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 Review
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.
Nerf Loadout Arctic Zerostriker Review
November 4, 2025Author’s note: big thanks to Hasbro for sending out a free blaster for review!
The “sniper” of the Loadout series is the Arctic Zerostriker, available only at Target. It’s a fun blaster to use, with a bolt-action prime and a six dart internal magazine. And while it’s perhaps not the best blaster for battle, it’s certainly fun for the backyard and trying to hit those targets in the backyard.
