The Nerf Vortex Blasters product line is really a game changer, and we don’t say that lightly. Sure, that sounds cool to say, “This gun changes everything,” and most of you are sick of hearing it every time a new lineup is released, but this time… it’s true. The Vortex Blasters make some really dramatic and surprising changes to the guns we know and love, and depending on how these products are received by Nerfers, we may well be looking at the future of foam dart gaming, here.
Well, perhaps not so much the future of “foam dart” gaming, as that’s the big change we’re hinting at. The Nerf Vortex Blasters don’t use darts at all. Rather, these guns use tiny foam rubber discs. These discs operate like miniature frisbees. If you’ve ever had one of those toy guns that you could load tiny, penny-size discs into, then you know what we’re talking about. These discs offer surprising range and accuracy.
A sidearm like the Proton Blaster, for instance, will clearly show the difference between dart and disc gameplay. Where a one-shot dart gun frequently misses its target at a longer range, the Proton Blaster is far more likely to hit on target every time. These discs fly farther, they’re more air-worthy and more accurate.
Is This The End of Darts?
If things go well, we may be seeing a future where darts go the way of the ping pong balls that Nerf’s original guns used. The only reason Nerf hasn’t just made the change outright is that the discs aren’t quite as versatile. By this we mean to say that while you can attach a suction cup or velcro to a dart without losing any real aerodynamics, the same cannot be said for the Vortex discs. They’re great for knocking down targets and hitting opponents at a distance, but in dart tag, you’re going to have to use darts or go on the honor system until Nerf can work out these kinks.
This isn’t a sleight against the Vortex discs at all. Many Nerf gamers already prefer these discs to the traditional dart. They may or may not ever replace said darts, but in any event, it’s exciting to be watching the next wave in Nerf gaming unfolding before our eyes. We’ve been firing the same orange foam darts for decades now, and it’s really exciting to see Nerf trying out some new ideas, even at the risk of alienating some purists.
Even the visual design of the new lineup seems to be trying to set itself apart from previous lines while staying true to the Nerf school of design. Take a look at the Vortex Nitron, the flagship automatic rifle style blaster of the new line. Using twenty-disc clips instead of traditional belts and chambers for the ammo, the gun has a decidedly sci-fi style to it with a long stock, neon green to accentuate the nerf orange and an all-business military style design overall.
The scope attached to this thing isn’t kidding around, either. The battery powered Nitron uses a “Tactical Rail System” which lets you use this gun at the same range previously reserved for Longshots and other sniper style guns.
Is This The Future of Nerf Guns?
Will these guns ever go on to replace the traditional Nerf rifles and blasters? Well, it might just might be too soon to tell. At the very least, the advantages that they do offer will go a long way towards making sure that they’re at least going to exist alongside N-Strike into the foreseeable future – what do you think?
I don’t think they’ll take over the dominant blaster system but they’ll stay for a few years.
There’s not much you can do with disc firing. You can sling it (Proton, Vigilon and Praxis internals) or you can spin it (Nitron) but other than that, there isn’t any unique firing mechanisms like with N-strike.
With that being said, there is a limited range with what can be achieved design wise. Sure you can have rear loading, inbuilt clip and clip system but after that Nerf will be pushed for practical blasters.
With Nerf starting to run out of ideas for the N-Strike line, the vortex system would be a nice tie in if they got rid of the alien asthetics and decided to go N-strike colours. Disagree with me all you like but the vortex ammo in a N-strike gun would be gold. Rethink the sling mechanism, make an accurate disc rifle and Nerf have a true longshot. Find a slam fire catch for the sling mechanism, make a large clip and Nerf have a raider disc style.
Vortex is not the end of foam darts but it might make a nice stable mate like the Dart Tag and Super Soaker line.
Discs will never take on darts. NEVER.
I have founed that discs tend to veer off course, after about 20 feet. Discs also go very slow, and can be blown of course by a wind that would not deter a sstandard dart. It comes down really to wether you prefer range or accuracy, not if you prefer the aesthetics of the darts or the discs. I for one prefer ccuracy. I hope hasbro does not ever convert fully to discs.
Aalso, on a diffrent topic, nerf should bring back the longshot (awesome gun!) and give it a double spring, and a good scope.d
I have been using the praxis for some time now, it has a nearly fifty foot range, and is surprisingly accurate. Also, it DOES NOT JAM. Almost all of the N-strike nerf weapons with a clip or belt jams, this does not, and in the highly rare event that it does it includes a effective way of unjamming, it also can shoot all ten rounds very quickly (slam fire!), and is easy to ricochet off walls to hit your opponent. Darts are to Vortex like paintball is to real bullets. (darts)Unaccurate<Accurate(disks). And BTW, the longshot shoots 35, praxis shoots 50.—-Ben
You forgot the new vortex guns=lumitron, also the new very new one
I think i’ll still use my maverick but with the praxis aswell
cool
I tested a few Vortex blasters and i have to say, that i dont really like all of them! The original blasters with the arrow are a lot better, but thats just my opinion. 😉
I think darts are best, it is easier to retrieve