N-Strike Elite RECON CQ-12

...and what the Elite RECON II could've/should've been

I picked this one up at Kohl's on super-sale for a mere  15 bucks! Regular price for this exclusive blaster is an outrageous 40 dollars.

boxed Elite RECON CQ-12

This re- released, retooled, repaint, of the NERF MODULUS RECON MK II is a decent blaster... but highly  over priced. Also compared to what you get with other blasters like the RETALIATOR or original RECON CS-6, it is a little underwhelming.

First let's look at what you get for 39.99 US dollars. You get the core blaster, a barrel extension, a 12 dart clip, 12 darts, and an instruction sheet. There is no shoulder stock included, however the blaster does feature a stock attachment point.

contents of box

I like the overall looks of this blaster. I think the Elite blue paint job looks much better then the original MODULUS color scheme...

(L) Modulus RECON MKII  (R) Elite RECON CQ-12

...plus the barrel extension can be used with other blasters in my Elite collection. The  core blaster features a single sling attachment point molded into the bottom of the grip. The grip itself  is comfortable  and big enough to accommodate  an adult size hand.

NERF Elite RECON CQ-12

There are 2 tactical rails, 1 molded into the top of the priming slide, and the other along the right side of the blaster. There's also an ambidextrous clip release button/s just in front of the trigger well.
It should also be noted that the shell design of the newer version of the RECON has been modified from the original MK II design, so that the magazine well will accommodate most clips, as opposed to the original version of the RECON MK II which would only accept 6, 10, and 12 dart straight mags (clips).

RECON CQ-12 magazine well

The RECON CQ-12 operates the same as the original RECON CS-6 or the RETALIATOR, using a slide action to prime the spring.

RECON CQ-12,  RECON CS-6,  RETALIATOR

As far as performance... dart speed (fps) and ranges are about the same as any other stock Elite spring powered blaster, and like the old RECON and the RETALIATOR, this newer version does not feature Slamfire either.
When the Modulus RECON MK II hit stores in the spring of 2016, it came with the core blaster, barrel extension, 6 darts  and clip, and a shoulder stock. It sold for about 25 bucks... at 40 bucks the exclusive RECON CQ should at least include the shoulder stock.

Elite RECON MK II... 

In fact, packaging this blaster with different accessories would have probably made it more desirable and the price a little more palatable. When the  RETALIATOR was released  back in 2012, it could be picked up for about 25 dollars. Not only did you get a core blaster that was very similar, but you got three accessories as well.

Elite RECON with RETALIATORY

Maybe if they would have packaged a couple of accessories with the new RECON, they could have asked $49.99 for it. NERF and Kohls have used this strategy before. Wallymart has done this as well with blasters like the STRYFE.

Re-released exclusive versions of the STRYFE.

I'm not saying I dont like these repackaged, super-overpriced,special editions, in fact I love them.  It's just that when they re-release an old blaster I expect a little something more than just a repaint. For the extra money they want, I expect something more than the original not less. Maybe a different barrel extension and a shoulder stock...?

With a shoulder stock and barrel extension, this could have been a cool new blaster. 

I have mixed feelings about the RECON CQ-12, it is a decent blaster that looks good and makes a fine addition to the NERF  Elite series, it's just too overpriced. Unless you have a specific need for this blaster or you can get it on sale, or money is no concern, you would be better off spending/saving your money on something else like a RETALIATOR.

                            NERF on NERFerS!!!