My Name has Changed!

This is just a short post to say that I have changed my Blogger display name from my real name 'Dylan', to Eclipse, what I am better known as on the forums. So all of my posts will have the author name changed, but don't worry, it's still the same old me. :D

Nerf Dart Tag- Snapfire 8

Another new release from the TIA Toy Fair, the Dart Tag 'Snapfire' 8! This is an official release from Nerf, coming along with it's own press release reading:

The NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster features one-hand firing, an essential element when players are on the move during competition battle. This semi-automatic blaster allows competitors to load darts into the front and then cock and fire darts as the front barrel revolves with each trigger pull. The DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster also enables players to adjust the tension level for increased speed and distance. Includes 8 Velcro tipped DART TAG darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Courtesy of The Toy Spy: Note the Snapfire just under the Sharpshot on the right.

This appears to be a new concept, involving the blaster priming when you pull the trigger, as in this. I'm also curious as the the addition of an adjustment for range. I have absolutely no idea why you would need to have less power, other than maybe the fact that it has less tension on the trigger resulting in a lower rate of fire... We'll have to wait and see.

Nerf N-Strike Elite- My Take

The announcement of the N-Strike Elite line of blasters really took me by surprise, due to the fact that Nerf actually really started listening to us. I am starting to think that they are starting to realise that there are some many modders out there, and given that the majority of newby mods only get around 75 feet, getting it right out of the box will be pretty nice.

As for what the 'Elite' darts are like, I'd just say denser foam and a weightier tip, although still with the air release hole, which is disappointing. I'd hope they'd fix that problem eventually, but they still couldn't address it in what is a virtual factory mod of the line. It is probably there for safety, although the are far better ways around it.

Basically, I'm not sure what to expect from the Elite line, it could be all it set out to be, or it could be 50 feet flat, 75 angled scenario that could be prohibitively expensive. I'll be keeping my eye our for any early models that pop up on eBay, because I'll pick it up for sure.

Longshot Build for Commision

I have just received a commission from a good mate of mine for a Longshot. He is just getting into Nerf, and with the only blaster i his house being a Deploy, I really wanted to make him something special for his first 'real' blaster. I had though of an RSCB'd BuzzBee Ultimate Missile Blast, but dismissed the idea because he had thought it look rather 'bad'. Longshot it is then.

He said he'd cover materials, so with little to no persuasion, he handed over $150. With the cash in my pocket, I headed out of school rather content with my efforts. Don't ask me why he brought $150 to school, but he did. I'm heading out to pick up a Longshot for him and a couple for me tomorrow, as we are lucky to still have the last of them over here.

I'm going to be adding an Oznerfnerd mod kit, as well as boltsled reinforcement brackets and a brass breach. I'll also paint it white with blue details and silver dry brushing. I'll also be adding some blue LEDs and a real nice LSFG integration. It should be really good. After my Supershot failed from multiple breakages e.g. total obliteration of the boltsled, I'll be reinforcing it with multiple different methods.

I'll post some pictures and a full write up on OzNerf and link it here, as well as adding some exclusive pictures.

Name Change

As you have probably noticed, the name of the blog has recently changed. Nerf Down Under seemed more relevant than The Nerf Blog, so there you go. Thanks to LostBoy for the name idea, and also for making the Facebook page HERE. Please check it out, as I find social networks to be an easy way to convey new posts and also some other exclusive news that you may not be able to find here. It's always fun to get reader feedback and to be able to communicate with you guys better.

Cheers,
Dylan

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?