Nerf N-Strike Rayven CS-18 Blaster 4.5 5 2 2
Really fun, but lots of batteries. * GITD = glow-in-the-darkGreat blaster. Light weight. Fun design. Semi-autoThis blaster uses 2 motorized flywheels to fling the dart out of the barrel rather than use air pressure like most Nerf blasters. This in the past has proven to be a rather inaccurate propulsion method, but this blaster seems to stay fairly accurate despite this fact.Also note that since this is using motors to fire the dart, it is a bit noisy. Outside play definitely recommended.Range is decent, but somewhat dependent on fire rate. The faster you fire, the slower the flywheels spin. The fire rate though is basically as fast as you can pull the trigger.This particular blaster comes with a clip that uses built in LEDs to "charge" the GITD darts. Past Nerf blasters that used GITD darts used a sticker that wrapped around the dart to provide the glow effect. This sticker would usually come off after a few firings, and would sometimes jam the blaster. These darts are molded with the GITD material built in. The downside though is that the darts do not glow as much as the old design. Also, the faster you fire, the less time that dart has to sit under the light.This blaster and clip are compatible with all other Nerf Clip System clips and darts, the darts of course just wont glow unless they are GITD. With practice, you can burn through a 35 shot drum clip (included with the Raider) in a matter of seconds.It is also compatible with other Nerf accessories (ie; scopes, barrels, etc) , save for stocks, since there is nowhere to attach one.Recomended configuration: Longstrike barrel, Longshot scope (top rail), and a Recon laser light (mounted on underside of the Longstrike barrel).Another thing to note is that this blaster uses a LOT of batteries. 7 AAs in total (3 for the clip, 4 for the blaster), so you might wanna add an 8 pack to your shopping cart.I wouldn't recommend this blaster for younger children, due to it being a somewhat complex blaster to operate, and the trigger requires a liiiittle muscle to engage. And when I say complex, I mean compared to just sticking a dart in the end of the blaster, pulling back the plunger and firing. Some kids just dont get the whole clip idea right way. Luckily though, jams are infrequent with this blaster, and are easier to clear than other clip blasters, so, this might be a good one to use in introduction to the Clip System blasters. (Recon would be another.)Overall, this is a great blaster. And while the cost is a little high, I think its worth it. Especially if you catch it on sale. 01/11/2012
Nice gun I got the Rayven about a month ago, and it has handled my battles well. I like the firefly tech clip, has come in handy when the house is dark during a 1 on 1. Sometimes a bullet doesnt fire when its supposed to, and 2 darts lob out at the same time about 5-10ft in front of me, but that might be the batteries getting weak(hope not). Does not get jammed often at all, maybe once here and there. Shoots about 30ft-35ft consistent with good battery power. I would certainly recommend this to anyone that has Nerf battles go on into dusk! (Just make sure you got batteries!!) 05/06/2012