Zing Spiral Power Popper Review
September 1, 2026One of the most interesting surprises to come this year at Toy Fair was Zing’s distribution of Hip Shot’s various dart and ball blasters (which themselves are mainly old Tack Pro blaster designs). Soon after, the Spiral Power Popper appeared on Walmart shelves, for $35. I’ve had mine for a while…but somehow I missed writing a review! I should get on that!
The Spiral Power Popper is a pleasant surprise to see, especially when ball blasters are mostly on their way out. Mine shoots way harder than expected, as well. And with a little bit of tweaking, you can improve the ranges and accuracy, as well. All this in a blaster meant for one hand? You should grab one.
Adventure Force Jaguar Review
August 30, 2026The Buzz Bee Toys Jaguar originally came out in 2012, with an updated Ultra Tek version arriving in 2017. Now, nine years later, the design has been updated again for Walmart shelves.
The Adventure Force Jaguar is a chunkier version of the original. But that chunk makes for a blaster than can be comfortably used by hands of all sizes, and it has the power to hit the same ranges as other modern-day blasters.
Xshot Insanity Motorized Dartstorm Review
August 27, 2026Xshot released the Insanity Ragefire in 2023, and it was a massive success – so much so that it’s still on some store shelves today. As time goes on, though, the Insanity line has to get bigger and better. This year, we have the Motorized Dartstorm, featuring two spinning barrels and two 40-dart drums! You have all the usual Insanity goodness as well (excess darts, dart holders, rail connectors, etc.)…but how does the blaster itself stack up? Let’s find out!
Xshot Skins Pro Barrel Break Review
August 14, 2026The Barrel Break (formerly the Spinshot, and named that long enough for it to say that on my packaging) is Xshot’s answer to the Dart Zone Mas Oiutlaw. It works slightly different, with a priming handle under the grip, but it still features a six dart cylinder. It also has fun with a break-action reloading mechanism. It’s the cool new thing, and it’s worth grabbing off the shelf!
Blasters in Türkiye? Vacation 2026
August 10, 2026I’m on vacation, on the other side of the planet, so of course I’m going to check out a few toy stores and see what’s on shelves! Not surprisingly, there’s still a lot of N Series to be found (it was made to be sold everywhere, after all), but there are a few other interesting things to note. On to the pictures!
Adventure Force Chopper Review
August 7, 2026The Adventure Force line is going through its late summer refresh, and the Dart Zone entries are aiming for fun. In addition to the bright new packaging, we have blasters in bright blue and orange hitting shelves (at least for the ages 8+ blasters, anyway). And so far, they seem to be worth grabbing.
The Adventure Force Chopper is recognizable revision of the Adventure Force Villainator (has it really been six years?). And while it holds ten less darts, it’s got a bit more pizazz for kids’ pretend play.
Adventure Force Strike Force Review
August 4, 2026The Adventure Force Spectrum is a well-revered member of the Adventure Force Family, with great motorized performance in an affordable package. It’s also six years old, making it long overdue to be phased out. Luckily, its replacement is even better.
The Adventure Force Strike Force (how often do we want to say “Force”?) is possibly the best off-the-shelf 8+ blaster for the price right now. The performance is outstanding, the handling is superb, and there are features for regular customers and hobbyists alike. If you don’t buy one, you’re doing something wrong.
