small measure of an advantage. I go for style points, if anything!

So what does all this mean? Well, there’s a lot of things. When it comes to Foam From Above, don’t look for modification writeups. Any mods I do to my blasters are minimal at best, and in some cases if I hit even 50-70 feet with a blaster that’s good enough for me. I like to rely on dodging and one day my awesome weapon blocking to save me in a confrontation, more than trying to be on the offensive with a high range blaster. I’ll cover news, product reviews, post a modded blaster now and again, or even do a firing test with a stock blaster. But if you want schematics and measurements on how to make your e-wang bigger, there’s plenty of other sources on the internet for that.

Alright, back to what Nerf and high powered everything means. I’m a big proponent of, “Your war, your rules” and whatever anyone says I’ll abide by if I go to the war.

And there’s the key phrase, “If I go.”

Say it with me now, “If I go.”

We, as attendees and Nerfers can always opt out! That’ll kill our social life in some respects but when you get to a certain age where your time and weekends are precious you really have to figure out how you want to spend it. And having a shitty time after you drove for awhile to a Nerf war is really low on the priorities list.

Another couple of things to keep in mind are what does Nerf mean to you; is it a sport? Something bigger? Milsim? Competitive event without rules and boundaries? I’m not one to judge but if you want competition then my thinking is Nerf’s got to be a sport to you. But in that case, what happens when someone adds grease to a baseball, or corks a bat? Those mods get you removed from the game. Why? It gives an unfair advantage to you. Sure, other people can! But it’s not the natural state of things. The truest test of a competitor shouldn’t come from the tools, but from the level playing field from the tools given to you by certain standards and the skills you bring to add to the tools. Not all skis are made the same way, but no one’s tried to do a Giant Slalom with rockets on.

You can say “not everyone’s darts are the same!” but they’re still the same basic construction. Maybe you’ll get a baseball glove that fits a little differently but it doesn’t have grooves or tacks on the inside for better grip. Because that’s a drastic modification that increases performance well beyond reasonable parameters as established by the nature of the sport.

The NDTL is a fine example of how competitive Nerf should be. Would I like to see something at 50′ rather than 20′? Sure. But that’s not the toy they’re making. They made a toy, and formed a decent competition structure around it but they still have to remember they make toys, not paintball markers. The blasters are pretty much stock and all built the same (minus whatever you toss on the tactical rail) and everyone’s using the same darts. There’s very little variation against the controls to skew the results save for the user. And I like that idea a lot. And with Nerf, you’re allowed to move more! I had to squat and roadie run SO much on the paintball field and that’s the nature of the beast there. With Nerf, there are so many more play styles available, and that’s what appeals to me most when I pick up my blaster and slip on my vision gear. I just wonder, “How’m I going to play today?”

And it won’t be long range.

But am I calling for an end to modifications? No, I’m calling for people to take stock of what exactly it is they’re doing out there and what they’re calling this fun little hobby. If it’s a sport, treat it as such where circumstances are considered SPORTING. And when distinct perspectives about what constitutes a fun day out on the field clash together, that’s where the line between attending and not attending becomes apparent.

Anyway, enough talk. Get out and Nerf!

Yours in foam,

Vas The Stampede

P.S. – We’re still looking for our first submissions for Foamme Fatales! Guys, get your girls! Girls, get your blasters! Submit photos to: FoammeFatale@gmail.com!

PRESS RELEASE

Hot off the internet:

HASBRO’S NERF BRAND DOMINATES TEEN SPORTS IN 2010 WITH INTRODUCTION OF ADVANCED N-STRIKE BLASTERS AND MORE

Special Edition NERF N-STRIKE Blasters Clear the Way for Much-Anticipated
N-STRIKE Blaster Launch on 9.9.10

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – February 25, 2010 – Hasbro, Inc.’s (NYSE:HAS) NERF brand continues to provide fans with the ultimate in exciting, high-action gear for competitive play in 2010. To celebrate and lead up to the 9.9.10 launch of the newest top secret N-STRIKE blaster, NERF will be transforming five of its most popular N-STRIKE products into Clear Series Special Edition Blasters featuring clear, deco styling.
“This year, NERF fans will experience great product advancements across all of the NERF segments and we’re especially excited about the introduction of the collectible Clear Series Special Edition Blasters,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, director of global marketing, Hasbro. “This new, unique series of blasters is the perfect way to honor some of our most popular N-STRIKE products and to clear the way for the newest blaster landing on 9.9.10!”
In addition to the brand’s N-STRIKE line advancements, the NERF brand will make waves this year by merging with the hydro-powered action of Hasbro’s SUPER SOAKER line to create NERF SUPER SOAKER water blasters. By combining top elements of both brand’s high-performance blasters, the new NERF SUPER SOAKER line will redefine and accelerate warm weather play this spring. The brand will also be launching a redesigned NERF SPORTS line featuring new product additions specially designed for competitors of all ages providing all the intensity, performance, and innovation that the NERF brand is known for.
Fans can also get in on all the NERF action by following us at, http://www.Facebook.com/NerfNation, http://www.YouTube.com/Nerf, and http://www.Twitter.com/NerfNation. With so many ways to rush the field this year, remember IT’S NERF OR NOTHIN’!

The 2010 N-STRIKE collection includes:

“CLEAR THE WAY FOR 9.9.10”
(Ages 8 years & up /Available: September 9, 2010)
Clear the Way for the newest N-STRIKE blaster coming on 9.9.10! First there was the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster, 25-dart, belt-fed, and fully automatic. Then the NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS-35 blaster hit the scene with its new, interchangeable drum magazine able to hold 35 darts. Now, continuing the incredible evolution of NERF blaster technology, the brand has created the most impressive NERF N-STRIKE blaster yet. NERF fans around the world will have to wait until 9.9.10 to see the unveiling of one of the most awesome and exciting blasters released in the NERF brand’s 40 year history!

NERF N-STRIKE Clear Series Special Edition Blasters
To Clear the Way for the latest and greatest NERF N-STRIKE blaster launch on 9.9.10, five of the most popular NERF N-STRIKE blasters in history will be showing fans, and their successors, exactly what they’re made of! Make sure to get your hands on these special edition, clear deco N-STRIKE blasters, including the NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS-35 blaster, the NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6 blaster, the NERF N-STRIKE MAVERICK REV-6 blaster, the NERF N-STRIKE DEPLOY CS-6 blaster, and the NERF N-STRIKE NITE FINDER EX-3 blaster, before the clear disappear! Each sold separately.

The 2010 DART TAG collection includes:

NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR Eyewear Assortment
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Get your head in the game with the NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear assortment! For the first time, the VISION GEAR eyewear is sold separately, in three unique colors. It’s never been easier to replace or upgrade your eyewear and get back in the game. NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR eyewear offers 99.9% protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as eye protection during DART TAG competition. The NERF DART TAG VISION GEAR assortment includes one pair of VISION GEAR eyewear (Navy Blue, White, or Charcoal Grey) and 16 DART TAG darts, for use with NERF DART TAG blasters. Each sold separately.

NERF DART TAG Fast Load Sleeve Accessory
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Reload faster with the NERF DART TAG Fast Load Sleeve accessory. This flexible, comfortable sleeve allows you to store extra DART TAG darts right at your fingertips giving you a competitive edge over your opponent. Comes complete with one DART TAG Fast Load Sleeve and 20 DART TAG darts for use with NERF DART TAG blasters.

NERF DART TAG HYPERFIRE One-Player Set
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $12.99/Available: Spring 2010)
For the first time ever, NERF is offering a stand-alone DART TAG blaster for true DART TAG athletes. The HYPERFIRE One-Player Set includes an all new look for the popular HYPERFIRE blaster plus one pair of super cool translucent VISION GEAR eyewear and 10 DART TAG darts for use with all NERF DART TAG blasters.

The 2010 NERF SPORTS collection includes:

NERF WEATHER BLITZ Flag Football Set
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Welcome to the next generation of flag football, NERF style! Forget fumbling with traditional “flags” and footballs that can’t keep up with your game. The NERF WEATHER BLITZ Flag Football Set comes complete with a NERF WEATHER BLITZ junior football and 16 clips which act as “flags,” offering 4-on-4 play in almost any condition. The new NERF Flag Football clip system is convenient and easy to use, letting you and your teammates stay focused on the winning play.

NERF CURVE PITCH Baseball Set
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Want to throw trick pitches like the pros? Make this season a homerun with the NERF CURVE PITCH Baseball Set. A unique felt patch located on one side of this specially designed “curve” ball creates a drag effect that, depending on how it’s held and thrown, will assimilate a specific pitch. Complete with a bat featuring a rubberized grip, the NERF CURVE PITCH Baseball Set is a fun way to help knock your stats out of the park.

NERF WEATHER BLITZ Flyer Disk
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $5.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Keep your friends on their toes and engage in fast, competitive field play with the new NERF WEATHER BLITZ Flyer Disk. Featuring NERF WEATHER BLITZ technology for enhanced grip, this weather-resistant competitive flying disk helps you hold on to your game and take the lead in all outdoor conditions. Weighing 175 grams and with a 10 ¾-inch diameter, this official sized competitive flying disk not only allows for better catching and throwing, but is built tough by NERF for everything from casual play to hard-core competition.

NERFOOP PRO Basketball Set
(Ages 8 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2010)
Take casual “over the door” basketball play to the next level with the new NERF NERFOOP PRO Basketball Set. Because the backboard of the NERFOOP PRO Basketball Set is designed to hang over almost any door, you can enjoy a game of NERF basketball with your friends or solo, anywhere at anytime! The backboard’s ultra durable rim invites endless slam dunks and a new basketball design means you can dribble the ball on almost any surface, from college dorm room carpet to your cubicle’s floor. The NERFOOP PRO Basketball Set comes with everything you need to amp up your indoor basketball game!

NERF VORTEX MEGA HOWLER Football
(Ages 5 years & up/ Approximate Retail Price: $8.99/Available: Now)
Go long! The NERF VORTEX MEGA HOWLER football is a sleek, tailed football perfect for that long distance pass. When this high-flying football is thrown it makes a cool whistling sound as it sails through the air. The NERF VORTEX MEGA HOWLER football features finger grips for easy throwing and catching. VORTEX – THE FARTHEST FLYING FOOTBALLS!

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Thanks to the nice folks who passed this along!

– Stampede!

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