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.

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.

LiPo Mods: Elite Rayven and Rapidstrike PDW

So far in my electrical modding history, I've done several rewires and a few (minor) motor replacements [usually just Barricade motors], but I have never delved into the world of LiPo batteries. After experiencing some blasters that don't work too well even with the higher current IMRs, I decided to save up and jump in.

Mod: Motor Replaced Elite Rayven

The Elite Rayven is one of my favourite blasters. I love its aesthetics and the way it feels, and it's my go-to flywheeler. Sadly as I normally run it with 2 Barricade motors on 2 IMRs, its performance doesn't quite stack up to my EAT with OMW spring, and in games against similar level modded blasters (spring replaced springers), I can really feel the difference in power. So I departed on a quest to get more power from my beloved Rayven, and I entered the world of motor replacements.

Opinion/Rant/Discussion/Comparison: Elite Stryfe vs Elite Rayven CS-18

Before the release of the Rapidstrike, which is now considered by many to be the best flywheel blaster Nerf has, one of the biggest questions regarding flywheelers was "Stryfe or (Elite) Rayven?"
I'm going to try and address that question with my experiences and opinions.

This isn't a complete comparison, as I didn't get the Elite Rayven stock or with all its bits, so I can't do all of the ratings. But for the most part the question has been brought up because the two are similar blasters with some important differences.

Pic Spam: Nerf Elite Rayven CS-18

I received an Elite Rayven from the US. It was already modified and did not include the Firefly clip (mag) or the GITD Elites, so I can't do a proper review. I then further modified it because I wanted to be able to use it. Nevertheless, I can still provide some nice pictures of the Elite Rayven, so here we go.
For reference here's the N-Strike Rayven's review. An out of box Elite Rayven should only be different in range and colour.

2013 Nerf Sum Up

It's that time of year again, time to look back at everything Nerf in 2013.
And what a year is has been, with more blaster releases this year than any other year I've documented.

Also Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at Outback Nerf.

HFCBE: Nerf Rayven CS-18

As requested, a HFCBE video of the Rayven, as well as a demonstration of how I empty semi auto flywheelers so quickly.

Time: 2.23sec
No. darts fired: 18
ROF: 7.62dps or 457.4dpm

Loadouts 9: Offence - Scouting 1

Full on offensive or defensive play might work in a small area, but for games like campus-wide HvZ games and the like, you don't know exactly who is where, and so you need scouts to know what the opponents are up to. Many of the loadouts will be similar but not quite identical to CQC, due to a lot of CQC's loadouts being focused on light weight and maneuverability.
Scout/Recon loadouts are also suited to run and gun players, because they are very light and maneuverable.
Scenario Description: Extremely large playing field, long game time, player intends to scout playing field (or specific area) to observe opponent's movements and plans, player is prepared to combat a few enemies but not many
Keys to Victory: Light, maneuverable loadouts, high fitness level (expect a lot of running), certain level of stealth such as light footsteps (light footwear recommended), long-range communication such as walkie talkies recommended but not always necessary, ability to either take out opponent quickly or escape easily, retreating if the conflict is taking too long or you're outnumbered
Unnecessary Burdens: Large amounts of ammo, large and heavy blasters, large amounts of fancy gear, any train of thought saying that you have to win every engagement

Clip (Mag) System 1

Primary: Elite/N-strike Alpha Trooper CS-12/18 (12/18 darts clips [mags], minimal tacticool)
Secondary: Powerful single shot (e.g. Nitefinder EX-3)
Gear: Tactical Vest/custom made belt, small dart pouch
Ammo: Few backup clips (mags) (max size 18 darts), darts for secondary
Purpose: To provide versatile and light clip (mag) system goodness
Strengths: ROF, maneuverability, capacity, reloading
Weaknesses: Accuracy (primary), clips (mags) take up significant space and can rattle about
Description: The AT is a lightweight and well performing blaster which can also be obtained for very reasonable prices. It is ideal for many purposes, one of which is mobile firepower due to its minimal weight and smallish size. It can put out quite a few darts very quickly at a reasonable range, and as a scout you'll want to be able to finish your conflicts quickly, lest you be overrun by opponents. A powerful single shot is helpful for providing potshots in the event that you have to psuedo-snipe an opponent to avoid being spotted and caught. Sure you don't have quite the same power as a proper sniper, but as a scout you don't have the space or time to waste on a sniper which you won't use too often.

Clip (Mag) System 2

Primary: Recon CS-6/Elite Retaliator (12 darts clips [mags], no tacticool or just stock)
Secondary: Powerful single shot (e.g. Nitefinder EX-3)
Gear: Tactical Vest/custom made belt, small dart pouch
Ammo: Few backup clips (mags) (max size 12 darts), darts for secondary
Purpose: To provide versatile and light clip (mag) system goodness
Strengths: Maneuverability, capacity, reloading
Weaknesses: Accuracy (primary), clips (mags) take up significant space and can rattle about
Description: While I do say that the AT/EAT is probably the best all rounded CS blaster you can get, the Recon/Retaliator can still be useful, especially when you'll be running a lot. It's even smaller and lighter than the AT, although loses some ROF to do so. The Recon/Retal still performs decently, and as a scout you don't need fantastic performance.

Clip (Mag) System 3

Primary: Elite Stryfe/Rayven / N-Strike Rayven (12/18 darts clips [mags], little or no tacticool)
Secondary: High capacity single shot (e.g. Elite Triad EX-3)
Gear: Tactical Vest/custom made belt, small dart pouch
Ammo: Few backup clips (mags) (max size 18 darts), darts for secondary
Purpose: To provide versatile and light clip (mag) system goodness
Strengths: Maneuverability, capacity, reloading, ROF
Weaknesses: Accuracy (primary), clips (mags) take up significant space and can rattle about, revving up to fire

Description: Clip (mag) system flywheelers are small, compact and surprisingly powerful blasters capable of putting out a good amount of darts very quickly. As a scout this can help you get out of engagements quickly, as you don't have the armament or ammo to take on several opponents. As with the other CS blasters listed above, the small size and low weight make for minimal hindrance when running around. It can be a pain to rev up, but taking advantage of some cover to rev up can let you take out your opponent in one burst, without using up all your ammo. Because the flywheelers are even more inaccurate than ordinary CS blasters, and due to the ability to empty clips (mags) extremely quickly, you'll be relying a lot on your single shot for accurate shots and for cover during your frequent reloads.

Vortex 1

Primary: Vortex Praxis/Lumitron (little or no tacticool, 10/20 disc mags)
Secondary: Powerful single shot (e.g. Nitefinder EX-3)
Gear: Vortex Ammo Belt or similar
Ammo: Few backup mags (max size 20 discs), ammo for secondary
Purpose: To provide versatile disc firepower that is light
Strengths: Maneuverability, reloading, range, accuracy
Weaknesses: ROF not as good as slam-fire

Description: The Praxis, without the stock, is a surprisingly compact blaster with somewhat of a shotgun like design. It is light and performs extremely well, making it ideal for scouts who want a little more performance from their primary. Obviously because it's disc blasters, finding ammo will be harder than with dart blasters, but the improved range and accuracy over dart blasters means you can make more of your shots count. You shouldn't be relying as much on your secondary for precision shots due to the accuracy of Vortex blasters, and you should instead use it for long range potshots, saving your discs for close combat or well placed shots.

Multishot 1

Primary: Elite RoughCut 2x4
Secondary: High capacity single shot (e.g. Elite Triad EX-3)
Gear: Dart pouch of reasonable size
Ammo: Suitable darts
Purpose: To provide the ability to put out several darts quickly simultaneously with low weight
Strengths: ROF, maneuverability, multishot
Weaknesses: Low amount of shots (4 effective shots), reloading is slow, accuracy

Description: The RoughCut is capable of putting out several darts very quickly thanks to its multishot ability and slam-fire, making it extremely dangerous if you can get close to your opponent. As a scout, you should be prepared to do a lot of running, so running up to your opponent to barrage them with darts should not be much of a problem. You should be able to ensure at least 2 hits on opponents in this way, giving you time to reload and/or retreat. You'll definitely be relying on your secondary for accuracy and range, since the RoughCut is quite inaccurate. You'll also need to keep your secondary loaded up, because the RoughCut is extremely easy to empty and has a low capacity considering its double shot ability.

Multishot/Vortex 2

Primary: Vortex Diatron
Secondary: High capacity single shot (e.g. Elite Triad EX-3)
Gear: Ammo pouch of reasonable size
Ammo: Suitable darts/discs
Purpose: To provide multishot disc ability with low weight
Strengths: Multishot, range, accuracy
Weaknesses: Low amount of shots (5 effective shots), reloading is slow, ROF not as good as RoughCut
Description: The Diatron is capable of more accurate sustained fire than the RoughCut, due to a higher capacity, lower ROF and better accuracy. This can make its suppression fire more effective in some circumstances, as well as giving you more time to retreat should you need to escape from combat. In times when you decide to stand and fight, the Diatron's superior accuracy and range compared to the RoughCut means you can get good shots off more consistently and from further away, but the reduced ROF compared to the RoughCut means that you aren't as effective in close quarters. Again you'll be relying on the single shot for long range shots because of the ammo wastage caused by the Diatron's multishot. You'll also want to rely on your single shot when low on ammo, because you have to load two discs into the Diatron for it to fire.

Dart Tag 1
Primary: Dart Tag Quick 16
Secondary: Powerful single shot (e.g. Nitefinder EX-3)
Gear: Dart pouch of reasonable size
Ammo: Suitable darts
Purpose: To provide high capacity slam-fire without clips/mags
Strengths: Capacity, ROF, accuracy, reloading a few darts
Weaknesses: High jam rate/chance, reloading lots of darts, range
Description: Though the Quick 16 is an older blaster, it still has its uses, being one of very few high capacity blasters which is not clip/mag fed. It has slam-fire and 16 dart capacity, allowing for significant spraying, and the accuracy offered due to it not being clip/mag system means you can get more hits more quickly. The Quick 16 is notorious for jamming, but by taking good care of the blaster and using it properly, jam rates should be minimised, enough to take down at least one opponent with no jams. As a non-Elite/Vortex blaster, and the only DT blaster not upgraded, the Quick 16 can't compete against other blasters in terms of range, but the accuracy, ROF and capacity let you spray down opponents from close range quickly and accurately.

Dart Tag 2

Primary: Dart Tag Furyfire
Secondary: Powerful single shot (e.g. Nitefinder EX-3)
Gear: Dart pouch of reasonable size
Ammo: Suitable darts
Purpose: To weigh down the user as little as possible with decent firepower
Strengths: Accuracy, superlightweight, maneuverability
Weaknesses: Reloading
Description: The Furyfire is a small, light blaster with decent capacity and good performance, making it ideal for scouts, and also is not clip/mag fed making it one of the lightest loadouts here. Though you won't be spraying down opponents or firing long range suppression shots repeatedly, the Furyfire gives a balance of range, ROF and capacity allowing you to hold your own in CQC against a small number of opponents. Without a high ROF or capacity, you'll eventually be overrun by several opponents, but for small skirmishes the Furyfire can hold its own.

Loadouts 8: CQC 2

Scenario Description: Close range combat with lots of walls and other obstacles in the way. Range not particularly important. Usually few players, thus usually small or no teams.
Keys to Victory: Mobility/maneuverability, adapting quickly to changes in scenario, fast firing blasters with short reload times.
Unnecessary Burdens: Weight, bulk, excessive amounts of ammo, slow firing blasters, large blasters, unnecessary sidearms, unnecessary attachments.

Clip (Mag) System 3

Primary: Elite Stryfe/Rayven / N-Strike Rayven (12/18 clips [mags], small tacticool if desired)
Secondary: Small single shot pistol (e.g. "Elite" Jolt, Elite Triad)
Gear: Small clip (mag) carrying ability (e.g. Tac Vest), small dart pouch
Ammo: Few backup clips (mags), darts for secondary
Purpose: To provide rapid fire ability from clip (mag) system flywheelers
Strengths: ROF, reloading, capacity, maneuverability
Weaknesses: Accuracy, have to rev up
Description: Clip (mag) system flywheelers are quite small, and thus are ideal for running around in close quarters. They are capable of spewing out darts extremely quickly, which can be lethal in close quarters. The need to rev up can be a pain, but in close quarters you don't need a high flywheel RPM to be effective with a flywheeler, since range is not particularly necessary. Thus you can rev up the flywheel only to about a third of its maximum RPM, and still be devastatingly effective in close quarters.

Multishot 1

Primary: Elite RoughCut 2x4
Secondary: Small single shot pistol (e.g. "Elite" Jolt, Elite Triad) or revolver (e.g. Elite Strongarm)
Gear: Dart pouch
Ammo: Suitable darts
Purpose: To provide rapid fire multishot provided by the RoughCut
Strengths: ROF, multishot, maneuverability, reloading while still loaded
Weaknesses: Accuracy, reloading
Description: The RoughCut is the first modern Nerf blaster to be able to fire multiple darts several times (ie 2 darts 4 times). The multishot ability makes it incredibly dangerous in CQC, and slam fire means you can take down several opponents quickly. The RoughCut does not have as many shots as a lot of blasters, being only 4 effective shots, so you'll need a decent backup blaster for while you reload.

Multishot/Vortex 2

Primary: Vortex Diatron
Secondary: Small single shot pistol (e.g. "Elite" Jolt, Elite Triad)
Gear: Dart/disc pouch
Ammo: Suitable darts/discs
Purpose: To provide high capacity multishot ability
Strengths: Multishot, reloading while still loaded, capacity, accuracy
Weaknesses: ROF is slightly lacking (lever action)
Description: The Diatron is the Vortex equivalent of the RoughCut, and has a higher capacity but lower ROF. Nevertheless, multishot ability is always incredibly dangerous in close quarters. Although the Diatron can't put out discs as fast as the RoughCut puts out darts, it can spew discs out for a little longer, potentially allowing for more hits on opponents and more effective suppression/blind potshot fire.

Loadouts 7: Offence - Moar Rushing (2)

With all sorts of new blasters out now, the old loadouts needed some updating. I've started with rushing because I just got the Stryfe, an ideal blaster for rushing.
Scenario Description: Combat with high concentration of enemies. Player is playing offensively with intent to tag as many as possible, or tag specific player(s). May or may not have backup teammates, depending on situation, severity and importance. Generally will not involve game factors other than players. Player intends to run in and tag as many enemies as possible and may sacrifice themself.
Keys to Victory: Rate of fire is key. Range and accuracy not as important because the player will be close enough to opponents to ensure tags. Fearlessness is helpful, especially with the loadouts that involving running. Fitness is important as you will be running a lot as an offensive player.
Unnecessary Burdens: Sidearms. Normally an attack will end one of two ways: total victory (all or majority of enemies tagged, few or no allies tagged) or failure (few or no enemies tagged, all or most allies tagged). As a result, you will either be alive to reload your primary(ies), running away or returning to base to respawn, and thus have time to reload.

Clip (Mag) System 3
Primary: Elite Stryfe / Elite/N-Strike Rayven x 2 (dual wield, 18 dart clips [mags])
Secondary: Small single shot (e.g. Jolt, Elite Firestrike)
Gear: Anything that holds clips (mags), small dart/disc pouch
Ammo: 18 dart clips (mags), suitable ammo for secondary
Purpose: To make maximum use of the semi auto blasters provided by Nerf, by dual wielding
Strengths: ROF will be insane (combined ROF of two fast firing blasters), reloading clips (mags), ranges are decent
Weaknesses: Extremely vulnerable if both primaries are out of ammo, inaccurate, ranges drop from rapid fire, revving up to fire

Description: The Stryfe and Rayven are both semi auto flywheel clip (mag) system blasters. As such both have potential for high rates of fire, and are small and light allowing for running without heavy burden. Both characteristics are ideal for rushing. Although dual wielding blasters will reduce their accuracy, I feel that the added capacity, ROF and dart output is well worth it, especially for rushing where range and accuracy are not essential.

Multishot 1
Primary: Elite RoughCut 2x4
Secondary: Elite Stryfe / Elite/N-Strike Rayven (12/18 dart clips [mags])
Gear: Anything that holds clips (mags), dart pouch
Ammo: 12/18 dart clips (mags), darts for primary
Purpose: To make maximum use of the multishot capabilities of the RoughCut
Strengths: Dart output of RoughCut (slam-fire + multishot), secondary allows for more prolonged rapid fire, reloading (secondary)
Weaknesses: RoughCut only effectively has 4 shots, reloading (primary), accuracy (primary)
Description: The RoughCut is one of few blasters capable of firing more than one dart at a time, firing 2 at once from 8 barrels. Couple this double shot ability with the slam-fire from its pump action handle, and you have a blaster that can effectively output 8 darts in about a second. As noted by RoughCut users, the darts tend to swerve quite a lot when fired, meaning accuracy will be terrible. For a rusher though, the ability to fire out 2 darts at once and fire all 4 sets in about a second is very useful, meaning that you could easily take out 3 or 4 opponents with the RoughCut with the right timing and application of slam-fire. The RoughCut only effectively has 4 shots, so a backup blaster is needed. As a rusher, you are best off with fast firing and small clip (mag) system blasters, namely the Stryfe or Rayven. Between the RoughCut's multishot and a Stryfe/Rayven's clip (mag) system rapid fire you'll be able to take out 5 opponents or more within 30 seconds.

Vortex 1
Primary: Vortex Pyragon (40/20 disc drum/mag)
Secondary: Nothing/Small single shot (e.g. Elite Triad, Vortex Proton)
Gear: Vortex Ammo Belt or similar ammo holding device
Ammo: 10/20 disc mags, spare ammo for secondary
Purpose: To make maximise on the ridiculous slam-fire ability of the Pyragon
Strengths: Disc output during slam-fire, range, accuracy, reloading
Weaknesses: Vulnerability when mags are empty
Description: The Pyragon is so far the only Vortex blaster to slam-fire, and it pulls off slam-fire very well,
allowing a ROF of nearly 7dps when properly applied. This allows for a veritable storm of discs which even for extremely skilled persons would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to dodge. For longer ranged shots the Pyragon can be single fired for more effective suppression/potshot fire. In the even the Pyragon runs out of ammo, you could carry a secondary, but as a rusher it is much more likely you'll be tagged before running out of ammo if you are well supplied.

Loadouts 6: Personal Loadouts Part 1

Although there have been a large number of loadouts already featured previously, none of them have actually been designed specifically for ourselves, but rather for an ordinary Nerfer. Some of these may suit some of you out there, but chances are you'll have to tweak them slightly for your own needs.

Scenario Description: Loadouts that we use.
Keys to Victory: N/A
Unnecessary Burdens: N/A

Clip (Mag) System 1 (General use)

Primary: N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18 (Pinpoint Sight, Retal/Barricade stock, 12/18 dart clip [mag], Secret Strike Pocket Shotgun on custom side tac rail, no AR, OMW spring)
Secondary: Spectre REV-5/Snapfire 8/Elite Firestrike
Gear: N-Strike Tactical Vest
Ammo: 12/18 dart clips (mag), whatever suitable darts (most likely to be stefans or Elite darts)
Purpose: To provide well rounded, tacticool and generally awesome clip (mag) system-ness.
Strengths: Range (primary), ROF, reloading is fast, SSPS provides emergency/spread shots at reasonable range, secondary is good and reliable, jamming is rare
Weaknesses: Accuracy (unless use of stefans, primary specific), primary is useless while reloading, reloading Firestrike
Description: It's no secret that the AT is my go-to blaster and one of my all-time favourites, so it's only fitting that it features first. The AT is somewhat low profile, has slam-fire, a great stock seal and great ranges, as well as a decent amount of customisation. Accuracy is somewhat lacking, but because everyone uses clip (mag) system blasters it's not a disadvantage. The SSPS is for backup shots, and I rarely use it (which is good), but it has been very helpful. The secondary is for use when I lack the ability to reload my clips (mags) when they're empty. Expect an update on this loadout when I get an Elite AT.

Clip (Mags) System 2 (General use)

Primary: N-Strike Rayven CS-18 (whatever attachments I feel like, 12/18 dart clips [mags], 2 or 3 14500s, rewired)
Secondary: Spectre REV-5/Snapfire 8/Elite Firestrike
Gear: N-Strike Tactical Vest
Ammo: 12/18 dart clips (mags), whatever suitable darts (most likely to be stefans or Elite darts)
Purpose: To provide tacticool flywheel goodness, which gives easy to get high ranges and spammability
Strengths: Range (primary), ROF, reloading is super fast, secondary is good and reliable, practically no chance of jams
Weaknesses: Accuracy (unless use of stefans, primary specific), primary must be revved up for max range, rapid fire reduces range temporarily, range lost over time due to draining of batteries, reloading Firestrike
Description: Besides the AT, the only other CS blaster I would consider using that I have used (until my Longshot gets fixed up) is the Rayven (and to a certain extent, the Retaliator). No other blaster I've used has had the same blend of range, ROF, spammability and awesome factor, which is provided by flywheeling goodness. In particular, the Stryfe also offers what I consider to be the greatest tacticool potential of any blaster so far, featuring a stock attachment point, barrel extension muzzle, 2 tac rails (one on top, one on bottom) and clip (mag) compatability. Despite having to rev up (which I consider to be a firing delay) I still find the Rayven and its cousins to be really fun to use. Admittedly as of writing this post I've only used the N-Strike Rayven, but the Elite Rayven is essentially the same (if not better), and many, many people say the Stryfe is awesome so expect an update of this loadout in the future.

Clip (Mag) System 3 (WIP, Sniper)

Primary: N-Strike Longshot CS-6 (brass breech [which must be fixed], +AT spring, whatever tacticool I feel like, 12 dart clips [mags])
Secondary: Spectre REV-5/Snapfire 8
Gear: N-Strike Tactical Vest
Ammo: 12 dart clips (mags), stefans
Purpose: To provide high power, high accuracy clip (mag) fed goodness from the revered Longshot.
Strengths: Range (primary), reloading, blaster can still be loaded while reloading, accuracy, can have shotgun effect by double/triple feeding
Weaknesses: ROF is lacking, Longshot is quite bulky
Description: My current Longshot has been brass breeched badly, and is not getting the range or accuracy it should. I intend to rectify this ASAP by getting replacement brass, allowing it to reach maximum potential. Longshots are reknowned for their huge plunger tubes which result in awesome ranges with strong springs and good stefans, and I intend to use a somewhat watered down version more suitable to my wars. The Longshot's one key weakness is lack of ROF, which most other clip (mag) system blasters have, but the sheer power of the Longshot gives it an advantage to hide its disadvantage. A special feature of using a brass breech is that you can double or even triple feed, yet have all the darts leave the barrel at a reasonable velocity (obviously reduced from a single shot but still usable), effectively turning the Longshot into a shotgun. This sort of makes up for the lack of ROF, in that multi-shots can be just as deadly in close quarters as rapid fire.

Clip (Mag) System 4 (CQC)

Primary: Elite Retaliator (no attachment or just Retal stock, 12 dart clip [mag])
Secondary: Elite Jolt
Gear: None
Ammo: 12 dart clips (mags), Elite darts/stefans
Purpose: To allow for maneuverability in close quarters while still providing good blasting ability
Strengths: Range (primary), reloading, ROF, extremely light, maneuverability
Weaknesses: Vulnerability when reloading, accuracy (with Elite darts)
Description: A number of the wars I have are hosted in a house, so ranges aren't totally necessary and maneuverability is much more important. Thus I crafted this super easy to get loadout which is powerful and rapid fire, but light and small so I don't knock any walls or doorframes, chairs, vases etc. The Retal gets good ranges and can fire reasonably quickly when required, and is light and easily maneuverable. The Jolt and spare 12 clip(s) (mags) fit easily in a number of pockets in my various pants, so I have no need for the tac vest. Also because most of these battles are quite short, I have no need to scavange darts and store them for future use.
This loadout is not too well suited for larger wars I have at the playgrounds you see in many of my war vids, because one of my Retals is stock, and the other only lightly modded and thus lack the range of the above blasters, and the Elite Jolt is not powerful compared to say, my Firestrike.

Vortex 1 (General Use)
Primary: Vortex Pyragon (40 disc drum)
Secondary: Spectre REV-5/Snapfire 8/Elite Firestrike
Gear: Vortex Ammo Belt
Ammo: 10 disc mags, darts for secondary

Purpose: To provide high range and accuracy which can be spammed about, and make maximum use of Vortex discs
Strengths: Range (primary), reloading, blaster can still be loaded when reloading, accuracy, capacity (primary)
Weaknesses: Discs vulnerable to wind and rain, discs curve, reloading Firestrike
Description: The Pyragon is widely accepted as the best Vortex blaster so far, boasting a ridiculous capacity of 40 discs in a huge drum, ranges beyond that of ordinary vortex, consistent disc curving (and thus accuracy) and an insane ROF of nearly 7 discs per second. I've used this to great effect, once taking out an entire team on my own with Pyragon slam fire, which won us the game (it was CTF). The secondary is merely for dart usage, since Vortex is still far inferior in terms of appearance on the battlefield.



Single Shot 1 (Sniper)
Primary: Avengers Hawkeye Bow (modded to fire darts)

Secondary: Elite Stryfe (12/18 dart clip [mag], on bandolier, 2 or 3 14500s, rewired)
Gear: N-Strike Tac Vest
Ammo: 12/18 dart clips (mags), suitable darts (Elites or Stefans)
Purpose: To provide high range and accuracy firepower, with clip (mag) fed rapid fire backup
Strengths: Range (primary), accuracy (primary), rapid fire (secondary), reloading (secondary)
Weaknesses: Reloading (primary), accuracy (secondary)
Description: The idea of being a sniper is that you can hit your opponents from ranges that their blasters cannot reach. With the BBB's huge plunger tube, this is easy with some simple mods. With high power single shots also comes a slow reload time, so for close quarter battles or for when the BBB is not loaded, the Stryfe can be pulled out to deliver a small wall of foam into your opponent's face at a reasonably close range. Notice that the strengths and weaknesses of the blasters are contrasting, so as to provide maximum scenario coverage.

2012 Nerf Sum Up

To conclude an exciting and awesome year, Outback Nerf wishes you a late Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays if you don't celebrate Christmas) and a Happy New Year, and also wants to congratulate you on surviving the highly anticlimactic and scientifically incorrect 2012 Mayan Apocalypse. Wait. Something's missing. Yes, the 2012 Nerf Sum-Up, where we sumarise all the new Nerf products released this year.

First up, the biggest and possibly best major Nerf release so far, the N-Strike Elite line.

N-Strike Elite

Ever since Urban Taggers first discovered the box art of the NSE(N-Strike Elite) Retaliator and the Rampage, Nerf's Elite series was the main hype of 2012, and it still is now. When initial images surfaced it appeared the Elite line was taking ordinary N-Strike blasters and making them awesome. It is now evident that this is both true and false - Elite is taking some N-Strike designs and awesome-ing them, but is also introducing all new designs, spearheaded in 2012 by the Hail-Fire. The line advertises to shoot up to 75ft/22m (approximently) and are mainly blue in colour with orange, white and grey highlights. Everyone was also introduced to new concepts in Nerf, like direct plungers fitted into old shells, new revovler tech (Strongarm's unique rotating mech), and new flywheel-tech. The Elite clips (mags) also became special because of new styling as well as a new primary feature: their right side is transparent, allowing people to easily see their remaining ammo, which is also helpful when filling/refilling clips (mags). Unfortunately because the right side is transparent, only left handers can make maximum use of this feature,while right handers (the majority of the human population) cannot see their capacity. Nevertheless, they look awesome.

Unfortunately, the countries with really strict toy firearm laws (like Australia) have to receive detuned units, identified by grey-triggers. The detuned versions advertise to shoot 15m (approx. 50ft).

Retaliator ('Elitified' Recon)
Ranges: 50-60ft (15-18m). About 2/3rds of the power for detuned ones, although mine seems pretty powerful getting 14m.
ROF: About 2-3dps. No slam fire.
Accuracy: Decent without barrel, good with barrel.
Capacity: 12 in included clip (mag)
Accessories: Barrel, stock, foregrip, 12 clip (mag), 12 darts

Rampage ('Elitified' Raider)
Ranges: 50-60ft (15-18m). About 2/3rds of the power for detuned ones.
ROF: About 2-3dps on single fire. Can achieve up to 5dps, possibly more depending on user (slam fire)
Accuracy: Very good at 10-12m. Flies off to the sides after aprox. 13-15m
Capacity: 25 in included drum
Accessories: 25 drum, 25 darts

Hail-Fire
Ranges: 45-55ft (13-17m). About 2/3rds of the power for detuned ones.
ROF: Can achieve up to 4-5dps and more dependant on user's trigger finger (semi auto)
Accuracy: Decent, but you don't use a Hail-Fire for accuracy.
Capacity: 24 in included clips (mags) (4x6 clips [mags]), value pack holds 48 (8x6 clips [mags]), can hold up to 144 (8x18 clips [mags])
Accessories: 4x6 clips (mags), 24 darts, various Hail-Fire parts (assembly required)

Stockade (Release only for countries outside US in 2012)
Ranges: 50-60ft (15m). About 2/3rds the power for detuned version.
ROF: Can achieve up to 4-5dps (semi auto).
Accuracy: Decent, much better than Barricade.
Capacity: 20. 10 in blaster, 10 in stock. Only comes with 10 darts.
Accessories: Stock, 10 darts

Additionally the Elite line had an updated Tactical Vest, with the blaster holster being designed to hold the upcoming Elite Firestrike, but otherwise being pretty much the same as the N-Strike Tac Vest.

To complement the Elite blasters, Nerf also redesigned the highly popular 18 clip (mag), and released it in its own blister package.

Nerf released a Hailfire Upgrade kit which basically has 4 more 6 clips (mags) to fill up the Hailfire.

Nerf rereleased the good old Bandolier, this time in Elite styling. It is essentially the same as the N-Strike Bandolier, but comes with Elite stuff and is slightly shorter and thinner.

In 2013 we have a number of Elite blasters to look forward to, some of which are already available in the US. This includes the Firestrike (Elite NF), Strongarm (Elite Mav/Spectre hybrid), Triad (3 shot Jolt), Elite coloured and more powerful Jolts and Reflexes with new designs, the Rough Cut 2x4 (multishot double barrel shotgun) and the Stryfe (redesigned Rayven) as well as an Elite Rayven.

Light It Up Series:
The Light It Up series was officially released on the 3rd of March, 2012 (3/3/12) and its blasters, besides having fluoro green colour have glow in the dark ammo, which is 'charged' by special mags/clips (mags). While the Lumitron is merely a repaint of the then favourite Vortex blaster, the Praxis, the Rayven was an all new design which became popular for its rapid fire and potentially ridiculous ranges capabilities.

Vortex Lumitron
Ranges: 15-18m (aprox. 50-60ft)
ROF: Up to 3dps. No slam-fire.
Accuracy: Good.
Capacity: 10 in light-up mag
Accessories: 10 disc light up mag, 10 GITD discs

N-Strike Rayven CS-18
Ranges: 11-12m (approx 36-40ft)
ROF: Up to 6-8dps, dependant on user's trigger finger (semi auto).
Accuracy: Decent for a CS blaster.
Capacity: 18 in light-up mag.
Accessories: 18 dart light up mag, 18 GITD darts

Vortex
The Vortex line received an extra addition, the Pyragon. Sporting a 40 disc drum and slam fire, as well as slightly better ranges, the Pyragon quickly became a fan favourite among Nerfers.

2013 holds only one known Vortex release, the Diatron. It comes in the same awesome colour scheme as the Pyragon, and fires 2 discs at a time, and holds up to 10 discs.

The Pyragon
Ranges: 16m-20m (unusually good, even for Vortex)
ROF: Up to 8dps, dependant on user (slam fire).
Accuracy: Excellent. Curves less than other Vortex blasters.
Capacity: 40 in drum mag
Accessories: 40 disc drum, 40 discs

As a Vortex counterpart to the N-Strike/Elite Tactical Vest, Nerf also suprised us with the Vortex Ammo Belt Kit, with never-before-seen mag holders and some other awesome stuff that comes with the kit.

Dart Tag.
We Aussies also finally got the 2011 Dart Tag blasters, but with strange new BLUE triggers. The models with blue triggers have been shown to be more powerful than their standard orange trigger models, with stronger springs in all. Of course, the downside is that the electronic blasters (Swarmfire, Speedswarm) have reduced ROFs because of the extra load on the motors.

The National Dart Tag League (US) was also not held this year for some reason, though possibly to put more emphasis on the Elite line.

The non-flywheel Snapfire 8 also sneaked onto Aussie shelves, giving us a whole new concept about semi-auto blaster as well as a variable power system allowing for easier trigger pulls but lower ranges, or harder trigger pulls and higher ranges. It has now become a popular sidearm for many because of its semi auto capabilities, decent sidearm capacity and firepower, and of course its small size. It is slated to have a 2013 release in the US.

Ranges: 9-10m (speed mode), 11-13m (power mode)
Accuracy: Decent, not great
ROF: 2-3dps attainable, any more taxes the fingers and risks misfires (semi auto)
Capacity: 8 in turret
Accessories: 8 darts

Sonic Series
The most popular 2011 Vortex blasters (The Vigilon,Proton,Praxis) were also given a green reshell to compliment the other blasters.
-Sonic Praxis
Nerf Wikia pics
-Sonic Vigilon
Nerf Wikia pics
-Sonic Proton
Nerf Wikia pics

Super Soaker
We also got the 2 other motorised Super Soakers: the Lightningstorm(Thunderstorm repaint with better accessories) and the Electrostorm.
-Electrostorm
Nerf Wikia Review
-Lightningstorm
Nerf Wikia Review

Other
The were also the new promotional blasters:
-The Ninja Commando Blaster (Red Furyfire),
-And the Hawkeye Big Bad Bow (Rerelease Purple BBB)

All in all, 2012 was a great year for Nerf, with the release of some of the best blasters you can get from the Elite line, and the best Vortex blaster so far. 2013 looks to be good for Nerf as well, with so many new Elite blasters and the new 'Multishot Madness' series (with particular interest from this blog's authors in the Elite Stryfe and Triad).

Loadouts 4: Offence - Rushing

There's no point having the best defensive Nerfers in the world if you can't bring the fight to your opponents. This loadouts post is dedicated to delivering maximum damage to your opponent's forces, not so much their base or fortress.
Scenario Description: Combat with concentration of enemies. Player is playing offensively with intent to tag as many as possible, or tag specific player(s). May or may not have backup teammates, depending on situation, severity and importance. Generally will not involve game factors other than players. Player intends to run in and tag as many enemies as possible and may sacrifice themself.
Keys to Victory: Rate of fire is key. Range and accuracy not as important because the player will be close enough to opponents to ensure tags. Fearlessness is helpful, especially with the loadouts that involving running. Fitness is important as you will be running a lot as an offensive player.
Unnecessary Burdens: Sidearms. Normally an attack will end one of two ways: total victory (all or majority of enemies tagged, few or no allies tagged) or failure (few or no enemies tagged, all or most allies tagged). As a result, you will either be alive to reload your primary(ies), running away or have been tagged, and are thus returning to base to respawn, therefore having plenty of time to reload.

Loadouts 2: Heavy Fire Support

Scenario Description: Close-mid range team based encounters. General engagement ranges ~7-12m. Generally numerous, small teams instead of few, large teams. May or may not have numerous obstacles obstructing lines of fire. Player has taken role of fire support for team. Where necessary player provides fire support for team, and where necessary team protects player.
Keys to Victory: Rapid fire blasters with reasonably high capacity, preferably easy to reload. Reasonable range - does not have to shoot particularly far. Must be able to effectively spray darts at opponents, idealistically suppressing or tagging them. Large amounts of ammo. Fearlessly spray opponents, even when under heavy attack.
Unnecessary Burdens: Sidearms - your team covers you when you reload, more than one blaster (with exceptions) - unnecessary weight and bulk

Rayven Reliability Test

In this vid I test how reliable the Rayven is. I fire off 7x18 clips (mags), which totals 126 darts.
ROF peaks at 6dps in the middle three clips (mags).
Not a single jam or misfire.

Nerf Rayven CS-18 War Review

Name: Rayven CS-18
Capacity Used: 18 + spare
Range: Variable (20-25m generally)
ROF: up to 5dps
Mods: 3*14500 batteries, safety locks/switch removal/disable
Point of View: User

Scenario: Outdoor, 2v2v2 TDM, FFA
Other blasters: AT (spring upgrade, AR removal), 2*AT (stock), Deploy (AR removal), Recon (stock), Longstrike (spring upgrade, AR removal)
The Rayven with 3 14500 batteries offers a high level of threat, because of its extremely loud noise. The nosie alone can dissuade attackers, even if you're completely out of ammo. Its high range allowed a good spray of suppression fire. The Rayven outranged all other blasters, and was the easiest to rapid fire.
The Rayven, however, was plagued with several flaws.
For one, it was impossible to fire upon impulse - I had to rev it up to fire, and in those seconds the situation often changed drastically, forcing me to adapt under much pressure - not particularly easy.
Another issue was that it commonly misfired. This forced me to tip the barrel down numerous times, costing me ammo, time and often my advantage as it forced me to retreat to ensure safety. As a result I have moved to reduce misfires.
The final issue was its inaccuracy. Clip (mag) system blasters are naturally inaccurate (the Elite dart moves to change this), but the Rayven with 3 14500s is particularly inaccurate. I found it difficult to hit anything past 10-15m.

Overall, the Rayven in theory is great, and if all goes well (and I obtain Elite darts), the Rayven will only be plagued with instant-fire issues, and in the outdoor scenario this is rare.

Rayven Range Test

Simple range test of the Rayven with 3 Trustfire 14500s and a screw for a dummy battery.
Average ranges 20-25m with stock streamlines.
EDIT: Ranges are probably worth jack since these shots were probably not properly flat. Also please don't use Trustfires, they suck. Use eFest, Windyfire or AW IMRs instead.

Rayven Test Fire

Quick test-fire of my Rayven. It has 3 Trustfire 14500s and a screw for a dummy battery.
EDIT: Trustfires are awful for Nerf uses, please use IMRs instead. eFest, Windyfire and AW are reputable IMR brands.

Ranges without the barrel are around 70-80ft.
Ramges with the barrel are probably 60ft+, with far better accuracy.
EDIT: Ranges are probably rubbish, don't pay them much attention.
The barrel has been taken from an LSFG and put into the Recon barrel.
Super bright torch on the side :)

Note about the barrel, the rear end is funneled because it drastically reduces misfires. It used to misfire every 6 shots, but I've now managed to run 30 darts through it without incident.