Nerf guns are operated with air pressure and fire the foam arrows from the barrel. With the old Nerf blasters, the compressed air is activated by pulling the trigger, and the dart is fired. With the new Nerf Gun, the air pressure is generated using a compression spring. Most Nerf Guns reach ranges of 10 to 30 meters. A few like the Nerf Thunderbow from the MEGA series even exceed these values. Some models support fully automatic firing using batteries so that a magazine with 20 rounds can be fired empty in a few seconds. Since Nerf Gun was originally designed for children, Hasbro is very concerned about safety placed. The risk of injury is minimal, as the darts are made of foam, and hits even on bare skin do not cause pain. If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend protective goggles to protect your eyes from the Nerf arrows.
How Does a Nerf Gun Work?
Engineer Guy Bill Hammack shows once again why the world is the way it is. After he had already explained the beverage’s shape to us, for example, today, we will talk about the small plastic weapons from NERF. How exactly does this work with the electroless firing of soft ammunition? It’s all a question of airflow, as demonstrated using the NERF Blaster as an example.
“Bill reveals the engineering design of a NERF blaster, including how it shoots only one dart at a time using a novel air restriction mechanism.”
Blaster variants
In addition to the Hasbro Nerf Gun, other manufacturers have jumped on the blaster bandwagon. BuzzBee Toys, Lanard Toys, Prime Time, Marvel, and other manufacturers now also sell Nerf Gun-like blasters. BuzzBee is the only manufacturer that uses suction arrows as projectiles. The projectiles can thus stick to a smooth surface intended to increase the game’s fun.
There are different methods a Nerf gun can use to fire ammunition.
On the one hand, some mechanical models work with a spring inside and air pressure that fires the ammunition at the push of a button on the trigger. For this, the spring must be tensioned before pressing. The mechanism cannot function without tension.
Electric guns use a flywheel and are battery operated. Take a look at the individual products in the overview:
| Art | characteristics |
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Electric nerf gun |
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Mechanical nerf gun |
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Semi-automatic? Fully automatic? Which Nerf Gun is suitable for whom
If you want to buy a Nerf gun, you have semi and fully automatic Nerf guns available.
The advantage of the semi-automatic is the exact shots. The Nerf gun does not have to be unlocked, and one shot is fired per actuation of the trigger. These Nerf devices are ideal for children who want to integrate the toy gun into their play adventures.
However, if you are buying a fully automatic Nerf gun, then you have chosen a Nerf Gun machine gun with that in mind. As long as you pull the trigger on the Hasbro Nerf gun, shots will be fired. This lasts until either the trigger is released or there are no more darts in the Nerf magazine. This nerf pistol is usually more interesting for tall teenagers and also adult players.
Adults also find the Nerf-Gun Mega Blaster interesting, for example. These models are not only loud, but they also prevent inconspicuous play. Those who want to duel with friends realistically and at the appropriate volume will find what they are looking for in these models.
Tip: Of course, you can go faster with a small Nerf minigun that even fits in your pocket. If all players only have a small gun with them, nothing stands in the way of a fair (and fast) game.
The capacity of the magazine has a great influence on the course of the game.
A decisive factor can influence the fun of playing the Nerf devices if this is not taken into account when buying the gun: the magazine’s capacity.
For example, if you are looking for a cheap Nerf gun in a Nerf gun comparison, look at the magazine capacity. The fun of the game can suffer enormously if the magazine is only designed for one dart.
Good models have a Nerf magazine that can hold at least 10 or even 20 darts. If you save at the wrong end here, you will probably quickly lose the fun of the game.
How many darts are included in the scope of delivery of the Nerf gun?
The Nerf-Gun Elite Hyperfire Blaster comes with 25 darts. However, unfortunately, the Nerf Hyperfire Gun is not standard in terms of the many darts available as accessories.
Many models often only contain 3 or 6 darts, so that the separate purchase of additional darts should be included in the price.
What range can be achieved per shot?
Don’t underestimate the power of a Nerf pistol. The Nerf darts fly (depending on the model) between 20 and 30 meters. For example, if your children want to play a lot in the house and only have small rooms, you should ban possible danger (porcelain figures on the cupboards or plants on the windowsill).
Where and how to play with Nerf Gun?
With Nerf Gun, you can basically play anywhere. Whether indoor or outdoor, there are no limits. There are many different game variants. For example, take deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag, or target.
The success of the dart blaster
As already mentioned, the toy company Hasbro is behind the Nerf Gun and has been marketing the blasters in Germany since 2009. The company achieved huge successes, and so, for example, sales increased by a whopping 42 percent in 2013. Simon, the Nerf Gun, is now Hasbro’s most successful brand, selling classic toys such as Scrabble and Monopoly.
There is no end in sight to this success. There are currently more than 50 models that are actively being sold. These are divided into a wide variety of Nerf series. For example, white Nerf N-Strike, N-Strike Elite, Nerf Vortex, or the girls series Rebelle.
The most popular Nerf Gun series is definitely the N-Strike Elite.
Criticism of Nerf blasters
Although the blasters are harmless, they are not entirely undisputed. Certain groups, mostly concerned parents, do not approve of playing with weapons-like products and thus criticize them. However, we think children have always played with toy guns, swords, or the popular bow. Hasbro offers just one more opportunity to live out the cowboy and Indian that is always being played and animated to move, at least with his Nerf Gun. Always better than sitting stiffly in front of the television or computer.
How to buy a nerf gun?
We present the most important criteria of the great Nerf Gun test to compare the different models in the following.
Minimum age: For safe use of the toy, it is important to observe the manufacturer’s minimum age. This is for most nerf guns for eight years. When several siblings or children are playing together, the recommendation should be followed to minimize the risk of injury or other damage. Of course, there is no age limit to the top, so adults, parents, grandparents, and more can enjoy the Nerf Guns.
Range: Depending on the Nerf Gun mechanism and design, different ranges can be achieved with the bullets. These are the maximum achievable values, whereby, of course, the environment, the weather, or other factors can influence the trajectory. The average range without disabilities is 15 to 30 meters. Especially for the outdoor area, this can be a decisive buying criterion.
Series: The popular Hasbro Nerf guns are divided into series, which differ by color coding, construction methods, and even ammunition. If you play with others, it can be an advantage to pay attention to compatibility. This also creates a fair starting point for team play. Lastly, this criterion is helpful to select additional accessories.
Mode of Operation: A great distinction criterion is the type of launch. Both mechanical and electronic mechanisms can all be part of the same product line. Here it is necessary to select personal preferences or consider whether batteries should be bought in the future. Both variants have their advantages.
Capacity: In addition to the actual toy gun, the ammunition, also called darts, is, of course, important. A larger magazine can ensure longer gameplay because the arrows that have been shot must not be collected so quickly. Very compact models only occupy one floor, while larger versions have a bearing with up to 25 foam arrows. So there are for beginners and also professionals the appropriate model.
Compatibility: For faster recharging and longer play, there are also spare parts. In our Nerf Gun test, the compatible ammunition is also listed if new arrows are bought. If you already own a gun or want to buy different models, you can choose all that can use the same floor.
Miscellaneous and special features: Further purchasing information can be viewed at a glance. Special details like integrated cameras or the possibility to modify the toy gun according to your preferences are listed, and the accuracy, design details, compactness, accessories included in the scope, or the option of a quick-fire mode.
Price: The more expensive models from the manufacturers Hasbro Nerf, Bancroft Nerf, and, of course, Nerf themselves offer a clear added value through built-in cameras, multiple magazines, and others, but are also significantly more expensive. The price range is from 10 to over 100 euros. Since in the wild fight, your child may not always be able to pay attention to the integrity of their blaster, the average price range is recommended by 40 euros if your child is still very young. So please do not spend too much money and your child still has a nerf in his hands, with which he still has good chances against better-equipped players.
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