Sunday, January 31, 2016

Epic Battle of Hero Nerf Blasters

STARLORD vs. CAPTAIN AMERICA


               Last Post of the First Month!           A Winner is Declared!



For the past month I've been conducting a poll on 2 Google+ communities as well as here at NERFARIUM. The poll was to determine which Marvel hero based blaster fans preferred, Star-Lord's QUADBLASTER or Captain America's STEALTHFIRE SHIELD. Both are more promotional and gimmicky than actual well preforming blasters, but still fun non the less. I own each and have posted reviews of each which you can read by clicking the links  Capt America STEALTHFIRE SHIELD and Star-Lord QUADBLASTER .
The battle waged on for a month and it was virtually an even match the whole time! Star-Lord would pull ahead in the polls by a couple of votes and just as fast the "Cap" would catch up and pull ahead. Now the votes have stopped coming in and I think it's time to call it and declare a winner. This poll was interesting because not only did we put 2 blasters up against each other but also the heroes who wield them. 
It might be worth mentioning that Captain America has been more recently seen in theatres back in May of 2015 in "Age of Ultron" and will be back again this May in "Civil War". Not to mention the other 3 movies he's been in, while Star-Lord hasn't been seen since "Guardians of the Galaxy" way back in August of 2014 and won't be back until "Guardians Volume2" in May of 2017. We may love Star-Lord but Captain America is a very, very popular guy!
Maybe face time with the public paid off for the Captain because the Marvel Captain America The Winter Soldier STEALTHFIRE SHIELD (yep, that's the full name) is the WINNER.

The winner- STEALTHFIRE SHIELD!
The STEALTHFIRE SHIELD won by a 57 to 43 percent margin, getting 24 out of 42 of the total votes. Star-Lord's QUADBLASTER was ahead in the poll several times and got a respectable 18 votes in the end.  I thought it was fun and much more interesting than the average mundane "what blaster is better?"- poll. Thanks to everybody who participated in the poll.

One more look at our competing blasters.
Captain America and his mighty shield are due back in theatres on May 6th in Captain America: Civil War. You never know, maybe there will be a new theme inspired Nerf blaster and a brand new poll? What would you think about that?


Captain America: Civil War - in theatres 5-6-2016
                                                      NERF ON NERFerS!!!

Friday, January 29, 2016

NERF MEGA MASTODON- preview

My 2nd pick.


So I've been thinking hard about the second blaster I would get when the Fall line comes out. Keep in mind that this is only based on the blasters that we know about at this point. I wouldn't be at all surprised if something else is announced down the road that blows us away some how. But until that happens my second choice is the MEGA MASTODON. So let's take a look at it.
 
The MASTODON is the first fly wheel driven MEGA series blaster. It would most likely be my first MEGA blaster since thus far I haven't been a big fan of the MEGA series and don't own any. There are several reasons why this 24 dart MEGA blaster might change my mind. First thing this design kind of reminds me of a BARRACADE or STOCKADE design, but the reason they lacked was to much noise vs. 4 more darts than a MAV or STRONGARM. Now this beast does it right with 24 darts and they are MEGA!!!
 
I like a big blaster. The MASTODON has a pistol grip, a D handle, and a sling/strap. In a way it reminds me of a fictional blaster I hoped Hasbro would make called the HAMMERHEAD GL-1. I'm excited to see the mods people come up with for this thing.
 
Now the MM is going to be pretty hefty to start out and then you're going to fill it up with 6 D batteries so this is no little kids blaster, and at around $80 it'll break your piggy bank for sure! Again this falls into my category of blaster... if you know me I like to pack a VULCAN or PUNISHER and I have 2 RHINOFIRES, I like big blasters enough said
 
Now I've been studying the one picture we have all and I've noticed a few things (maybe I should have read more reviews before I wrote this, oh well) This big button right in front of the dart cylinder. it has to be a cylinder release like most of the REV blasters have for re-loading, right?
 
 
Another curious thing is in the picture I can't see an acceleration trigger so I wonder about that? Will it simply have an on/off switch like the BARRACADE and STOCKADE?
Where's the acceleration trigger?
Now there is one last thing that actually terrifies me. Maybe some of you would be ok with this but not me. Look at the attachment point... what if the D- handle fires the dart and advances the cylinder? Think about it. The trigger only activates the flywheel motors and pushing the D-handle forward and pulling it back fires the dart and rotates the next one in to place. I  hope that is not the case.
 
 
 
Does anyone remember back in April of 2014 when this fake image of the not yet released Rhino Fire was put out on Reddit and Tactical Tag as a joke? Look how close to the mark those guys were to an actual blaster.
I guess this thing looks like a ROTOFURY too, only a fan photo shop job.

We'll find out the details about the new exciting MEGA MASTODON  as we get closer to the fall release date so be on the look out for updates. Until then...

NERF ON NERFerS!!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Modulus BATTLESCOUT ICS-10

The Blaster du jour.

So I guess we all know by now that the fall 2016 Nerf line has been leaking out for the past few days. This year it seems that Hasbro is selectively leaking out the information and pictures them selves, taking the power of advertisement back from the spies that seem to spoil all there secrets.
Here is todays offering as first seen on about.com
I think it is interesting that they decided to have another try at the "camera blaster" and that they went with an internal clip?  I'll just post a picture and the official Hasbro description and leave it to your imagination for now. I don't really care for it but I'm not a big fan of the Modulus series (at least not yet).  With all these new blasters coming at us, non of them cheap, it might be time to find some extra income!

Modulus ECS-10


                                     NERF ON NERFerS!!!

Monday, January 25, 2016

DoomLands 2169 DOUBLE DEALER & Zombie Strike BRAINSAW!!!

Extra ! Extra! Read all about it! Nerf leaks 2 more new blasters!

Nerfarium hits 10,000 page views and more..!

Oh Yeah! it's all over place, like when a puppy has a bad accident! Right when everybody is busy talking about the 4 new blasters that we just found out about, those little devils at Hasbro leak out 2 more! Now that's how you keep the buzz going! The latest blasters that we should getting soon are the DoomLands 2169 DOUBLE-DEALER, and the Zombie-Strike BRAINSAW. Nerfers have been spreading this news like wildfire and all the usual suspects have already have YouTube videos up and they can speculate for you so I don't have to now. Here are the pictures you are going to see all over the place. They should be on everyone else's blog too. Let's hope we get more!

DoomLands 2169 DOUBLE-DEALER
Zombie-Strike BRAINSAW
Also today- Nerfarium hit 10,000 page views! Thanks to everyone who reads and follows! Not bad for a little dog of a blog. 


Picture from my third post in 2014

 Be sure to keep coming back because things are only getting better Part of the reason for that is because today I also became the co-owner of.NERF or NOTHING! a Google+ community of dedicated Nerf enthusiasts.
                                                                  
                                                                              Come check it out and...


                                                                          NERF ON NERFerS!!!

Tactical Vests

When you're heading into a Nerf War there are a few must have essentials. You have to have a blaster and some darts. These days most people like to use a main (primary) blaster and a smaller back up (secondary) blaster. Maybe you carry some extra darts or magazines. Eye gear of some sort is also a popular and wise accessory, and hats and gloves are commonly used as well. Others take it to a whole other level by completely dressing out, carrying several blasters and even a foam sword, axe, or other weapon. Another piece of gear that is popular with Nerfers is the tactical vest. Not only does this accessory compliment your load out, but with all the pockets clips and rings , it can be a very useful thing to have.
I use and make them and I'm always looking for a better one, whether it has better features or looks tacti-COOLer.
Here is a look at a few vests, some features, and where and why you might get one.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Tactical Vest - Load up big-time for any N-Strike Elite mission with the Tactical Vest Kit! The kit’s Tactical Vest, included ammo and Quick Reload Clips let you stay heavily armed even while you’re on the move. The vest’s dart storage loops hold up to 12 darts, and you can fit 2 Quick Reload Clips in the clip storage area. There’s a pocket for blaster storage so you can carry some backup firepower, and another pocket for whatever else you need to complete the mission! With all the ammo and firepower you can fit in your Tactical Vest and your blaster in your hand, you’ll be ready for any battle situation!
 
This vest is perhaps the most well. It can be found at some retailers who carry NERF products or Amazon for anywhere between $35 to $70 new.


 Mage Craft Tactical Vest Kit- 
 Stay heavily armed even at the same time  you are on the move, you’ll be able to be ready for any battle situation. GO! GO! GO!
The vest is an adjustable style fitting for most sizes. The top right has Velcro for attaching a team badge .At the top left is a holder for a quick reload clip. On the middle there are 2 Dart holders that can hold 18 Nerf Darts. On the bottom right you have a pocket for storing other ammo or something you may need for your mission. At the bottom left is a hook with holder for holding your blaster.
 2 piece Tactical USA Flag Patch, you’ll be able to make a team playing model with your friends with these 2 different color patches.1 piece Vision Gear eyewear with soft case that gives you protection in the game and will give you the sharp look of a serious competitor.

This one is becoming a popular sub for the licensed NERF product. It is also becoming more easily available and more affordable at an average price of about $25. There are two things I hear repeatedly about this product, first the size (some say to big for small kids) and quality of this vest are surprisingly good. The second feature isn't as good, I hear it has that strong plastic smell that takes a while to go away when new.
 


Covert Force Tactical Body Armor  -    
Personal play protection system for kids 

  • First line of defense when kids have been assigned a top secret operation
  • Clip end for clipping onto pocket or loop
  • Sculpted padding and a customizable fit
  • Plenty of room for more gear with the elastic straps, D-rings and pocket
  • Personal protection system with sculpted padding
  • Top Secret Mission included
  • Recommended for children age 6 and up
  •  Covert Force - Tactical Body Armor is your first line of defense with the sculpted padding and customizable fit. You have plenty of room for more gear with the elastic straps, D-rings and pocket. The Tactical Body Armor also features the exclusive Clip Trak, which allows you to attach other Covert Force items, such as Walkie Talkies, Clip Trak Light and more! Also included is a unique Top Secret Mission, giving you a special online code to perform covert missions! Covert Force - Tactical Body Armor, 0T5104604TL is recommended for children age 6 and up. Serious gear for your child’s next mission. A wide range of tactical gear includes armor, helmets, night vision accessories, gadgets and more. Designed for ages 6+ to take their secret spy games to the next level.















    Covert Force Tactical Vest & Fingerless Tactical Gloves Set- 
    Gift Set Bundle Includes Covert Force Tactical Vest & Fingerless Tactical Gloves!
    The Covert Force poly-twill fabric vest has four cargo pockets, one 2-inch-deep zipper pocket (with mesh-net outer pocket), 4 D-rings, custom zipper pulls, and cargo shoulder epaulets with snap closures.
    Fingerless gloves keep you protected during combative top secret operations! Padded with flexible knuckle protectors and adjustable wrist band. Vest is 15″ x 18″ & gloves are approximately 4″ x 6″. For Ages 5 and up it is pretty small and won't fit us bigger kids. The items are also currently unavailable at Amazon who say "We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock at Amazon."  The items can be found else where for around $50.
                                                                          
     

    eBay Chinese Vests-
     Load up big-time for any N-Strike Elite mission with the Tactical Vest! This Nerf Tactical Vest will let you stay heavily armed even while you’re on the move. The vest’s dart storage loops hold up to 12 darts, and you can fit 2 Quick Reload Clips in the clip storage area. There’s a pocket for blaster storage so you can carry some backup firepower, and another pocket for whatever else you need.
    There are many of these on eBay They all seem to be similar if not identical and the prices can start as low as 50 cents in a bidding situation. I'm skeptical of the quality but just might invest a dollar or two to see for myself.




















    There are many air soft and paintball vest between $25 to $45 that might suit your needs but these aren't tailored for Nerf gear so if you decide to go this route be sure it meets the needs you want.

    VESTS- Evike Matrix, Crazystone's, and Maddog

     
    The air soft and paint ball vest can get even more expensive or you could spend more on a custom made rig like this one from Apex Tactical Solutions. They look awesome. They seem to always be out of stock and I can't even tell you how much they are asking for them, but you know the old saying- if you have to ask how much it is... you probably can't afford it! IDK.

      Apex Tactical Solutions Custom Nerf Vest-
     
     
    One more option you might think about is making your own. If you are at all handy with a thread and needle or know someone who would help you this is a great option. Not only do you get a custom made specifically for you vest, but the costs can be kept low. You can build it entirely from scratch or repurpose something you already have, maybe even check out the thrift store for something that might be easily altered to suit your needs.
                                                                                                   
    Maybe you don't need a vest at all. Some peoples style is cramped by one. As for me, not only do I like all the extra cargo room and a little padding, but I think they look cool and add little more to the game play. Plus my vest goes great with my matching helmet and cape! XD
     Remember when it comes to tactical vests there are a lot of choices so be sure to get exactly what is right for you.
     
    NERF ON NERFerS!!!
     

    Friday, January 22, 2016

    Nerf Elite HYPERFIRE- PREVIEW

    The soon to be released N-Strike Elite HYPERFIRE 

    Only a few hours ago news got out about some new NERF blasters scheduled for release in the fall. Among them are a new full auto Rival called the KHAOS, a Mega called the MASTODON, the TRI-STRIKE which is a new Modulus blaster, and the N-Strike Elite HYPERFIRE (not to be confused with the dart tag blaster) They all look pretty cool but the HYPERFIRE is the one I've been waiting for.
    No, I had no inside information from my imaginary friends at Hasbro but I just knew they'd come up with a blaster like this soon enough. Why? The RAPIDSTRIKE. Whether you're a fan of full auto, full size blasters or not, it was a big hit and it only made sense that Nerf would try to do something a little bigger, badder, and better.
    Information is sparse at this time but we're told the HYPERFIRE should be priced at about $50, runs on 4 D batteries, comes standard with a 25 dart drum magazine, and can unload 5 darts a second in it's fully automatic mode. This suggests that it has select fire? I've also seen this new blaster referred to as the HYPER-HEARTH, which leads me to believe there will be a different version outside the US, much like we had with the VULCAN/HAVOC FIRE situation back in 2008.


    50 dart drum that we didn't get.
    I've seen what a modified RAPIDSTRIKE can do and I can only imagine what an over-volted HYPERFIRE might be capable of. We could really use a working 50 dart double drum mag for this one. The HYPERFIRE just made the top of my wish list! I'll post more about it as more info becomes available and I'll certainly be showing mine off the second I'm able to get my hands on one! Until then...                                                         
                                                                                             
                                                     NERF ON NERFerS!!!

    Saturday, January 16, 2016

    NERF BATTLE RACER

    If Mad Max had a Nerf Car...

    I just saw this and immediately had to investigate and post about it. It was first brought to my attention thanks to fellow Nerfer W. Heavystarch Hudson. It's the Hauck NERF - BATTLE RACER go-cart.   The Battle Racer is being offered for sale in countries like Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and others. It seems it is being manufactured by HAUCK  who is a German based company known for their strollers go-carts and other things.   

    I got details and some more images but they're not very sharp. I also translated some of the product descriptions to come up with this one.   With the NERF Battle Racer successful NERF gaming takes on a whole new dimension and a lot of action. The go-cart for children ages 4 and over is adapted to the sleek Nerf blasters in design and thus perfectly catches the spirit of the target group. It's NERF or nothing! Features include large front cover in the NERF-style including stickers, holding consoles for several NERF Blaster of different  sizes, clips for 10 NERF darts and rear holders for 2 NERF blasters ensure supplies on board.
    The handbrake can be operated with the right hand and simultaneously acts on both rear wheels. 12 inch wheels with EVA profile tires provide good ground clearance and enough grip on uneven terrain. In addition to the ease of use of the adjustable seat. The length of the seat center section to the pedal (when the seat is set at the front)   Front position: 48.0 cm, backrest position: 56.0 cm.
     Warning: Not suitable for children under three years! Warning! NERF blasters NOT included in the delivery.
           
     # Details: • Part Number: 91869-6 • Robust steel frame • Large front in the NERF-design • 10 "wheels of EVA material, ball bearings in size Ø 25.5 cm •  bearings • switchable freewheel • Hand brake for both rear wheels • 3 adjustable bucket seat with 2 Dart-hollows and Handrail for 2 NERF Blaster • length of the seat center the pedal (forward position): •free wheel • Hand brake for both rear wheels • The seat can be adjusted in three Modes.  Weight: 14.95 kg (without packaging) • Dimensions: 129 x 59 x 68 cm • Maximum load: 50 kg (110 lbs.) • Age: 4-8 years (90-110 cm)

     Different sites such as pinkorblue or baby-markt are asking about 300 Euro or more which is about $327 to $360 US. I haven't heard of any US release as of yet. I've talked about modifying a power wheels vehicle or something like that and mounting some blasters to it. The Nerf Battle Racer is only big enough for the average kid between 4 to 8 years old but can you imagine something a little bigger? Still you have to admit it's pretty cool and I want one.
    NERF ON NERFerS!!!
     

    Thursday, January 14, 2016

    Marvel Hero Blaster Poll

      Captain America & Star Lord Want Your Vote!



    I've been taking a poll on a couple of Google+ Nerf communities where we've matched up Nerf's versions of the Star Lord Quad Blaster against Captain America's Stealthfire Shied. I've reviewed both of these promotional blasters before so I won't go into that again.

    LINK to QUAD BLASTER REVIEW             LINK to STEALTH SHIELD REVIEW
    
    Nerf's Star Lord Quad Blaster & Captain America Stealthfire Shield 
    I put these two head to head thinking it would be a good match up. 1st-the blasters are equal capacity/range and has a gimmick. 2nd-each is based on a Marvel hero's main weapon. 3rd- Members from the Nerf or Nothing! and Nerf Nation Club Google+ communities have really kept this a thrilling battle all the way for nearly 2 weeks and I have been blown away by the results so far.
    Star Lord held a marginal lead in the beginning and as the votes tallied up his blaster remained favored. Then a few votes for Captain America brought it to a 50/50 split where it stayed! Just when I was thinking about calling it a draw... another vote tipped the scales in the Cap's favor by a mere 1%.
    The actual poll can be seen at either of these Google communities click on the links below to visit site, or AFFILIATES (NorN! only).

        Nerf Nation Club                         NERF or NOTHING!

    I think I'll officially declare the poll closed at the end of the month. If you have a Google account perhaps consider joining these communities and voting. I'm a moderator at NERF or NOTHING! owned by Joe Smith and a member of Nerf Nation Club owned by famous old time Nerfer MyLastDart.  Any votes left on my comments below will also be counted.
    After the final votes are counted will come a special results post with new pictures, blaster tests, and more. So don't forget to vote.

                                       NERF ON NERFerS!!!

    Tuesday, January 12, 2016

    NERF or NOTHING!

     NERFARIUM finally has an official affiliate! 

     I'm pleased to announce that after almost 3 years of looking I've teamed up with the Google+ community NERF or NOTHING!  The community is new and growing quickly and we're looking for upbeat new members who love Nerf as much as we do. It's a lot of fun and I've been posting short comments and pictures there almost daily lately.  Click on a orange link to check it out. There will also be a permanent link on the NERFARIUM sidebar (or somewhere on the home page). I want to say thanks to community owner Joe Smith and a shout out to the rest of the members of the NERF or NOTHING community.

                                 NERF ON NERFerS!!!

    Wednesday, January 6, 2016

    Nerfarium Twenty-Sixteen

    Well here it is 2016. This year marks some special milestones but then again I suppose every new year does. This of course is the first Nerfarium post of the year, and I want to wish you a belated happy and healthy year ahead. Thanks to everyone for a great 2015.
    This year one of the things I'm going to do is change Nerfarium. I've always wanted this blog to have more reader input whether it was just comments, followers, or better yet submissions like the photos and post from nerf friends like Xenomorph 1320-D and his amazing Xeno Cannons. Still I never got as much feed back as I wanted.
    It seems that the scape of the interweb blog is changing as well. This last year 2 more legendary blogs sites said good-bye when Tactical Tag signed off and Nerf Mods and Reviews simply vanished after no longer posting the year before. Blaster Labs- I don't even know what to say so don't ask.com me... Facebook and YouTube seem to be popular with most. The blogs that are still active including this one aren't posting nearly as often as they used to.
    It takes considerable time and effort to maintain a blog. Anyone who has ever tried knows. It's a different thing if you get paid to do it, but most of us don't. So to all of you bloggers still putting out a couple of posts every month- I salute you! To all you readers of Nerfarium and other nerf blogs- you're the reason I do it. Thanks for reading and...

                                                    NERF ON NERFerS!!! 
    p.s.
           I thought you might like to see a picture of what I got for Christmas, ho ho ho.
    My new blue RHINOFIRE, SHARPFIRE, and 30 new Zombie Strike darts. I got them for Christmas!