Category Archives: Blaster Hub: Exclusive
2020 In Review: Thoughts on Releases and Blaster Experiences
December 9, 20202020 wasn’t the greatest year for doing Nerf events; beyond small isolated events in backyards or parks with low numbers of people (and masks and sanitizer), it was hard to actually use all the new blasters. As a matter of fact, I’m still behind on trying new versions of things (Sorry, Zing. I promise I really do love Marshmallow Blasters!).
Even so, 2020 was, in many ways, the year the dart blasting hobby became accessible to the public. Lots of manufacturers jumped into the high fps arena, with many models below $100. At the same time, the low end of the hobby (typical stock fps blasters on store shelves) saw a large shift toward other companies, notably Dart Zone. And somehow, Ultra has grown on me. Here we go!
Blasterhub Special: Visiting the Lanard Toys Warehouse
November 14, 2020Every year, Lanard Toys holds a giant sale at their warehouse in Sugar Creek, MO (a suburb of Kansas City). In past years, I have always been busy with the holidays. This year, however, the sale started early – and when I had some time off work. So I got to do a solo road trip down memory lane, seeing not only NIC blasters of old, but other ones from around the world.
Mod Project: Vortex FDL
October 18, 2020While the FDL3 is a wonderful (if pricey) platform for Nerfing, I hadn’t bothered to buy or build one for quite a while. My hardware kit sat in the corner, unused. After all, I already had blasters that filled various roles in different game types just fine.
However, one thing has never really been produced: a small electronic Vortex blaster. The Nitron was large and unwieldy, and not something I’d use in PvP or HvZ games. Eventually, after seeing a brushless Vortex build on Reddit, I broke down and combined it with the FDL3 to make this dream blaster of mine, and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had with a homemade blaster!
NOTICE: Projects for Sale Soon!
September 23, 2020No pictures to add at the moment, but now that the printers are running, work is going well, and I’m fitting in time to do things, I’ll be making and selling a bunch of blasters. Purpose? Gives me things to do, and all of the proceeds are going to go towards sponsoring events/club stuff in the future.
I know for a fact there’s going to be at least ten Rapid Reds and two Fearless Fires, modded with HvZ velocities in mind unless otherwise noted. Admittedly, it’d be cool to see people using things at events! In any case, now I have to actually attempt proper paintjobs instead of what passes for paint like in the past.
Blasterhub Twitter Contest!
May 8, 2020Because it’s a thing that’s been neglected…we’re using it for a contest. Retweet us as your entry for winning some free Dart Zone blasters! And whatever else I decide to throw in the box.
Two people are each getting an Apex and Storm Squad. Time for entries ends next Friday at 11:59pm EST, and the winners will be chosen at random shortly after (my currently strange work schedule notwithstanding).
New York Toy Fair: Day One!
February 22, 2020
Adventure Force Water Strike Press Release
January 9, 2020Hey look! Someone in the industry sent a free thing! Info, in this case.
Now that the spring toys are appearing, we’re also seeing the various press releases! This time, it’s information from Prime Time Toys, the people behind Dart Zone, as well as various other branded dart and water blasters. Thanks for sending me the tidbits! It’s better than haphazardly gathering info from retailers.
