Nerf guns?
Who doesn’t love Nerf guns?
They’re endlessly amusing for all ages, and they definitely spice up an outdoor party. Today, we are going to review the best nerf gun styles and what each one brings to the table.
Best Nerf Gun Reviews of 2021
1. Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike
This is a cool blaster, especially when you realize it comes with a missile launcher. You do have to press harder to get the missile to really fly, but you don’t have to tell your opponent (or kids) that! Another thing we appreciated? It’s durability. It takes a good roughing up and still fire shots like the very first day out of the package. When you’re getting into the game, here’s another tip: take the two missile attachments off to make a solo blaster; it’s perfect as a Nerf sniper for those highly tactical games!
This is a Nerf gun that’s fun to fire, and really easy to carry around. The stock attachment did look a little lengthy at first, but it didn’t create an issue. It’s a nice size, but it won’t unbalance a kid running around with it. Since you can use three different projectiles (missiles, elite-darts, and mega darts), there are tons of ways to play!
Another thing to know about this Nerf gun is that it comes with the first 10-round straight magazine, which is perfect for getting games heated up! All in all, it’s got classic Nerf features and function, with some cool extras.
2. Longstrike Nerf Extension Six Dart Exclusive – Best Customizable Nerf Gun
First off, this is one intense looking Nerf gun. So if you like a little psych-out prior to your Nerf duels, this will do the trick. Parents, if you had a Nerf Blaster growing up, this is the new and improved version. Luckily, it still feels and works much the same, so you still have the edge when a match gets going! It’s still an accurate shot, but you do need to get used to balancing it (much like the previous blasters).
It is easier to assemble, and open than the old blasters. It’s also nice that it comes with two buttons to unjam it since things can get messy when you’re trying to rapid fire (but in a good way, of course). There is one thing to mention: once you’ve put the stock in, it’s pretty much set in there unless you disassemble the majority of the Longstrike. That said, it’s just a small thing that bugged us, not a big deal.
This Longstrike Nerf is a great new addition to replace the old blasters, although it works, and feels similar. It’s easier to open it up you need to, and it’s got a nice design.
3. Nerf-N-Strike-Elite-Strongarm-Blaster – Best Cheap Nerf Gun
This is a great Nerf gun, especially if you plan on purchasing a few to get a bigger battle going. First, it’s really affordable, and I mean that even we were surprised. Now, don’t think this is a junk gun, it’s not. You can still fire far (it says 90 feet, but we weren’t always measuring), but suffice it to say you can hit someone a few rooms over. It’s super light, and the rapid fire works just like with a more expensive gun. In short, that makes it ideal for sneak attacks.
At first, we were skeptical about how compact it is, but that’s more of an advantage than not. The rapid-fire is definitely one of our favorite features since you can fire 6 darts in about 2 seconds (even better when you need to make your sneak attacks count!). You can even fit it into a holster and up the ante in your Nerf battles!
This has all the basic features you’d want from a solid Nerf gun, and it fires well, without jamming. Quality aside, the best thing is the price, which means this is a Blaster you can order for everyone in the family.
4. NERF-Fortnite-AR-L-Elite-Blaster – Best Fortnite Replica Nerf Gun
Do you like Fortnite? How about some good-natured foam dart blasting? If that sounds like you, you’ll be as impressed with this Nerf blaster as we were. Yes, it’s designed with the appearance of the blaster used in Fortnite, so you have that extra edge when you’re firing away. The really cool thing about this blaster is that it has motorized dart blasting. Basically, that means it uses a motor to add extra ‘blast’ to your shots. You will have to get batteries, but it works without the motor just as well.
The duo of flip-up sights is a nice addition, but the boosted motor firing is definitely the winning feature (if you don’t already consider the Fortnite inspired design to be it). Pro tip: If you use the motor to fire, pointing slightly upwards helps you hit your target better. It can hit at a good distance, once you get your angle adjusted.
With this Fortnite blaster, you can have a ton of fun getting your Fortnite firing skills into some real-life, foam dart fun. The motorized firing is another big draw, but note that you can have user error issues at first; the trick is ensuring the side compartment is closed, otherwise, the accelerator button won’t start the motor.
5. NERF Megalodon N-Strike Mega Toy Blaster – Best Rapid Fire Nerf Gun
The name is enough to give you an idea of what this blaster looks like and what it can do. The Megalodon blaster is a great way to guarantee a win in any Nerf battle! Seriously, the magazine holds 20 darts, and it’s massive. Equally impressive is the look, which is probably enough to send your family members scattering at the sight. It has that neat whistle sound when you launch the darts, which might be a small thing, but we really enjoy it.
Here’s the big thing we really like about it: the slam fire feature. What does that do? It simultaneously launches all 20 foam darts at once. Of course, if that doesn’t guarantee a hit (and it’s pretty accurate so it worked for us), it at least guarantees your opponents run fleeing away. Just don’t let the rest of the family get a hold on it, it’s easy enough for even the smaller kids to operate and get their revenge!
Over the top is the theme of this blaster, and we’re definitely all for it. While you do need to aim a little higher because of its size, nothing beats hitting slam fire.
6. Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII- 10K – Best Option With Ball Ammo
If you are a fan of Nerf guns, but not big on reloading, this is a great option. The hopper holds 100 rounds of ammunition and can easily be reloaded when you run out. The rounds are high impact balls, rather than your standard dart and has a completely motorized blaster. All this is contained in a gun that weighs around six pounds.
This model of Nerf gun is ideal for competitions because of its superior performance and choice of two different colors. Choosing to be either red or blue, you and your friends can go into battle while easily identifying your teammates. At around 100 feet per second, you can really spread out and make the game interesting, without needing to worry about staying close to your target.
High impact circular rounds can be easily loaded and reloaded. The chamber holds 100 rounds of ammunition, and the motorized design can launch the ammo over 100 feet per second. The two color options also makes it easy to make and distinguish teams.
All of the features and motorization in this Nerf gun does mean a higher price tag. But considering just how much you get out of this model, it may be worth the extra cost.
If you are interested in having a paintball style battle that can span over hundreds of feet, this is the Nerf gun for you. The design is made simple and efficient to keep you playing without too much downtime to reload.
7. Nerf Revoltinator Zombie Strike – Best Option With Lights and Sounds
Providing a shocking strike to the legions of the undead, this Nerf gun puts the “volt” in Revoltinator. Power shock lights and sound will distract your opponent while a rev up motor will allow you to rapidly fire all eighteen of your darts.
Part of the Zombie series by Nerf, you can buy customized accessories to amplify your chances of taking out the deadites. These accessories, or tactical rails, along with Strike Elite darts, mean you can either leave the Nerf gun as it comes or make it your own.
While it may not seem like a big deal to have lights and sounds on your Nerf gun, you may be surprised how much it adds to the experience. You really feel like you are battling zombies and the rev motor makes it easy and fun to shoot your ammo in rapid fire.
Like many of the Nerf guns on this list, the biggest issue is just the amount of ammo provided. With only 18 rounds, you will need to reload more frequently than with other models. But the high quality Elite darts and additional features like lights and sounds do help make up for it.
Not only does this Nerf gun have the power to shoot your targets, but also includes lights and sounds to amplify the experience. You can also add tactical rail accessories to make the gun your own.
8. Nerf Modulus Mediator – Best Clip-Fed Nerf Gun
You are in for a fast-paced win with the Nerf Modulus Mediator. No fumbling around with single dart entry with the clip-fed Blaster. The clip comes with 6 darts and is easy to attach so you can quickly take down your opponents. Keep a secondary clip handy for quick reloads and easier wins. Smooth pump-action lets you prime your gun while preparing for accurate aiming. Continuously pump and pull the trigger to blast all 6 darts in the clip. It’s nice to not worry about single reloads.
Our favorite part: Slam-Fire blasting. Yes, it is as fun as it sounds. Once your clip is loaded, hold down the trigger and pump the handle back and forward to rapidly release all 6 darts in quick succession. With a range of 30-40 feet, you could use the slam-fire blasting during indoor target practice sessions. See how many targets you can knock down in one swift movement.
This small sized blaster is part of the Mediator series and has plenty of add-ons to make your Nerf gun more powerful. Collect all the accessories to create a fun experience tailored to your desires.
The downfall of this Nerf gun is that it is quite loud. During pumping, the sound is grating. If you are using this indoors, be prepared for that.
9. Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster – Best Motorized Nerf Gun
Are you ready to wage foam war? Look no further, because this Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino Blaster is everything we dreamed of as children in a foam toy gun. A bit on the pricey side for the range of available Nerf guns, but this is well worth it for the features that are included.
Ready, aim, fire. Easy, right? Sure, but you won’t get much better accuracy than with this blaster. The removable tripod helps you steady your shot for perfected accuracy.
This Nerf gun is motorized and runs on one, non-included, 6D battery. Have extras ready to be reloaded on standby so nothing can slow you down.
Two alternating barrels rapid-fire Elite darts at your chosen target. You get 25 shots per barrel, so if speed is you thing over accuracy, you are almost guaranteed a hit. The 50 darts are included with your purchase, but we recommend buying an extra set. It never hurts to have some extra ammo stored alongside your extra power source (batteries) for long, drawn out battles. Don’t be a sitting duck out on the field, make sure you have a good place to hunker down as reloading time can be a bit slow. No worries though, the range of this Nerf gun is great, so once you are done reloading, you can hop right back into action.
10. NERF N-Strike Elite DoubleBreach Blaster
If you’re buying this for your children, you might as well just go ahead and purchase one for yourself. The classic, retro look of the Nerf N-Strike Elite DoubleBreach Blaster really pulls us in along with the budget friendly price tag. Simple brown packaging will amp up the nostalgia factor even more.
Our favorite part of this Nerf gun is the 6 Mega Whistler darts that are included. The name says it all – they scream through the air when released. Yes, it is as satisfying as it sounds.
With a 90-foot range and quick footwork, you can outlast any of your friends with larger Nerf guns in a foam war. Smooth, pump-action fires one dart at a time from each of the two barrels. Let us tell you, hitting your intended target with not on, but two, whistling darts is so rewarding. Loading time can be slower since you aren’t using a clip, but the storage area is in an easy to access zone.
This thing is durable and can take a few drops like a pro. Kids rough handling it will be no problem. It is a bit on the bulky side, so practice your aiming and shooting before going out on the playground with it.
How to Choose Your Nerf Gun?
Ammo Type
If you want the classic darts, you will have a plethora of options available to you. Otherwise, the Rival series steps with something new: Balls. These are your friend if you want velocity, but they do get lost more easily.
Size
There is a lot of variety in the sizing of Nerf guns. Smaller guns are easier to carry but have a lower ammo capacity. Meanwhile, the larger guns are heavier, bulkier, and not suitable for stealth maneuvers.
Color
Color variations are great if you’re buying for multiple people. You can find Nerf guns in white, green, blue, red, and other colors typical of toy guns.
Power and Range
You will find that the larger, pricier guns that tun on a battery have the fastest shot and longest range. But, there are plenty of options for you with the average shot being around 60-feet per second.
Conclusion
We find that Nerf guns are a wonderful, classic toy that gets the whole family active and spending time together. A gun like the Rhino-Fire Blaster will cost you a pretty penny, but you will be packing power that most on the field will lack. But, if the style is your thing, the classic N-Strike Elite will definitely bring in the wow-factor as its whistling darts scream by your opponent. However, the Modulus Mediator is the perfect middle ground weapon – you get the speed of clip loading with the bonus of slam-fire blasting.
While you cannot go wrong with a good mid-size gun, we hope you will be able to make a purchase that brings you tons of foam war wins.