Originally, I was going to do a top five list, like one of those other Youtubers. Maybe even Top Ten. However…there were a lot of great blasters this year. So I’m just going to list my favorites in each main category; I’ll let you decide what you might like to grab this season. If there’s a reasonable substitute, I’ll try to link that as well. After all, some readers may be more concerned about one particular aspect (performance, price, etc) than others. And there are always some fun oddballs that don’t fit neatly into these broad categories, so read through to the end!
Best Stock Flywheel Dart Blaster: Adventure Force Spectrum/Rebel Mech Tie
Honestly, these two blasters are so close in value that it’s hard to choose one or the other. The Adventure Force Spectrum does perform somewhat better, but it also is online only, and likes to sell out quickly. Meanwhile, the Adventure Force Rebel Mech is both on shelves and comes with high capacity in the form of a great 30-round drum. Either way, of course, it means Walmart wins. They’ve been doing rather well in their choices of blasters to go in the Adventure Force line.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, however, the Nerf Halo MA40 is a great buy, especially if you’re a video game enthusiast. It may be essentially the newest Nerf Rayven, but it looks, feels, and performs quite well.
Best Stock Spring-Powered Dart Blaster: Adventure Force Villainator
Even so, there are other worthy alternatives to consider. If you’re sticking with Adventure Force, the Sportsman is a unique offering as a hopper-fed springer. Dart Zone also has the new edition of the Superdrum at Target, if you prefer a giant revolver. In addition, “miniguns” will always have some appeal, especially for younger kids. In that case, you can’t go wrong with the Xshot Crusher. Since you can buy extra chains on Amazon, you can be as silly as you like with it! Extended capacity is always great, even if you have to clean up more darts afterwards.
Best Ball Blaster: Nerf Rival Saturn?
Even so, the Saturn has a fun form factor, going with the “Skeet Shooting” motif as part of the target-oriented Edge Series.
Best “Pro” Primary Blaster: Gameface Prime/Adventure Force Nexus Pro Tie
It may be third place, but the Dart Zone Pro Mk1.1 isn’t that far behind these two options. It’s also an amazing platform; it may be much more expensive, but it’s also a more solid build, with plenty of great qualities. Even so, if your goal is maximizing your gift-giving, it might mean not getting something else on the list.
Best “Pro” Secondary: Dart Zone Pro Mk2
Best Miscellaneous Blaster: Zing Marshmallow Extreme Blaster
There are always going to be other fun blasters out there, if you’re willing to let performance fly out the window. Just keep your mind open! Perhaps that Hog Wild popper on the shelf is worth grabbing for some entertainment.
Also, Hog Wild has sticky targets. They’re fun. Review coming!