The Mutator is a blaster that held out on US entry for over a year; it was first seen at Toy Fair 2018, but started with sales in Europe. After promising sales numbers, though, it was able to make it to Target stores in the US this year. Now, it’s going to be marked down 50% for Black Friday, so what better time for a review?
The Mutator is a unique blaster, with its dual magazines and simply massive size. It’s a fun concept that, while not perfect, is plenty of fun for the right price.
Large and in Charge
On that note, the major reason for the extreme length is the fact that the Mutator has two magazine wells! After pulling the bolt back, the user can swap magazines by either extending or retracting the barrel. This moves the magazines up or down in relation to the breech. Thus, as advertised, you can have one clip full of long range darts, or choose a different clip filled with precision darts. You can then easily release and drop out empty magazines as needed for reloading. Do note, however, that the deep magazine wells rule out compatibility with large numbers of Nerf magazines, including drums.
The blaster itself feels great. It’s just…large.
Blaster Use and Performance
In terms of dart velocity, the Mutator did well, averaging 81fps overall (84 with the long distance darts, and 78 with the Precise Pro darts). Indeed, the long distance darts are lighter, and can make the full 100ft as advertised, but without much accuracy. The Precise Pro darts, meanwhile, are much more accurate but have slightly less range. Interesting that Buzz Bee has taken the “Eilte dart v. Accustrike” argument and actively turned it into a “choose your play style” situation. Even so, I’d just get accurate darts in bulk, and just swap out empty magazines as you go.
Internals
Do note that a few parts will want to pop out of place on reassembly.
Last Thoughts
The Mutator is a fun, if unusual, blaster. The dual magazine setup does make for better sustained rate of fire, and the fun of a bolt-action blaster adds to the experience. However, the large size does impact the blaster’s usability and handling. Even so, if you’re looking for that “giant sniper” experience with good power, the Mutator will work wonderfully. Especially if you’re buying it at half price.