Nerf News, Reviews, Related Blaster Products
Fired a few darts from my original Nerf N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18 and the new Nerf N-Strike Elite Alpha Trooper CS-12, and here’s what I got. From where I was standing, the original shot about 30′, while the Elite Alpha Trooper hit around 50′, at a pretty flat angle. Full review is being worked on!
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| Where the blasters lay denotes the cluster; original closer to camera than the Elite. The one Elite dart near the original was a ricochet that bounced back. |
Thanks to Extreme Nerf for the heads up on these videos – a couple of them about the Nerf N-Strike Elite Alpha Trooper! Recently posted, and it’s in German, but the posts are out there.
Unboxing:
Demo Range-testing/Firing of sorts: (angled a bit, some wind, but pretty cool all the same)
Enjoy!
And again, thanks to Extreme Nerf for finding and sharing.
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| From FFA_Alpha Trooper |
We’re looking at the Alpha Trooper CS-18 from Nerf’s N-Strike line. It can be yours for $20, and is a Target-only exclusive (at least US-wise as far as I know.) Info on this was released months ago, and only recently has the blaster finally hit stores.
Stats:
– Slam-fire mode, like the Raider CS-35
– No stock, but stock from other N-strike blasters (the Raider, for instance) can work.
– Comes with an 18 round drum magazine
Some shots:
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| From FFA_Alpha Trooper |
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| From FFA_Alpha Trooper |
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| From FFA_Alpha Trooper |
My Take:
I will admit, I knew it was going to be similar to the Raider, but this was ridiculous. The shell, with the exception of the pumphandle and the magazine location, were too close for my tastes. It felt like I spent $20 for the same blaster. Even with the (IMO) better underside location of the magazine it really did feel like another Raider.
Now now, don’t worry, some members of EPICNERF looked, altered, and battle-tested Troopers and told me there are some other notable differences. The performance right out of the box rivaled and possibly surpassed the ranges of a stock Raider. After some alterations, it was even better. The jamming wasn’t a problem, and the new pumphandle allowed for a Recon-style priming motion, in addition to the pump-action if that was your preferred motion. Not to mention the one-handed priming action, a la Linda Hamilton in “T2”.
Now, if you don’t own a Raider already, or are a collection completionist and have to have the 18 round drum, then this is for you. If you’re left-handed, you too will benefit from this blaster as the magazine release button is on both sides of the blaster. The lower cost, the 18 round drum is certainly less bulkier to handle than the 35 round drum, and holstering this blaster may be easier for you without the front grip that the Raider has. Dare I say it, this might even outrange a Raider so ultimately the decision’s up to you, foam fighter.
PHOTO GALLERY:
http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
Feedback? Questions? Comment below, or shoot me an email! FoamFromAbove@gmail.com
-VasTheStampede
P.S. – Yes, it came with ammo ;P
Here’s the new info I received in my inbox: You’ll see it pop up elsewhere over the next few days I’m sure!
Nerf N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18 Blaster
· Available August, 2010
· Target exclusive
· Features new 18 dart drum magazine
· Rapid Fire blasting ability
So there you have it. More info as it comes out!
-VasTheStampede
Foam From Above 
