Nerf Elite 2.0 Trailblazer Review

The first wave of Elite 2.0 blasters was serviceable, but the combination of cheap Alpha Strike manufacturing and flat design turned off many blaster fans. This year’s Elite 2.0 models aim to return (at least partway) to previous flavors. The Trailblazer offers the utility of the Hammershot and Hammerstorm, and the “Wild Edition” comes with a molded stripe pattern and light blue accents. The status of the regular edition is unknown, but the one we have on hand is decent. Slightly lacking compared to its forefathers, but still decent.

Another Revolver in the Family

The Trailblazer is just the latest of Hasbro’s hammer-primed blasters, and it doesn’t do things much differently. In fact, the hammers are all the same, and the main internal mechanism is still the same. If something works, don’t try to fix it!

Capacity, of course, is one thing you can increase over the Hammershot and its brethren. The Hammerstorm had eight barrels, as well as dart storage, but it also ended up having a bulky shell. The Trailblazer’s slim profile does wonders for making it a true sidearm, instead of a blaster too large to hide in a holster or pocket.

The Trailblazer does have a weakness compared to the others; the main handle is actually thinner than those on previous models. As a result, your hand sits down slightly farther than it would otherwise. For two-handed use, it doesn’t really matter. If, however, you’re one to use your revolvers one-handed, the result is having to stretch your thumb out a bit farther – or else change your grip every time you attempt to prime the blaster. It’s an unfortunate oversight, though not a dealbreaker.

Loading the blaster is quite easy; Hasbro engineers ditched shell symmetry in favor of one open side (the left). Users can load two darts at a time, and manually turn the cylinder 1/4 of the way to load the next two darts. I’m sure some blaster fans would prefer a more symmetrical design, but for me, it works. I’d rather have ease of access.

There is a single tactical rail on the bottom, with a serrated pattern to the mold. It’s probably not that useful, but it’s there.

Performance

The Trailblazer averaged 66fps with the included 16 darts (yes, 16!). Considering the variability in Hammershot stock power, that’s still plenty acceptable. The rate of fire, meanwhile, was two darts per second when firing with one hand. Naturally, small hands will have trouble firing that fast, if at all. But for an older kid or an adult, two should be expected.

Internals

The Trailblazer is largely what you’d expect from a hammer-primed pistol. The exact dimensions of the various parts are a bit slimmed down compared to old blasters. Even so, the same general modifications should be applicable to the Trailblazer.

Beyond that, the blaster is good as-is. It has a specific role, and it does it well!

I may end up wrapping some tape around the back of the handle, just so my hand can sit a bit higher and I can prime the blaster more easily.

Final Thoughts

The Trailblazer is largely a return to form for Hasbro. It’s the same goodness we’ve seen in the Hammershot and similar blasters, and, while there are a few annoyances, it’s a good blaster for the price.