It wasn’t the best year to do Nerf events. Other than small, isolated events in parks or backyards with few people (and masks/sanitizer), it was difficult to use all the blasters. As a matter of fact, Im still behind on trying new versions of things (Sorry, Zing. I swear I love Marshmallow Blasters. ).
Even so, was, in many ways, the year thedart blasting hobby became accessible to the public. Many manufacturers entered the high-fps market, and many models were below. At the same, the low end of hobby (stock fps blasters) saw a significant shift towards Dart Zone, among other companies. And somehow, Ultra has grown on me. Here’s the deal!
Pay Less To Play
Over the past five year blaster tag has changed. Blaster modification has moved from traditional methods (homemade modifications, using spare parts and/or hardware), to complete internal replacements (motors and wiring). Although 3d printing offers a new dimension, it still requires time and money to make competitive blasters. Even if you have already paid the sunk costs of 3d printers.
This year, however, high-fps blasters have not only become widely available, theyve also found a place on store shelves. Dart Zone continues the Dart Zone Pro line, with the Mk1.1 coming out in February and the Mk2 coming out December. They are both premium blasters in price and construction, and can be ordered online through Targets website.
The Ceda S platform saw a resurgence with the release of the Gameface Prime this summer. The Velocity Outdoors version of that Jet blaster was quite enjoyable to use, even though I had many options. However, I’ve come to love the Prime’s ergonomics and comfort. The blaster found a home on shelves at sports and farm supply shops, where Velocity Outdoors (Crosman) has an established supply chain. It marked magazines (Quik Darts, Katanas) and short darts that were appearing on shelves.
Finally, Dart Zone hit us with even less expensive high performance base models, thanks to their partnership with Walmart. The Adventure Force Nexus Pro, the Aeon Pro, and the associated short darts all appeared on store shelves, to massive critical acclaim. for a 150fps primary, or for a 150fps large pistol? 100 darts that are reliable and easy to grab the day of the event. Although they don’t have as many upgrade options, they make it simple for newcomers to grab a blaster and start playing.
UltraImproves?
Yes, Ultra was not the best start. Many blasters didn’t meet the range claims. Even now, the packaging has lost the claims about accuracy. And yet, somehow, as more models have been released, Ultra has become more fun to use. The Three, while an ergonomic nightmare, is silly fun to use. Ultra Pharaoh is a powerful gun that can be removed from magazines and is very usable. Sure, the darts are still expensive, and I scour the grass after a fight to recover them all, but its become a lot more fun SPECIALLY With the Sonic Screamers
At the very least, I have reached the point that I will keep a small amount of Ultra darts and have a loadout ready to go for Humans v Zombies.
Will Ultra stick around? That question is still up for debate. However, I see at least another year.
Less Is MoreOr Sometimes Just Less
Hasbro is a pioneer in cheaper blaster manufacturing techniques. Hasbro even has a patent. First we saw Alpha Strike, the budget line that wasokay, but had some terrible ergonomics to start. It turns out that you can’t skeletonize blaster grips and still be comfortable. That line persists, and the process has translated over to the Elite 2.0 line. Everything from clipped/solvent welded bodies to plastic leaf springs where possible. Even so, this has led to a host of issues, from parts feeling cheap to magazine releases being painful to operate. Reviewers complained that blasters snapped too quickly. Even blasters with traditional designs, such as the Motostryke, are experiencing problems with the plastic springs and (in some instances) operational issues.
Dart Zone continues to produce new models at affordable prices and remix some of its older models.
Why get a Shockwave when you can pay to fire 40 darts from a Magnum X2 or a Villainator? Why get a Phoenix when the Spectrum performs better at the price point? Dart Zone is a smaller competitor and has the unique situation of being large enough to experiment (starting Dart Zone Pro), but small enough to make quality blasters to keep their market value. Even though they offer a unique flavor, their products aren’t terrible.
Meanwhile, you cant count out Buzz Bee Toys. The Spectrum may be slightly better to some, but its also online only. The Rebel Mech, which is priced at the same as the Spectrum, works well and comes with a 30-dart drum, is still available. And their other blasters continue to show up in various places.
Xshot doesnt innovate quite as quickly (the Dino Attack Line is a rehash of Bug Attack, even if it improves it), but items like the Crusher are hard to ignore. Zing has their own take on Marshmallow blasting.
