2015 Nerf Roundup

As we come to the end of another year, let's take a look back at what 2015 brought us.
Nerf has released around 30 new (or variant) blasters among 10ish sublines, on top of 3 promotional Star Wars blasters.
Buzz Bee released a number of new blasters, but more importantly unveiled the Ultra Tek line, an Elite competitor, and a new Air Max line, a Mega competitor.
BoomCo released 8 new blasters, on top of securing a Halo license including another 5 new blasters.

Review: MGLW Hammershot Holster

Some time back I was contacted by Merchant Green Leather Works, offering to send a review sample of one of their products. I chose a Hammershot holster since my Sweet Revenges already have holsters, and some of my friends use Hammershots.

Many thanks to MGLW for sending this holster to me for review. As with all other reviews in such circumstances, their contribution will not bias the review.

Review: Buzz Bee Air Max Tyrant (80ft US) + Internals

Buzz Bee's Mega competitor, the Air Max line, has a massive flagship blaster in the form of the Tyrant. It embodies much of what people wanted in the Mega line, a large clip (mag) fed pump action blaster that was reliable and powerful. Has Buzz Bee achieved that?

Like with the other Buzz Bee Megas, many thanks to Buzz Bee Toys for sending the Tyrant to me for review. As usual, note that their contribution will not affect the review in any way.

Review: Nerf Rebelle Rapid Red (20m Aus grey trigger)

The Stryfe is one of the most popular Elite blasters, so it's no surprise that Nerf has remade it in a number of different forms. Perhaps the most unusual one is the Rapid Red, a Rebelle version.

Elite Rayven now works!

My Elite Rayven has gone through a lot, taking several motor swaps and battery changes, as well as dozens more openings to fix (or at least attempt to) various issues. Most recently the issue has been a lack of power and consistency, seemingly due to an alignment issue. This all occured after installing Banshee 130 motors, so I never got to witness the E.Ray at full power.

Announcing: BlasterHub!

BlasterHub is a new Nerf site that brings together some (and in the future, hopefully more) Nerf bloggers around, founded by the senior designer of the insanely successful BlasterLabs.

I was invited to participate as an author, which I accepted. I will be posting on both blogs, but slightly differently. New reviews and major game reports will be posted roughly simultaneously, while older reviews will be added to BlasterHub as I have time. Major mods will be posted on both as well, however minor mods and alterations will likely only be posted here, as will minor game reports and other minor posts. My posts on BlasterHub will be a little different to those here (primarily in wording and format) on Outback Nerf, but content wise they'll be pretty much the same.

Quick Mod: Bullpup RS MOSFET Killswitch

After having my Bullpup RS pusher go full runaway at an MHvZ event (I believe due to a stuck switch), I decided to install a master power switch.

Quick Mod: Extended Crossbolt Stock

One of the Crossbolt's biggest issues is horrendously bad ergonomics, one aspect of which is pathetically short stock length. I decided to go and fix that.

Review: Nerf Modulus Stealth Ops Kit

The Nerf Modulus blaster was a fairly disappointing release. It's basically a big Stryfe with some extra parts and yet another different paintjob to not fit with the Elite stuff. However one big positive it brought us was the ability to purchase attachments without blasters, in the Modulus line. Yes there are still a tonne of attachments out there not available separately yet, but seeing as this is just the first wave of Modulus, I'm sure we'll see plenty more attachments available later.
Of the four Mission Kits currently available, the Stealth Ops kit was the most interesting to me.

MHvZ Game Report 7/11/15 - 1v1ing a Tank, -3050 Pusher Use

Possibly the last MHvZ event of the year, as in December the park we use is often used by other groups for other events. Obviously we're hoping not, but I don't think we have too much control over that.

BW12 Koosh Observations, Gen 3, 29th October 2015

Had a shipment of Gen 3 Kooshes arrive today, so here's my notes on them.

Bullpup RS 35 Drum Dump

Something quick I filmed, enjoy this short video of me dumping an entire 35 drum from my Bullpup RS.


ROF of approx 10dps with the LiPo at around 11.4V.

Review: Nerf Rebelle 4Victory (20m Aus grey trigger)

 

The Sweet Revenge/Hammershot are great blasters, and are very popular sidearm choices. With the popularity of the hammer prime platform, it was only a matter of time before more hammer primed blasters emerged. The 4Victory is one of those, being a 4 barrel blaster instead of having a 5 dart cylinder. How does it stack up to the slightly larger Sweet Revenge?

Review: Nerf Rebelle Secret Shot (grey trigger Aus)

Nerf's previous automatic deploying blaster, the N-Strike Deploy CS-6, was a miserable failure even by N-Strike standards. With insanely difficult to reassemble internals and horribly horrible performance, it has become a joke in the community. Now it has returned in a new form, the Rebelle Secret Shot.

Game Report 1/10/15 - LTARs, Mega Proliferation

Second Nerf event of the week, this one with the Equalz Dee group. A third is to come at MHvZ on Saturday, so I'm pretty sure my legs will no longer work by next week.
Saw a lot more Mega blasters in action than usual, and also had a few quick games with LTARs.

FK180PH-3050 Rapidstrike Pusher Trial

My Bullpup Rapidstrike uses Falcon motors, as I wanted to make use of the 3S I had, which conveniently fits in the stock piece. Initially in search of a higher ROF, I decided to trial an FK180PH-3050 motor for the pusher.
Note: All data I've quoted come from this document, which contains information and numbers about a lot of the popular motor replacements for Nerf.

MHvZ Game Report 3/10/15 - High Temperatures and Zombie Stunblocking

This month's MHvZ event. With 3 events in 6 days, my legs basically no longer work.

Game Report 28/9/15 - Rush, Longshot Appearance

An event I held for just my friends, we tried a few things out, in particular a proper Rush gamemode.
Videos will come when I have the time to edit them together.

Review: Nerf N-Strike Thunderblast

The Demolisher 2 in 1 is the first Nerf blaster since the Titan to fire missiles. Since not everyone has the use for a missile launcher attached to a semi auto flywheeler, a number of modders (including myself) cut off the missile launcher to make a stand alone blaster. Nerf eventually released their own standalone missile launcher, the Thunderblast.

Note that this Thunderblast belongs to a friend, as such my use of it is more limited than most blasters.

Review: Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire (Aus grey trigger, black breech)

The Slingfire is ZS's first clip (mag) system blaster, and introduces a priming method new to Nerf (but not to the blaster world, Buzz Bee did it earlier). How does it stack up to Nerf's other clip (mag) system blasters?

Comparison: Elite Stryfe vs Rebelle Rapid Red

The Stryfe and Rapid Red are very similar blasters. Both are compact semi-auto flywheelers with a similar layout, and for the most part the Rapid Red is seen by many to be just a Rebelle-d Stryfe. Is there actually that much difference?

Review: MazoFactory Sweet Revenge Holsters

Melbourne based MazoFactory recently officially launched some of their tactical gear, beginning with just some mag pouches. Holsters are soon to come, and I purchased a pair of red drop leg Sweet Revenge holsters for myself.

MHvZ Game Report 6/9/15 - Bullpup Rapidstrike Action and Stryfe Resurgence

Another HvZ done by MHvZ. Heaps of fun and a lot of running. More pictures from the guys at MTB here.

Review: Buzz Bee Ultra Master Tek/Snipe (15m Aus) + Internals

The largest of Buzz Bee's clip (mag) system Ultra Tek blasters (besides possibly the Auto/Brute which I don't have on hand), the Ultra Master Tek (UMT)/Snipe is a bolt action sniper rifle styled blaster, with a bolt design very similar to Buzz Bee's older Range Master. Does it compare to the RM's incredible power and accuracy?

EDIT 27/3/16: I have run into a huge problem with the UMT/Snipe regarding the bolt handle, which I've detailed later on.

Mod: Bullpup Rapidstrike (complete except paint)

Several months ago I embarked on a quest to build a full-auto bullpup blaster, as I love bullpup and now love full auto. I began with an Autorayven as I wanted to make my Elite Rayven special, however lingering Rayven-related issues caused that project to be scrapped. The next best of course is a bullpup Rapidstrike, so I took my remaning spare Rapidstrike and got to work on that.

Comparison: Nerf Mega Magnus vs Buzz Bee Air Max 3/Boss

The Magnus was Nerf's first Mega blaster after the horrible mess that was the Failturion, and was actually a decent and usable blaster. Some time later and Buzz Bee reveals their line of Mega-firing Air Max blasters, one of which is eeriely to the Magnus, the Air Max 3/Boss. How does the new kid compare?

Review: Buzz Bee Air Max 3/Boss (15m Aus)

Buzz Bee's mid-sized Mega blaster is the Air Max 3/Boss, a 3-shot slide action large pistol seemingly as a direct competitor to Nerf's Magnus, but with one key advantage: having a Mega clip (mag).

Like with all the previous Air Max and Ultra Tek blasters, many thanks to Buzz Bee for kindly sending the AM3/Boss to me for review, and like with all of those reviews, their contribution will not affect the review in any way.

Review: Buzz Bee Air Max/Baron + Internals (EU)

Along with their new clip (mag) compatible Ultra Tek line, Buzz Bee has also released a new Air Max line compatible with Nerf's Mega line. The smallest offering in the new Air Max line is the Air Max/Baron. I received the one called the Air Max specifically, supposedly meant for European retail.

Once again, many thanks to Buzz Bee Toys for sending the new Air Max blasters over for review, as without their contribution I would not be able to obtain them otherwise. Note that their contribution does not affect the review in any way.

Review: MazoFactory MOLLE Single Mag Pouch (HSM1)

MazoFactory is a new Melbourne based tactical gear manufacturer, who currently is focusing on clip (mag) pouches and holsters. Though not officially launched yet, they are currently making some items for sale, and products are still in development so prices may change in the future. I purchased a pair of "High Speed (Modular) Mag Single" (HSM1) Pouches just in time for use in MHvZ.

Game Report 8/8/15 - MHvZ

Another game at Melbourne HvZ. More pictures (not taken by me) can be found here

Review: Buzz Bee Ultra Rapid Tek/Sentinel (15m Aus) + Internals

The next entry in Buzz Bee's Ultra Tek line, the Sentinel/Rapid Tek (URT) is a lever action rifle type blaster, also using Buzz Bee's new clip (mag) system. How does it stack up against Nerf's line of rifle sized blasters?

Comparison: Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire vs Buzz Bee Ultra Rapid Tek

Now that Buzz Bee's jumped into the clip (mag) blaster market, I can finally start doing some cross-company clip (mag) blaster comparison. To start off with, let's compare the two lever action entries, the ZS Slingfire and the Ultra Rapid Tek/Sentinel. Like with all other comparisons, I'll be comparing the Australia release blasters that I have, which in this case are the grey trigger black breech Slingfire, and the 15m range claim Ultra Rapid Tek.

Review: Buzz Bee Ultra Tek 8/Champion + Internals (15m Aus)

Buzz Bee's Ultra Tek line doesn't just sport increased ranges. With the larger Ultra Tek blasters, Buzz Bee has gotten into the business of interchangeable clip (mag) fed blasters, one of Nerf's major draws and advantages over most of its competitors. In this post we look at the smallest of Buzz Bee's models, the entry level UT8/Champion.

As usual, many thanks to Buzz Bee Toys for sending these Ultra Tek blasters to me for review, and note that their contribution does not affect the reviews in any way.

Review: Nerf Zombie Strike Doublestrike (grey trigger Aus)

The Doublestrike is one of Zombie Strike's more unique/better looking releases, seemingly being a shrunken down version of the highly acclaimed Hammershot, sporting an awesome Derringer style design. Can it live up to the Hammershot's acclaim?

More Motor Mods: Banshee'd Rapid Red, Bladed Rapidstrike

Couple more motor mods I've done. Now that all of these are done, I can keep working on my Bullpup Rapidstrike.

Review: Buzz Bee Ultra Tek 4/Wizard + Internals (15m Aus)

Continuing with the Ultra Tek reviews, we have the Ultra Tek 4, or Wizard. My UT4s came in a two-pack, which I believe is standard for the UT4.

Again, many thanks to Buzz Bee Toys for sending these Ultra Tek blasters for review, and as usual note that their kind gesture does not affect this review in any way.

Game Report 19/7/15 - Rapidstrike Domination, Crossbolt/Longstrike Woes

I had a game with a few of my friends on the 19th, but we played less games than usual and it was more of a casual type, instead playing a lot of SSB4. I'll still make a few notes on the games and blasters, but this post will be more focused than most on the Rapidstrike, Crossbolt and Longstrike.

Review: Buzz Bee Air Max 6

The AM6 is another one of Buzz Bee's air powered Air Max blasters. Like its other Air Max brethren it's not widely available in Australia, so I'm reviewing the US-release version.
Like the other Air Max blasters, the AM6 was kindly sent to me by Buzz Bee for review, and as usual their contribution has no effect on the review (besides permitting it to exist).

Review: Buzz Bee Ultra Tek 3/Star (15m Aus) + Internals & Ultra Tek Darts

When Nerf first released the Elite line, they bumped up the standard for blaster ranges, making a lot of the non-Nerf market obsolete range wise. Now Buzz Bee has joined in the bumped up range claims with their Ultra Tek line, the smallest offering being the Ultra Tek 3/Star.

The Ultra Tek blasters were kindly sent to me by Buzz Bee for review as they're yet to hit Aussie stores, however their contribution will not affect the review in any way.

Review: Blastersmiths UK Battle Belt (MkI)

Back when I used the Nerf-made tactical vest, I found some serious flaws in its abilities. While it could hold 6 dart clips (mags) ok, it struggled with anything larger, with 12 and 18 dart clips (mags) frequently falling out. As such, I needed a new piece of tactical gear that would be able to properly hold 12/18 dart clips (mags), and due to my financial situation required it as cheap as possible.
Enter the BSUK Battle Belt (MkI).

Game Report 8/7/15

3 events in 5 days, that's a heck of a coincidence. This one was done with just my friends, no special group or anything. The blaster set is totally different to the Equalz Dee games, more akin to a toned-down MHvZ blaster set.

Game Report 7/7/15

Back to Equalz Dee for this event.

Apologies for this pic, I didn't forget to take one until the very end when it was dark and we were packing up.

Game Report 4/7/15

I went to my first Melbourne HvZ event today with a friend. Peak attendance was probably in the 20s, though I wasn't counting at any point.

Review: Nerf Mega Bigshock (grey trigger)

Every Nerf series needs a Jolt variant or repaint. The Elite and ZS lines got basically straight repaints, while the Rebelle line got a bunch of reshells. Now the Mega line has its Jolt in the form of the Bigshock.

Mod: Titan Triple Missile Attachment

The Nerf Titan is a fun blaster to tinker with, because of its incredible power. Making it shoot one dart is easy and incredibly effective, but I wanted something more unique and more ridiculous. With the release of the Demoliser, Thunderblast and missile refill packs, I decided to make something that would utilise those missiles. Now compared to the Titan's original Mega Missile, the new Elite missiles are significantly smaller and lighter, which would enable the Titan to fire several of them at once.

Review: Nerf Elite Crossbolt (Aus 21m grey trigger)

The Crossbolt is one of Nerf's latest Elite releases, and is one of an increasing number of blasters powered by a tensioned cord instead of flywheels or a plunger. How does it stack up to its more conventional brethren?

BW12 Koosh Observations, June 2015

Some observations on the new BW12 Koosh darts I just received, akin to Torukmakto's posts on The Dart Zone (link left). Batch was ordered on the 6th of June, 2015.

Quick Mod: Armless Nerf Crossbolt, Removable Arms

Just a quick mod I did to my newly acquired Crossbolt. Review will be done pretty soon now that exams are over.

Motor Replacements: Falcon'd Rapidstrike, Banshee'd E.Rayven

Further progress and updates on motor replacements. The Autorayven project has been shelved for now, partly due to Rayven related alignment issues and partly because of how perfect the Rapidstrike is. But more on that later.

Comparison: Nerf Elite Stryfe vs Nerf Elite Demolisher

Now that I finally got my hands on a stock grey trigger Stryfe, I can start doing all the Stryfe related comparisons. Let's start with an orange vs orange one.

Video: Firing of the Autorayven Prototype

My 3S Lipo arrived today so I threw together a quick video on my Autorayven firing.


Approx ROF: 8.6dps or 516rpm
LiPo voltage: 11.5 +- 0.1V

I'm pretty happy with it, once I get some spare time (3 exams next week) I'll be transferring the internals into my Elite Rayven, and grafting on the Longshot stock.

WIP Mod: Full Auto Rayven (Autorayven) - Prototype Mk0

Just thought I'd keep you guys up to date on my current main project.

This here is my Autorayven Mk0, or Autorayven Prototype. It uses the body of an old N-Strike Rayven I got from a friend, with all the internals bound for use in my Elite Rayven. The shell will probably be dumped for spare parts or something.

Review: Buzz Bee Range Master

The Range Master is the largest blaster in Buzz Bee's Air Max line, although it has been around for several years in a grey colour scheme instead of the new blue. Nerf has released several sniper-style blasters and none of them have really lived up to expectation, so how does the Range Master stack up?

Game Report 23/5/15

Another game with Equalz Dee Foam Arms.

Mini Mod: Semi Auto Rapidstrike (aka Slowstrike)

I have plans to make my Elite Rayven full auto. Those plans involve a Rapidstrike pusher, Longshot stock, Falcons and a 3S. As I'm currently waiting for the Falcons and 3S to arrive, I thought I'd make use of my now useless pusher donating RS.

Externally it looks no different, which was part of the goal. Internally however...