Tag: stampede

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, a closer look

WHOA!  TOO CLOSE!

Better!

STATS:

  • Available now at most major retailers
  • Approx. $39.99
  • Requires 4 “C” batteries (Not included, thank you to Lord Damian for catching the original error.)
  • Flywheels
  • Includes:
    • 1 x Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18
    • 1 x Clear 18 round magazine
    • 18 Nerf N-Strike Elite Streamline darts
  • Range
    • 50′-75′, depending on dart quality, battery power, angle, etc.
  • Special features

    • Flip-up sight, extendable stock, various tactical rails and sling points (though I really think there’s only one)
    •  

ANALYSIS:

Let’s take a quick look at where we’ve been.  Nerf Stampede video from the VERY FIRST release party, so many years ago.

Yikes.  Nice to see the quality has (kind of?) improved since then.  

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 (as seen in the video at the beginning) is a vast improvement over the Nerf N-Strike Stampede from about 3 years ago.  The Stampede had a direct plunger, but it was big, bulky, hit only 30-40′ maybe, and it was a bit back heavy if you were a younger kid (6 D batteries!) and a bit slow on the rate of fire.  Personally, I found that I’d lead a target using half a magazine (9 shots, and the blaster was stock) before getting a hit.

The Rapidstrike doesn’t have that problem.  It hits Elite ranges, is smaller, lighter, and fires faster.  Even though the Rapidstrike uses flywheels, I can pinpoint a bit better with this and waste less ammo.  Streamlines being streamlines, I don’t expect super accuracy out of them (even Elite ones) so that’s not a concern for me.  But the groupings seem pretty decent all the same, even with full auto.  I found the trigger pull responsive, and no lag like there was waiting for the Stampede to prime and fire.  It’s a fraction maybe faster, but Nerf tag is a game of inches and seconds in Rate of Fire.  Every little bit helps.  Swapping out mags was smooth, and I recommend 18 round straight mags. 

That being said about magazines, here’s the thing – I ran into some issues with reliability.  It got some actual gameplay (hi Des Plaines!  More on that in  another blog post) I used primarily 18 round straight magazines (like the clear one it came with and 3 others.  2 worked (includes the clear) and the others did not.  Further testing is required to see how far the rabbit hole goes about this, so expect a response video to my initial firing test.  I’ll also update this blog post.  Need to test drums, and different generations of the 6 round mags too.

Also, adjusting my grip, I hit the mag release once unintentionally.  When things are moving fast, that might be an issue for some people and they will lose the magazine.  Typically the magwell has been strong enough to not drop the mag on me, but it did once so far.  Depending on your mag, it might drop.  Depending on your mag, it might jam.  In this instance, the location of the release is cool, but the classic orientation on the sides might have made more sense.

Mag release is right behind the magwell.  You might hit it trying to avoid revving the accelerator trigger.

Does that justify a $39.99 purchase?  Considering the fun I’ve had using this (when it works) and that stores have a return policy, maybe.  It really is a ton of fun as a blaster and having something full auto is a welcome function I’ve missed with the Elite line so far.  Slam Fire just isn’t quite the same.  Hopefully my videos are a bit helpful in making a decision, but ultimately it rests on you as a player to see if this is your style.

Aesthetically, this blaster made me think of the carbine from “Aliens” and the adjustable stock made it either comfortable or usable for closer quarters.  Also… the accelerator trigger means dual wieldings 🙂  And that makes all sorts of things awesome:)  Happy hunting!

Questions?  Comments?  Did I miss something?  Need more info?  Shoot me a message!  

Female-centric: Toy blaster companies, you’re missing out!

Happy Sunday (or Monday) y’all.  It’s been tough to pull away from all the Nerf Elite news that’s been exploding across the internet, especially since it looks like the Nerf Retaliator and the Rampage have already hit shelves in some areas.  Not that that’s surprising, as there has always been a hiccup or two with the early release of blasters.  A Nerf Longshot was first spotted in a comic book store way before release, the Stampede, Vortex, Raider, all of it.  Some places do, others don’t.

ANYWAY, back to what the title of the blog is about; showing that our hobby is not just a gigantic boys’ club.  I’ve had the “Foamme Fatales” gallery running for a good couple years at least, showing that Girls Nerf Too.

More after the jump…. (GIRLS NERF TOO)

Found at Panels on Pages http://panelsonpages.com/?p=46678 – featuring cosplayer SlvrWolfang

Overall though, Nerf and other foam blaster toys still feature predominantly male imagery, as pointed out in this article from TotalFanGirl.com

“… Are these the quintessential “boys toys” and girls don’t like them? Obviously not, since I know countless girls that own them and in their launch party video there were women who were clearly having just as much fun as the guys at the party…”

and it’s true!  Having been to the launches myself, I meet plenty of ladies who are having a kick out of the blasters and shooting them around.  It’s where a majority of the Foamme Fatales came from, actually.  When I’m out and around and I see girls actually playing with these blasters and try to capture that in pictures.  Even the meetup group, TTAGS and with our appearance at Carol Stream, girls play and get just as much into it as the boys. 

NDTL, meetups, the market is there. I’ve seen plenty of photos from Australian groups (hey, Canberra!  Riverina!) where the girls are all done up in war paint, tactical geared up, and it’s great to see.

What does it all mean?  Not just Nerf, but all the blaster companies out there need to take note.  Light strike only involve males in their commercial, and even Buzz Bee commercials I’ve seen have had all boys.  The only blaster system that’s had female representation in their commercials?  Xploderz.  And well… that’s about all I’m going to say about them.  But heads up, toy companies I think you’re missing out.  I know my niece would like to see a bit more female representation coming out of the sample boxes I get.  Just as it is awesome to talk shoppe with the other Nerf bloggers I meet at the launch party, there is a definite lack of female representation while we do our roundtables on the industry when we meet.

I posted this link on facebook, and I wanted to just further drive the point home with this vid, an 11 year old girl reviewing a Nerf Stampede ECS –

So let’s try to show that there’s more than just boys in all this!  If you’re a female Nerf blogger, let me know!  (Yes, Nerfenstein I see you too:) )  I’ll add you to my links!  Ya know, if your blog has recent/consistently updated content and is a good read, just like everyone else I link to. 🙂  Send in pics to be in the Foamme Fatale gallery!  Get loud!

See you on the field.

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 REVEALED! FIRST LOOK AT THE "NITRON"

It’s live! http://facebook.com/nerfnation

Check the “Nerf Vortex” tab. The video features a rifle-looking blaster, with a clip, that fires discs. What you see might be called the Nitron and I think I see a pistol on the ground as well. Enjoy the video, and I guess we’ll see more popping up on the Nerf Facebook page as time goes on!

SO, you have clip system blasters vs. disc-clip system blasters? Not gonna lie, that range looked pretty long. And the ammo seemed to fly pretty straight.

A Year Under the Barrel II: Nerf and other related foam blasters in 2010

What at year. So much has changed and happened this year, both in regards to this blog, other blogs, and playing with Foam Blasters. Nerf, Lanard, and BuzzBee remain major players but when there’s this kind of buzz the true winners are the end users, you and me that head to the stores to see what’s new.

For at least the last 2 years, FoamFromAbove (and other sites, as I’m sure you’ve heard) started working with Nerf, releasing official press releases and information as it comes down the pipe. What this means though is you won’t catch rumors, pictures, and vids of stuff that has not officially come from those we work with, or even mods to said blasters. That’s why I was able to put out pics of the original clear series last year before they fully hit stores(

From Recently Updated

)

and the initial US shots of the Stampede back in July at a media-only release event: (FFA IZ MEDIA)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Two years running now, and the champs from last year repeated! Who’da thunk? Here’s hoping there’s a year 3, and good luck to NARF at getting another shot! (I’m from IL, I support the hometown guys!)

Not to say BuzzBee’s been quiet on their end, either! Some of the more notable releases this year had to be the

Hunter

The Powerstrike

And most recently, the Hawk. (Check out http://nerfornothing.blogspot.com for images!)

And what about 2011? See me again in January, and we’ll talk then! Some pretty big news in the works, and hopefully some tweaks to the site itself. In the meantime, thank you so much for your patronage, and visiting this little blog about silly toys and blasters.

Oh, and my fave blaster of 2010? The Stampede was close, but I think the barricade might have stolen the year for me. Anyone who has seen “Hard-Boiled” with Chow-Yun Fat knows exactly what I’m talking about.

‘Til next time, remember to throw your blaster games how you wanna throw’em, and let the attendees sort it out.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

P.S. I ignored commenting at length on the lawsuit Hasbro/Nerf filed on competitors BuzzBee and Lanard, as I’m really not qualified to do so. Hasbro won, and I’ll leave it at that.

ATTENTION HOLIDAY SHOPPERS: NERF STAMPEDE ECS VALUE PACK

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

If you haven’t found your way to a Costco yet, you might want to make a point of doing that pretty soon. The Nerf Stampede was reported there in a special bundle!

For the relatively similar price you’d get at Target or Wal-Mart you get 4 (instead of 3) 18 round magazines, 2 (instead of 1) 6 round magazines, a bandolier AND carrying strap, 100 darts and the Stampede/shield/bipod. Batteries still not included. HOWEVER, quantities were limited, so make sure to call ahead if your store has any left. GET ON IT!

NEW NERF BLASTER OFFICIAL – BARRICADE REV-10

Word from Nerf finally happened, and although SG and Kevinericon broke the news months ago, I’m finally allowed to discuss and comment on the NEW NERF BARRICADE REV-10 BLASTER!

NERF N-STRIKE BARRICADE RV-10 Blaster

· Motorized, semi-automatic Nerf blaster

· Revolving barrel

· Holds up to 10 sonic whistle darts

· Compatible with the Tactical Rail System and alternate N-Strike stocks.

· Will be available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com

So the word is it’s flywheel, but suprisingly good for a flywheel! I’m going to reserve judgment on it until I have one in each hand (yes, I’m going to dual-wield) but until I have one that’s all I can do. I’m excited for this blaster, as it enables me to not need both hands to operate the blaster. More when I finally get one!

-VasTheStampede