Ammo Capacity: 100 (50 rounds on each side of the magazine)
Range: 100′
Features:
Removable stock, sight(s), LED light on the front (all picatinny compatible)
New style magazine (Interesting note, the Havok magazine will work in the Predator, but the Predator magazine is not backwards compatible)
New style cradle, a lot more robust than the original. This one features a HUGE metal screw to fix the mobile device holder in place.
Old style cradle
New style cradle
The prototype fired using the pump grip (edit: there will be trigger this time, the Predator will only fire using the pump grip. The trigger shown in the picture is for the light) and it had some heft. The rubber end of the stock was great as before, so no complaints there.
As has been the case from the beginning, the folks at Tek Recon I spoke with (Harold, Steve, and Graeme) were all receptive to my critiques to the Hammer Head and Havok, and reminded me that information like that is important to their design process. As their first foray into blasters, they realize there’s work to be done, and they welcome it. For the record, did you answer their request for suggestions on Facebook?
As previously reported, there aren’t just new blasters but ammo types as well in the works. These will either affect rate of fire or range, so we’ll just have to see. As it looks, Tech4Kids is still strongly behind Tek Recon to bring the best experience for the players. Judging from Toy Fair, their energy into the brand is on the right track, and I’m looking forward to seeing this in the Fall in its Final Form.
Tek Recon broke out at last year’s Toy Fair with it’s app, new styled, reusable rubber ring NRG ammo, and promises of high capacity and high ranges mixed with video game FPS action. The Hammer Head and the Havok generated a lot of buzz via Kickstarter and E3, with some astounding community outreach there and throughFacebook.
That was the past though, and now for New York Toy Fair 2014, Tek Recon brings you… the Predator. They sent out a press release around this AM, and here are some highlights!
From the press release –
“The Predator features rapid slam firing, with ranges exceeding 100 feet. It holds up to 100 ‘NRG’ rounds, more than any other reusable ammo blaster. To help enhance the Tek Recon experience, a newly designed magazine that allows for rapid loading firing will be introduced to enhance the battle experience. The Predator comes equipped with six accessories; including scopes and LED targeting technology that can be customized and mounted on tactical rails. ….In addition to the Predator blaster, new accessories for 2014 include different performance ‘NRG’ rounds, like Long and Soft shots. These special rounds come in a variety of colors and provide more customization for the fans.”
So there you have it. The special rounds of varying styles that dartblaster.de showed, and a new blaster. I’m guessing I’ll get a look at the new cradle too. Should make for an interesting Toy Fair and year in blasters overall. Thoughts? I got some clarification, and they’re referring to this being more rounds than any other Tek Recon blaster, as the Hailfire has a max of 144 rounds.
Anyway, thoughts? How have you liked Tek Recon thus far?
5 PM! I think EST (their HQ in Toronto, Canada, after all) so plan accordingly!
They’re at 41k now, so the kickstarter campaign with 10 days to go is ALMOST THERE! Here’s hoping this contests puts it over the top.
EDIT:
THE RULES
“Tek Recon Troops, we’ve raised over $42K which means we’re 82% funded on Kickstarter (http://kck.st/ZLhk9x). If we reach $50K by Sunday night (11:59PM). We’re going to GIVEAWAY 2 FREE Limited Edition Black Chrome Havoks! These are worth $250 each!
All you have to do to enter is: 1) Share this post on your wall and encourage your friends to check us out and buy a blaster. Tag a friend you think would like our page! 2) Tell Kickstarter on Facebook or email (press@kickstarter.com) what you love most about Tek Recon (be sure to tag us).
Monday morning we’ll announce the 2 random winners so make sure we know you’ve entered and done the above!
Tek Recon released a first look at the beta of their gaming app today, showcasing how the devices will interact in gameplay and a peek at some of the powerups, scopes, sound effects, gametypes, AMMO COUNTER, etc. I’m really curious how the Medic and Drone powerups are going to work, as I’m assuming hits and removal from gameplay is still on the honor system.
The other question is will players have to use their data plans when wi-fi isn’t available. And if the “host” of the game’s device freezes up, I assume the game drops out?
All in all though, the Tek Recon line is looking sharper and sharper with each update, and on top of that they are now just under $20,000 of their goal! (As of this writing, they are at $34,000.)
Some other quick notes – if the original metallic green isn’t your color, check out the “Agent Orange” pack (as suggested by a backer, showing how Tek Recon once again is taking early feedback very seriously)!
Don’t forget, continue to email/tweet/Facebook kickstarter to get Tek Recon on their weekly email blast! It’s going to need all the help it can get to hit goal to finish the race!
Fresh update from Tek Recon. Pretty much says it all right there. And holy crap. A proper semi-auto trigger pull OR pump-action fires the blaster, you can use either mode. The pump-action works a bit better for rapid fire, while the trigger I guess allows for that steady shot.
What I wonder is if there is a range distance between either mechanism, as that is what it sounded like in some earlier updates. No priming the blaster like a shotgun then pulling the trigger as I initially reported/thought, but just straight up semi-auto action. No flywheels, no priming, no additional steps. Just point and shoot. Havok or Hammer Head, take your pick.
Well done, Tek Recon. Well done.
KICKSTARTER STATUS:
$19,000+ raised with 24 days to go! Not too shabby at all.
And from their FAQ:
“I have had a number of questions as it relates to the NRG Rounds with there performance and safety. First off know that the product will meet all the safety requirements for CPSIA, CHPA and EN protocols. The NRG Rounds not only describes the shape and performance of the product but stands for: N – Non Marking R – Reusable G – Gaming They make a firm impact but are safe There will be refills available and they will retail for $4.99 for a pack of 25 units.”
Got word of this from the fine folks at Tek Recon – they’re launching a little early, and ON KICKSTARTER. I’ll let them explain in the press release below.
“TEK RECON: BRINGING VIDEO GAMES TO LIFE! One of the most anticipated product launches of 2013 hits KICKSTARTER on May 9th
TORONTO, May 8, 2013 – TEK RECON, one of the most anticipated new product launches of 2013 will be available for the first time through KICKSTARTER.COM on May 9th @ 8am eastern standard time. The goal of the KICKSTARTER campaign is designed to further enhance the development of the TEK RECON blaster and free app, and to get the product into the hands of early adopters and key influencers helping to create the first real life online video game. Through the course of 31 days fans will be able to fund the project through purchasing product, exclusive rewards, and bid on great prizes that include appearances in the television commercial and an all expense paid trip to present at E3; all contributing towards our KICKSTARTER funding goal of raising $50,000.
“Bringing TEK RECON to market through this KICKSTARTER project is the most ambitious and exciting launch in our company history,” stated Brad Pedersen President and CEO of TEK RECON Inc. “Two years ago we set out on a mission to bring video games, online connectivity and social interactive play together through innovation and great product design. The outcome, TEK RECON has come to life and created a phenomenal play experience that has exceeded our expectations.”
Gamers, adventure seekers and fans of technology, we need your help to create a revolutionary new way to connect and play video games with your friends IN REAL LIFE! Get off the couch and into the game with the newest and most realistic way to blast away on the field or anywhere. TEK RECON Blasters feature a first of its kind design with real trigger action and specially designed reusable “NRG Rounds” that blast up to 75 feet.
To optimize the battle and team experience TEK RECON developed a free “Real-Life Online Gaming” app to enhance blaster battles. Simply connect your mobile device to the blaster to bring video game styled play to life through mobile and GPS technology. The free TEK RECON App will be available for iOS and Android devices, enhancing real battle experience through an interactive heads up display, live chat, vision modes, and more.
The time is now to be one of the first to experience Real Life Online Gaming and change the way you play. For more information on this product and KICKSTARTER campaign please visit TekRecon.com.”
A look at the OS of the Tek Recon app
The Tek Recon Hammer Head. Approx. $19.99, 30 round capacity in a mag in the handle.
The Tek Recon Havok blaster, pump-action. Approx. $34.99 as of the listing I saw at Toy Fair. 90 round capacity last I saw.
So there you have it. On May 9th Tech4Kids (makers of Tek Recon) is willing to let fans endorse the product, assist in the development, and in return you can get the blaster early, or any number of other bonuses, including possibly a trip to E3? Interesting, indeed!
Tek Recon wants to make sure they get the blasters done properly, so here they are opening up to the wonderful world of crowdfunding. Their kickstarter page launches May 9th, so if you’ve been yelling “TAKE MY MONEY” since news on Tek Recon first came out, here’s your chance.
Between the interactivity of the mobile app, the new ammo type, and some of the neatest touches when it comes to aesthetics and user experience, I’m intrigued to try it out and see how it all works. I’ve been itching to get a more in-depth look at this since New York Toy Fair, and it looks close, so, so close.
I’ll post the link once the kickstarter goes live and definitely keep an eye on Tek Recon’s Facebook Page.
Onward, to May 9th! And good luck to Tek Recon in making this work!
Foam From Above 