Zing Toys – Reviewing and taking a closer look at the Zing zCurve Huntress Bow, the Zombie Slayerz Bow, Air Storm Z-Tek Bow, Legends Longbow, Zoom (Zomp) Rocketz, and Sky Ripperz. Thank you to Zing for all the samples!
This is probably going to be a HUGE post, so how about some pictures?
zCurve bow: Zombie Slayerz, Huntress, Air Storm, and the original green.
Zoom (zomp) rocket
Zartz of various types.
Zing Sky Ripperz
HUNTRESS & ZOMBIE SLAYERZ (zCURVE BOW VARIANTS)
Zing Huntress
STATS: Price: $24.99 Includes: zCurve Bow, 3 Zartz (the arrows; 2 long range and 1 suction cup type) Range: 100+
The Huntress and Zombie Slayerz are new skins for the old zCurve, and that’s that. Still the same great bow, but but with a new look. Regrettably, no included arrow holder like they used to years ago.
Next, the zTek bow/Legends Longbow
The zTek bow is a bit smaller and doesn’t feel as powerful as the zCurve, but the ammo holders and overall feel of its own merit work pretty well. I t doesn’t feel like the bow has the same pull as the zCurve, but it is still pretty powerful and feels very sturdy and durable, what I’ve come to expect from Zing.
STATS:
Price: Approximately $29.99 (estimate, prices were all over the place online) Includes: zTek Bow, 3 Zartz (the arrows; 2 long range and 1 suction cup type, compatible with zCurve Bow and variants) Range: 100+
Interestingly, the zTek and Legends Longbow have the same feel. They also both have ammo holders in the same spots on either bow, the same enclosure for the rubber bands (the zCurve bands are exposed), and all fire the same ammo. The Legends Longbow seems to be a variant on the zTek bow. Either way, the ammo holders on the bow arms are nice to have.
Also, this part gets missed with the Zing bows I think – while you have the ability to pull back as far as you can (to hit upwards of 200+’ with zCurve bows) some caution must be recognized in the operation of the zing bows. Recommended directions state to NOT pull the bow all the way back, even for target practice. But people will want to anyway, and shoot at each other/targets with full strength. Use caution and be responsible.
Next, there are the Zomp (Zoom) Rocketz – Zimple enough.
STATS: Price: Approx. 19.99 Contains: 1 Launcher (some assembly required) 3 Zoom (Zomp) Rockets – I have versions that use either name, so that’s why I’m using both.
Air bladder connected via hose to a tube where a rocket is slid on and then propelled via air when the bladder is stomped on. They say 200’+ is possible, but I had a hard time getting to even 170′. I would like to try having 30or 40 of them, and seeing what happens when everyone stomps at once. Being able to have different angles to aim the rocket is a neat little feature, and some kids would especially get a kick out of this, I think. Nerf game wise, this might make for a good objective with the right rules set.
SKY RIPPERZ
And one of my favorites from the Zing line, the Sky Ripperz. Possibly upwards of 200′ with these, and so simple yet so powerful. A handle with a rubber loop is all that’s used in launching these, and hooking the rocket onto the tubing.
In the end, the Zing Toys may seem a bit pricey initially, but definitely well worth it for the quality construction and time you’ll spend perfecting your technique and your aim (hopefully outdoors when possible!) Also, with the Hunger Games “Catching Fire” in theaters, wouldn’t you want to tap into your inner Katniss? In Nerf games we count these as large ammo rounds to eliminate/break shields, so implementation is what you make of it. I personally am a big fan of Zing’s products and whether I would use these on the field or not, target practice is always fun. In the end, the choice is yours but whatever color your bow, may the odds be ever in your favor.
Sorry about the dearth of info here. I’ve been posting a blaster-a-day on Facebook but I have admittedly fallen behind on reviews, posting, everything! But with good reason. I’ve got a lot of off-the-net stuff going on that will bring better content here. There’s a method to the madness! And it starts where I really got a good start, where everything pretty much changed and I went from just writing to writing with a bit more of a purpose: New York City. It was where I went when the Stampede was released at my first Nerf release party, and now I head out there for my 3rd go at New York Toy Fair.
While Nerf is always on my visit list, there’s always a few others that I’ve found along the way. And I’ll be posting it all right here and on Youtube as I can! I’ll have a full list of the blaster/shooty related companies I’ll be visiting, but of course I’ll take some photos and everything of whatever else along the way I find interesting. Specialization is for insects, remember that.
HOWEVER, I am a bit behind on posting info from the fine folks at Nerf (Basic Nerf posted his info already) but what’s one more source? That’s why Nerf reaches out to me, eh?
NERF N-STRIKE BLAZIN’ BOW Toy
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2013)
Who’s ready for more NERF action? Send NERF foam arrows soaring across the sky with the NERF N-STRIKE BLAZIN’ BOW toy. The BLAZIN’ BOW toy features an authentic pull-back bow design that you simply pull back, aim, and release to fire the NERF foam arrows. The BLAZIN’ BOW toy can hit targets from up to an impressive 40 feet away, and comes complete with integrated storage for two additional foam NERF arrows. Includes three NERF foam arrows. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
Also, it looks like the Nerf Stockade is finally hitting American shores, but only at Wal-Mart:
NERF N-STRIKE ELITE STOCKADE Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $21.99/Available: Fall 2013) With motorized blasting capability, the STOCKADE blaster utilizes features such as a rotating 10-dart barrel and a removable stock with storage for 10 extra darts. The N-STRIKE ELITE STOCKADE blaster comes complete with 10 N-STRIKE ELITE darts as well was a removable stock accessory with storage for ten additional darts (sold separately). Blaster requires three “AA” batteries, not included. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart nationwide.
The descriptions for the Jolt and the Nerf Reflex (Eliminator) don’t contain 75′ range info, so it looks like the discerning eyes of some readers was correct that while the paint jobs are new, the ranges for those are not.
Then the new Nerf Vortex:
NERF VORTEX REVONIX360 Blaster
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2013) Amp up freestyle foam blasting performance with the NERF VORTEX REVONIX360 blaster which achieves the farthest VORTEX distance yet, up to 70 feet! This disc blaster features new, awesome deco and has a revolving drum that rotates each time you fire the blaster. Plus, the SLAM FIRE Handle gives you total control over your rate of fire – blast a single shot or hold the trigger down and slide the handle repeatedly to unleashan unstoppable stream of discs. Includes 30 multi-color XLR discs. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
I’m not even sure where to start with that, but I’m intrigued!
There was some Nerf Sports info, but THIS CAUGHT MY EYE:
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FLYER Set (HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2013) Featuring the innovative Microprism technology and a comfortable grip, the FIREVISION SPORTS FLYER set will keep your competitive disc game with friends going even as the sun goes down. Whether a hardcore game or practicing with a friend, you’ll be at the top of your game with the FIREVISION SPORTS FLYER disk! Includes one FIREVISION SPORTS flyer disk and one pair of FIREVISION FRAMES eyewear. FIREVISION FRAMES eyewear require 4 “A76” batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
And it looks like a frisbee. (will get a pic to post later). So, Nerf (Tron) Firevision?
Either way, there’s going to be plenty to see at New York Toy Fair, stay tuned and thanks for coming by!