N-Strike Elite: Alpha Trooper Review

While there's not much difference between the function of the original N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18 and the new N-Strike Elite Alpha Trooper CS-12 other than range and clip-size, it is nice to see this blaster get upgraded.  It's one of my personal favorites, and for good reason.  This review points out more of the reasons I appreciate the design as opposed to telling you what you already know about this Target-Exclusive blaster.





Reviewed by Tactical Tag for Nerf Mods & Reviews.
See the original NM&R Review of the N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18!

Stryfe and Elite Rayven Range Tests (about time right?)

Hey, guys!  RandomShadow09 here, bringing you more range test content!  Spring has finally sprung, so I can finally get out on the range and record more tests.

First up, we have one that lots have people have been dying to see, the Stryfe!  This blaster has already become a favorite for many HvZ players, but how does it stack up to the upgraded Elite Rayven?

(Videos and stats after the jump)

Flywheel Debate Results!

Thanks everyone for your input on this topic.  I've compiled all the information from comments and posts regarding Flywheel driven blasters.  One thing is certain... over the last 3 years of these blasters being introduced into the Nerf lineup (and actually long before that with other foam dart blaster companies), there's quite the divide between loving or hating these kinds of firing systems.

Head on over to my blog to see Part 2, the conclusion of this debate!

The Flywheel Debate, Part 2

The Flywheel Debate

Flywheels.  They've been in Nerf's N-Strike and N-Strike Elite lineup for a few years now since the Barricade made it's debut in 2010.  It's hard to ignore the controversy these blasters have caused.  Some folks live by these flywheel-driven blasters while others would rather see them die off.  Regardless, with the recent blasters continuing to have Flywheel-based designs and the recent news of the RapidStrike likely adding to this lineup, I started a bit of a poll to gauge opinion over at my other blog: Tactical Tag.

However, to get a clear understanding of where other players are at... I need to broaden the scope of this project.  This is where you come in!

Part 1 was just a simple breakdown of the pros and cons that I have observed myself as well as ones that I have heard from other avid players, but just a few hours after I made that post, folks were weighing in and showcasing the obvious divide between fans and foes of the Flywheels.  I couldn't help but think that perhaps a larger audience should be tapped into.  Luckily, I also work on NM&R and to pass up this great resource would be quite the waste. I hope it'll allow me to look in-depth both at the technical breakdown of how these kinds of blasters affect gameplay and how players personally feel about them.

Feel free to weigh in either here or on my blog, as I'll attempt to take in as much information as possible to look at this issue from every angle.  Part 2 will be up after I've had time to take in all of the information and try to process it with some kind of summary.