Black Friday Nerf: Part Two! (Target, Etc)
November 20, 2025Okay, let’s get the next batch out of the way! Target finally released their ad, and I’ve been peeking at stores as they’ve been getting in new stock. I’ll try to avoid listing the usual things that show up (EVERY discount store is getting Xshot pistols in, for example)…but first, Target!
Note: check your local ads to make sure when deals start! Some will be for the whole week, others are already going, and some might not be until that Friday!
Dart Zone Venoms for 40% Off!
Yep, that’s right. In case that’s not your thing, Target also has Xshot Insanity Rage Fires for $30, and Nerf Fortnite blasters for 50% off.
Marshalls: More Xshot!
…but in this case, they have all current varieties, from pink and teal to Pac-Man to a redone anime skin. If you haven’t seen any of them nearby, they’re $30 each.
Nerf Elite 2.0 Stormcharge blasters are $10. In case you needed a newer Stryfe!
Burlington: Mainly Xshot, But…
…some of them are cheap, and they also have old stock of some combo packs. The previous bonus package fpr the Xshot Insanity Rage Fire, with 200 darts and 80 chains, is $30.
I also discovered 60 ball Nerf Rival Accu-round refills, for just $5. Find them while you can!
Gabes: Stay Away
I’ll leave out pictures for now, but even the yearly Xshot blasters are more expensive than at regular stores, and some packs are priced way too high for what they are. I’m not sure if they ordered at a bad time with the tariff situation, or just had some other thing happen to cause the prices to go up…but they were bad.
Ollie’s: Leftover Closeouts…and an Oddity
Some of this stock is leftover from last year, but some of it is new, including the Nerf Jr. blasters. But there are also these Skins blasters!
They’re from the Happyline Toys Fast Shots line, and the blasters themselves aren’t new. But the paint schemes are, in case you want something unique for the collection. I can’t comment on their performance or longevity.
Nerf on Black Friday 2025: Part One!
November 19, 2025Unlike years past, the major retailers (Walmart, Amazon, Target, etc.) are playing things pretty close to the chest. Aside from some discount deals already in effect ($60 for an Xshot Motorized Piston Pump!), they have yet to release their actual Black Friday sales.
That being said, a few stores already have deals advertised. So let’s see what we know!
Dart Zone Liberator Review
November 18, 2025The Dart Zone Liberator isn’t exactly new. The model itself first came out in 2019, and was a fun if flawed addition to the ball blaster genre. Six years later, with an initial sale on their website and a new listing on Amazon, Dart Zone has re-released the Liberator, with updated velocity claims and a galaxy-themed paint scheme. But is it worth the new price point? Perhaps. Let’s take a peek!
Xshot Pro Skins Motorized Piston Pump Review
November 14, 2025This has been a hard review to write for several reasons. First, I had trouble finding time to even use it at a game – and the first time I did, the well used club darts resulted in misfeeding. The second time I had an opportunity, I tuned it down for HvZ…and the camera battery died. The third time, I tuned it up to near 200fps, but had issues with the blaster getting stuck; admittedly, that spring load was pushing the limits. Finally, at this last game, I had lots of flawless time with the blaster in stock form.
It’s a big release; I should have the game time using before making an opinion, right?
The Xshot Pro Skins Motorized Piston Pump is an impressive blaster, aiming to combine the best aspects of typical spring-powered and motorized blasting. It’s a tad sensitive to the darts being used, but as long as you’re taking care (and not trying to push the blaster beyond its limits), it’s a workhorse that will keep performing admirably.
Dart Zone Max Vector Pro
November 12, 2025The Vector Pro is possibly the best blaster of the year. It’s versatile, compact, accurate, and has tons of potential beyond the obvious initial modifications. If you’re in any way playing above the casual 8+ level, it’s worth purchasing this holiday season.
Nerf Loadout Cyberlight Ghost Review
November 11, 2025Nerf has several blasters in the Loadout line with six-dart cylinders. Part of that is due to the simplicity of reusing a design; part of that is the ability to sell similar blasters at different stores that differ in paint scheme and attachments. In this case, the Cyberlight Ghost is a Walmart exclusive blaster with light-up elements and a cool blue paint scheme. In terms of performance, it doesn’t stand out. But I can appreciate a blaster that glows in the dark (with two AAA batteries).
Dart Zone Buccaneer Review
November 5, 2025At the beginning of this year, Dart Zone had a surprise release of flintlock/pirate blasters, available initially in Australia. When New York Toy Fair rolled around, they were still trying to get American retailers to pick up the products. Now, we finally have at least one of the models available.
The Buccaneer is a four-shot, hammer primed blaster, available either in a two-pack from Dart Zone themselves, or in a roleplay set from Walmart’s Adventure Force brand. It’s a niche blaster, so the value is largely in the eye of the beholder. Even so, it’s hard to NOT have fun being a pirate, so the blasters are at least worth a look.
