Minecraft Blog Launch

I don't know how many of you know, but I love the game Minecraft. If you don't then completely disregard this post, but if you do on the other hand, I would encourage you to check out my other blog over here. It's mainly my point of view, explaining what I like and dislike about some of the updates and giveing an insight to what I'm working on. I'd really like you to check it. Please follow via Google friend connect and also leave a comment saying what you think.

Thanks,
Dylan

Nerf Spectre Review

It's taken me a while, but I finally bit the bullet and went out and picked myself up a Spectre. When I exited the checkout, thoughts from those who found the blaster boring and mundane started to enter me head. I had chosen this over the Alpha Trooper- was that the right thing to do? Only one way to find out!

Well, the Spectre is commonly referred to as a 'grown up'  Maverick. This is obviously because of there undeniable similarities- handgun revolver, pull-back action, flip out barrels etc. While that may seem the case, if you take a bit of a look deeper into the blasters design, you'll find a whole new way of thinking.

While the Spectre hold one less dart than the Maverick, this plays a vital role in minimization of size and weight. It is extremely thin, with barely any obvious, 'in your face', sort of protrusions. This makes it extremely easy to make duct tape holsters for- if your interested. Also, the grip is extremely comfortable, one of the best I have used from any manufacturer of foam blasters.

The performance of the blaster is very good. The barrel rotates on the priming action, rather than on the trigger pull, resulting in a quick, smooth mechanism. The priming action, on the other hand is slightly harder than, say a Maverick, but this shouldn't be a problem. Ranges are better than a stock Maverick, although I can't really do range tests, so I am unable to provide exact figures.

The accessories, to me, are barely more than decoration. The stock is rather small and slips out of my shoulder easily and the fake silencer doesn't silence anything. The stock is a better match for the Barricade or Alpha Trooper in my opinion. The silencer has a bigger ID than a Recon's, therefore takes away less of the range.

All in all, the blaster is very simple to operate and I'd recommend it to anyone, really. I'm not sure it should be your first blaster, but it should serve you well.

New Blog Author Wanted

I'm after a new author for the blog. I have been a little caught up with moving house lately, and I really need a back up writer. It would also be good to have another take on some of the news that's going on. If you would like a shot at it, just stick a comment down below. I won't set a cut off date, but you'll have about a few weeks.  

Cheers,
Dylan

HINT: Try to give me some indication of your writing skills in the comment you post below. Also, post an email address so I can contact you if you get the spot. You can write your email address like this - dmcinc98 at hotmail dot com- my email by the way- to avoid spam bots.

Nerf Exclusive Blaster Reveal

Nerf have finally announced what we have all being waiting for. Released via the Nerf Nation Facebook page, the previously leaked Bumblebee Barricade is the 'exclusive' blaster. This will be sold at New York Comic Con and for a limited time on HasbroToyShop.com.

Dart Tag 'Ten Shot' SMG thingy- Real or Fake

There has been much speculation as the whether or not the Dart Tag 'Ten Shot' blaster is real or just a concept like the Stampede 'Bulls Scrotum' Drum Mag. To me, it looks real enough. This is mainly because it is based upon and already released platform which is already known to exist and also due to a couple of other cosmetic features that sort of give it away. Mainly the 'Not For Sale' etched into the surface above the grip in the above shot, spotted by Pocket from Urban Taggers. Also, if you think about it, why prototype a functioning blaster that you might not end up selling? The cost of the molds and designs would be prohibitive for a non existent blaster.

Personally, I'm convinced that it's real. The only thing I'm wondering is if it's the mystery 'Exclusive' Blaster being revealed in around 12 hours. What do you think?

Nerf Vortex Proton Review

I recently picked up a Vortex Proton to test out the Vortex lineup. I was certain that I was going to end up picking up more than just this anyway, but since it's the 'baby' blaster of the line, I thought it would be good intro of what to expect for the rest. I've since checked out and bought the rest of the Vortex line, and I found that I was just about right to think that.

The blaster itslef is very simple, with a basic 'snap-load' system to load the disks in the rear. Simply pull back the slide, drop in a disk, hit the release lever and pull the trigger to fire. I have found this system very good, and I can load the blaster rather fast with a little practise.

The ammo itself is extremely good. The blasters were critisised initially for lower projectile velocity, but I have rarely found this an issue. I still find it really easy To hit a moving (read: unsuspecting) target. This also means that I can maintain accuracy out to longer ranges, while keeping the blaster safe and fun for young people to use.

Ranges are around 55-60 feet, with the stock foam disks. There is very low modability for modders, with a simple spring relocation mod and lock removal about the only possible modifications.

The thing you all probably want to know is- does the Proton live up to the hype of the Vortex release? What do you think?

Nerf 18 Round Drum Mag Pack/Set

It has been reported that the Alpha Trooper's 18 Round drum mag, a favourite of Nerfers worldwide, is going to start showing up in stores as a 'Mission Kit' type packaging. Not much more information on pricing and such, but it should be very nice to not have to purchase more ATs for more drums. Picture courtesy of SGNerf

New Nerf Blaster on the Way

Nerf have released, exclusively to their Facebook fans, a message reading:

'Get those eyelids opened wide, Nation! We'll be posting details on a new, exclusive Nerf blaster tomorrow around 3pm EST right here on the Facebook Wall. Is it Thursday yet?'

No real idea what this breaks down to, but as it says exclusive, I'd speculate that it'd be store exlusive. Not sure if it'll be the new 'Dart Tag 10' or the Bumblebee theme Barricade, or something entirely new and unleaked, but I sure hope that it isn't just another repaint. We'll have to wait another 18 hours to find out, but my bet is that I'll check for updates on it ASAP, and write back any new info.

Cheers,
Dylan

Australian Vortex Store Stock Update

All of the big Nerf retailers in Australia are now stocking the full Vortex line. By around the 8th and 9th we had widespread coverage, but now the new blasters are almost everywhere. I noticed a post similar to this on Urban Taggers a while back, but I noticed that they didn't say the prices for each one. I thought it'd be nice to share a bit of intel with some fellow Aussie Nerfers, so here it is... Please keep in mind that these are current prices, and many are now on sale for 'Introductory Offers'. I'll post the standard prices a little later.They are also from my local store, so they may differ to your's...

Toys R Us
-Proton $21.99
-Vigilon $26.99
-Praxis $29.99
-Nitron $69.99

Kmart
-Proton $14.00
-Vigilon $20.00
-Praxis $35.00
-Nitron $65.00

Myer

-Proton $14.95
-Vigilon $24.95
-Praxis $39.95
-Nitron $59.95

Target coming soon
Toy World coming soon

Nerf Streamline Dart Review- Let's Try Again

This post was one of my first blog posts, but I have recently deleted it, as I found it really n00by and felt embarrassed keeping it up. So let's try again, with a but more experience under my belt.

The standard Nerf streamline/clip system dart has completely divided the Nerf community down the middle, since it's introduction with the Longshot. Some love 'em and some hate 'em, but everyone is forced to use them.

Firstly, the darts themselves are pretty slick looking. They lack the bulbous heads of other darts and hence fly more aerodynamically. They are smaller at the head so that they can be inserted into the straight Nerf clip without the need for a bend and difficult manufacturing process. due to this, they are only really designed for clip system blasters, although they will fit into selected other blasters.

The actually function of the dart is a bit iffy. While they do provide a modest range increase over suction or whistler darts, they also are very inaccurate. This is because they have a small hole in the head that is supposed to allow them to whistle as they fly. This sort of works, but at the same time, it also causes them to be aerodynamically challenged, as the air flies over the at odd angles and makes the dart's flight curve and makes proper aiming difficult.

All in all, while they are required for use with stock blasters, streamline darts are not favored by Nerfers for their low accuracy and low durability. In my humble opinion, use them when you have to, but avoid them if you don't.

Cheers,

Dylan

Comments Appreciated

Hey guys,
I just wanted to write this post telling you that I'd really appreciate some comments on my posts. I know that I have been really slack at replying, but I am putting more time into the blog now and I would love to keep up with you guys.

I mainly really like hearing you feedback, as it lets me know that the material I'm putting out is respected and enjoyed by the Nerf community. I know that I am getting views from the Blogger stats counter, but I'd just really like to get a few more comments. Also, if you are reading this right now and would like to help out a whole bunch, could you please look in the side bar and click that button saying 'Follow'? I get really excited for every new follower I get.

Also, this post wasn't really directed at the people who comment a lot already, so don't be offended or think that your not writing enough. Also, you don't have to write if you don't want. It's just a great for for me to know what you think.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it

Dylan

Rant: Vortex Ammo

I know I'm doing a lot of these rant posts lately, but I have been rather intrigued as to what all the fuss about the Vortex ammo is. Sure, they're disks, but who cares, they certainly have their upsides.

Firstly, for all the kids out there who like to shoot their blasters around the house, the lower velocity really helps prevent damage. The way that the disk spins means that it'll stay in the air for a good amount of time, but it won't knock stuff over as easily as darts. It will also hurt less, as velocity is directly related to how much any blaster hurts.

It'll also fix some of the problems more 'hardcore' Nerfers are fussed about. As more of a 'hardcore' than a casual Nerfer, I am a little fussy over ranges, therefore I like to mod. Due to little success in modding the blasters, many Nerfers have simply opted for stock. This fixes Nerf's problems with modding, as well as giving ranges not safely possible with darts.

I have seen the ammo in action myself and I have to say, it travels at a descent enough velocity. All the guys out there who say that they are easily dodge-able really need to step beck and have a look. If you were to put a Maverick and a Vigilon head to head on a chrono, there would be little difference.

To sum it up, I personally have no problem with the Vortex ammo, and I hope that it becomes more popular as time goes on. I'm also sure there can be plenty of new releases for the Vortex lineup, because there are some many great N-Strike designs that can be modified and made into Vortex. I can also ensure that Hasbro will do some great things with the lineup, so watch out.

Cheers,
Dylan

False Alarm

Hi guys,

I'm sorry about what I posted before about the blog moving, but due to limited success, I'm back. It should be smooth sailing from here on in. I apologize for any of the readers who checked here regularly and doesn't anymore, and I hope that I can regain readership. 

But I have got some great new posts coming up that I think you would like. First of all, Vortex has been released in Australia, and has been for the past five days. Some sightings have been reported even earlier than that. So, I have got my hands on a few, so watch out for those. I am also going to be posting a few cool things as well as focusing a hell of a lot more on news. I have also been really busy with heaps of assignments for school, but as they are almost done for the term, I should be able to get the post count up.

Cheers,

Dylan