Gizmodo: nerf

The R/C Nerf Tank (Dun Dun Dunnnn)

Mark Wilson — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EDT

When alien archeologists dig up the remains of 2009, they will discover one accomplishment that stands above all others. It won't be some new iPhone or even the LHC. It will be the Nerf Tank.

What started as a stock Nerf Vulcan—more than enough foam killage for most of us—was modified with four wheels, a turret, webcam and laser sight. And then, as you see in this clip, the tank turned on humans, hunting modders' girlfriends everywhere as if the violence were some sort of game.

It's with some irony that the Nerf Tank, the same invention that will directly lead to Man's demise, will be heralded by generations of other beings to come. So at least we have that little academic point to comfort us as the world melts into a sea of childproof yellow lava. [Instructables via MAKE]

Wicked Wii Nerf N-Strike Concept Weapons

Sean Fallon — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Designer Weston Boeges has out-Nerfed Nerf with these concept weapons for the Wii game Nerf N-Strike. Wii or no Wii, I wouldn't mind using these to shoot someone in the face with a foam dart.

[Coroflot via Core77]

Chalk Guns Are Like Paintball Without the Paint, Tears, Or Point

Mark Wilson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:20:00 EDT

I consider myself a toy gun aficionado—one who is versed in the latest non-lethal, non-painful weaponry. But I'd never heard of chalk guns before.

(My supreme apologies if you have. Please share you experiences in the comments.)

The WipeOut Chalk Gun is like a Nerf toy with ammunition tricked out by a school teacher. Packing chalk-tipped bullets (those just sound illegal, don't they?), hitting your target will leave a mark of "chalk dust" that's simple to wipe away. It's easy cleanup for mom and even easier arguments for kids, as screams of "he cheated" are muffled by clouds of non-toxic colored powder.

A pack of two guns will run you $36, with ammunition refills going for $8 a pop. [amazon via technabob]

Nerf N-Force Swords Deliver Solid Smiting Without the Fleshwounds

John Mahoney — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:20:00 EST

Unlike the wet noodle Nerf blades of my youth, these new N-Force scepters are stiff enough to put on the hurt without flexing, but soft enough to not scare mom (too much). I want.

Get a couple of these with some Daft Punk Olympic fencing suits—sounds like an evening right there. [Toy Fair 2009]

Nerf N-Strike Raider CS-35: Lil' Dick Tracy's Automatic Tommy Gun With 35-Dart Drum Magazine

John Mahoney — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:24:51 EST

Nerf just can't stop. Last year it was Rambo Jr.'s Vulcan Gatling gun, and now they've raised the bar again—the CS-35 shoots 35 darts from a rotating drum magazine with pump-action auto fire. Holy shit.

As you can see, it's autofire that still depends on your pump-action to squeeze out the darts, and you can switch between single shot mode and the 35-dart drum-emptying automatic mode. But with no batteries to change or electric mechanisms to break, this is the rapid-fire gun dart of choice at the moment. Nerf just unveiled it here at Toy Fair, and it's the best thing they've got by far.

Word is you can also detach the drum mag for use with the other N-Strike gear. Modular Nerf guns! Nice! It's coming in the Fall of this year for $35. [Toy Fair 2009]

Real Friends Don't Use Friends As Target Practice For World's Most Powerful Nerf Gun

Elaine Chow — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:45:00 EST

A couple of dudebros created what they called the World's Most Powerful Nerf gun. They then proceeded to shoot their friend... in a very unfriendly place. Man, that looks like it hurt. [Break]

How To Hack a Nerf Vulcan to Fire 500 Rounds a Minute

Sean Fallon — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST

The Nerf Vulcan is definitely awesome—but it is not as cool as it could be. Manapotions have developed a hack that adds an LED round counter and a 500 round-per-minute firing capacity.

In order to accomplish this feat, the guys from Manapotions increased the voltage to the firing motor using 2 x 9.6v battery packs. More juice equals a faster spinning motor. A faster spinning motor means that toy darts will come down on your enemies like rain. As an added bonus, they equipped the gun with a sweet LED round counter and a slick paint job. Seriously folks, this thing is like the A-bomb of office warfare. And the best part is that it is a cheap upgrade. Hit the link for complete instructions on how to do it yourself. [Manapotions]

How a Nerf Gun is Made

Mark Wilson — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST

Concept sketches. 3D mockups. Prototyping. High speed ballistics photography. If it sounds like weapon development, that's because it is weapon development...just on a Nerf scale.

During his masters research at Hasbro, designer Barry Kudrowitz developed his concept for a one-handed, one-shot "Hand Popper" toy into the full-blown, commercially available "Atom Blaster" Nerf gun.

The entire article on the subject is probably no more than 300 words, but it has enough pretty pictures to walk you through the abridged process of Nerf development and maybe leave you with a bit more appreciation for the toy label. It's definitely worth a quick click. [Wonderbarry via bbGadgets]

Battle at Chinese Nerf Factory Does Not, Sadly, Involve Nerf Weaponry

Jack Loftus — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

The global recession has sparked riots at the Nerf factory in Dongguan, South China, but there are as-of-yet no reports of any Vulcan GF-25 cannon discharges. In fact, no foam weaponry of any kind was brandished during the tussle, which came to a head following layoffs and unpaid wages.

And unlike the riots that took place in Wal-Mart and Toys R Us stores in the States last Friday, there were no reports of fatalities. Just general bedlam:

The workers battled security guards, turned over a police car, smashed the headlights of police motorcycles and forced their way through the factory's front gate, Guo said. They went on a rampage in the plant's offices, damaging 10 computers, the company said.

Below is that oldie but goodie Nerf office war video, because it's awesome.

null - Watch more free videos

[AP via Boing Boing]

Shooter Fire Extinguisher Adds a Little Nerf-iness to Battling Blazes

Kit Eaton — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:45:00 EDT

Were the humble, boring old fire extinguisher to be reworked in the style of this concept design, dubbed Shooter, they'd be grabbed from the wall and used inappropriately in offices waaaay more frequently. Because, as its name suggests, the device is meant to behave like a friendly Nerf-style grenade launcher, aiming plastic pellets of CO2 into the flames. This has the advantage of keeping you away from the fire, with a better range than throw-style pellets, and less complication than a standard sprayer version. And more fun/danger at the office Christmas party too. [Yanko Design]

Realistic Nerf Weaponry Combines Laser Sights and the Color of Death

Mark Wilson — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:20:00 EDT

We love Nerf guns as much as the next adult adolescent male. But there comes a day in all of our lives when we realize that you can't scare the hell out of anyone with a bright orange and pink pistol shooting foam darts. Gizmodo reader Dan solved this problem. He painted all of his gear black and added laser sights. (Well, he didn't put a laser on that Vulcan because, you know, overkill and all.)

And one gun (it's on the bottom of this shot) is actually a combination of a Nerf N-strike Firefly and a P90 AEG airsoft gun. In other words, the gun is shaped like a Nerf weapon, but it's ever so slightly more likely to blind someone. Nice work, Dan!

Nerf Vulcan Fully Automatic Dart Gun Now Available

Sean Fallon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:35:00 EDT

We saw the Nerf Vulcan EBF-25 at Toy Fair 2008, we saw it perform in the hands of brave co-workers fighting in the trenches at the epic Nerf office war, and now you can proudly own the pinnacle of foam dart weapon technology for $40. [Hasbro via Digg] Thanks, Nelson!

Shagnasty "Model 666" is Fake Plastic Steampunked Nerf Pistol

Kit Eaton — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EDT

This fake plastic nerf gun
For the fake plastic vampire man
Is steampunk'd to death.

And you can buy it from ebay
For a bunch more days,
Just to get hold of it yourself.
It's the Model 666, it's the Model 666,
With a crucifix, with a crucifix.
[Ebay via BoingBoing. —Apols to Radiohead.]

The Great NERF Office War

Mark Wilson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EDT

It's Friday, the day when you should reward yourself with at least one internet video at work with the sound turned up. Screw your judgmental co-workers. The only problem is, what video should you choose? Without careful consideration of the media at hand, you could be Rickrolled, or even worse, think you are watching the behind-the-scenes of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue only to waste it on some guy eating potato chips for 10 minutes.

Fret not, friends. We have your Friday video after the jump. It's a NERF office war of epic proportions. And it's the best (SFW) thing we've seen online in a while.

Told you. [via ohgizmo]

Steampunk Nerf Rifle Lets You Get Victorian on Someone's Ass

Kit Eaton — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EDT

Those of you who like steampunk, and the clarinet gun mod in particular, will love Professor Shagnasty's Model 101 Steampunk Nerf Assault Rifle. Looks amazing, and comes with "Halofex targeting device" or plasmatical ejector, manual and an "electron recharging stand." That is to say, a green light and a display stand... because this masterpiece is just a foam-dart firing toy after all. It's based on a Nerf Longshot and contains real vintage pieces, including 19th Century gas lamp parts vintage aircraft bits. It's a one-off, but it is for sale on Ebay— offers over $125 by the look of it, and closing tonight. [Ebay]

Iron Man Toys: Guns and Action Figures...Made of Plastic

Brian Lam — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:13:23 EDT

Die cast metal. That was a stamp of approval all premium toys in the 80s received. But not now. And if there is a modern set of toys that deserves to be metal, its the official line of Hasbro made IRON Man toys: an action figure, nerf machine gun and mask/repulsor glove combo. He's not called Plastic Man for a reason, you dolts! Was metal cheaper then? Were there one too many cases of schoolyard bludgeoning with imported Voltron? I don't know and I'm too lazy to look it up, but in any case, these plastic Iron Man toys, which at first disgusted me, actually came out all right. Begrudgingly, I will agree that plastics are the future.

Action Figure

The first toy is the action figure. Yes, it's plastic, but it stands about a foot tall and the glossy paint'll have you fooled for a second. Powered by a triad of AAA batteries, the Iron Man has a LED repulsor in one hand that triggers when you articulate the shoulder joint upward, or fire the plastic missile blaster in the right palm. Either act is accompanied by noise. There is a heel switch which when lifted off of, triggers flying noises that do not stop until you put the suit's foot down. Can head's eyes do not glow, but his chest plate does when you press it, and a synthesized voice (not even Downy Junior's in disguise) repeats a few haughty phrases more like a Decepticon and less like the charming drunk billionaire inside: "I am IRon MAan!", "REpulSOR Blasts ", "Target Enga-ged!" Unfortunate. I would have liked for him to quip about needing to refill the suit's martini maker.

Kid sized Mask and Repulsor Gauntlet

The mask fits adults. I tried it. But unlike the incredible Optimus Prime voice changing helmet, this one is dead. No lights, no speakers, no mics. Just an elastic band and a disclaimer reading "CAUTION This is not a protective device." There isn't even any plastic over the eye slits. And that's probably best because this thing gets steamy.

Accompanying the mask is a gauntlet that fires six plastic discs (think casino chips), sequentially, using a spring loaded mechanism. It is totally fucking lame. Because each disc flies in a four-foot arc that can best be described as limp. Even more stupid, they engineered a safety that stops the gun from being fired when off wrist. It's a weak gesture at safety because it's so easy to overstep, and goddamn it, if kids want to shoot their eyes out with this thing, it's their American right. Plus, again, there is no way this underpowered toy will ever hurt anyone. Nor will it entertain.

Stark Industries N.R.F 425 Blaster: Nerf Repulsor Machine Gun
Here's a good one. This nerf-designed gun has a magazine for 10 darts, which it can dispense up to 30 feet at an alarming pace. It's all air powered, with the clip being driven up by spring in between shots. It fires one at a time, but to empty the clip in one rapid evacuation, you fill the air chamber with 20 pumps and hold down your itchy finger. The entire thing blows its load in less than five seconds. Very satisfying, and included is a easy wall mountable set of targets that feel a bit like shrinky dinks.

How to do a Nerf Gears of War Lancer

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:12:01 EST

These guys got an assault rifle, a mechanic chainsaw and a bunch of LEDs to create a Gears of War Lancer gun. Fortunately for everyone, or maybe just Jack Thompson, only the LEDs are real. But even while they used a toy chainsaw and a Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6, the final result looks great in motion.

[HacknMod]

Hands On Enough Nerf Weaponry to Storm the Pentagon: Vulcan Mini-Gun, Hulk Rocket Launcher and Iron Man Repulsor

matt buchanan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:30:03 EST

Maybe not the Pentagon, but definitely your whole neighborhood. I wanna rage through mine like Arnold in T2, with the Vulcan mini gun on one arm and the Hulk Abomination Blaster on the other—the big missile on it launches w/ enough force to knock a small, wobbly child on their back. My backup duffle bag would carry the Iron Man blaster, before switching to the customizable Recon CS-6 for SWAT-style divide, conquer and obliterate. We also got hands on with a couple Clone Wars guns and the Wii blaster, which actually has a nice build to it.

HULK ABOMINATION BLASTER (Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Ages: 8 & Up; Available: Fall 2008) Hulk fans will love the all-new 2-in-1 HULK ABOMINATION BLASTER! Enhance your Hulk roleplaying experience as you contend with your nemesis with this exciting blaster that features a 12-inch mega missile launcher and a rapid-fire dart blaster.
N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25
(Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2008)
The top-of-the-line blaster for mission supremacy, the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster is a 25-dart belt-fed fully automatic blaster that will intimidate any opponent. This impressive blaster comes complete with a fold-up tripod to steady your aim, 25 sonic micro darts that whistle through the air when launched and a 25-dart belt. The NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster features the Tactical Rail System allowing players to customize their blaster for each mission - for example, players can use the green 'night vision' Tactical Light accessory (sold separately) for nighttime missions. Six "D" batteries are required but not included.

NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6
(Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2008)
Configure your NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6 blaster for any mission. This customizable N-STRIKE blaster comes complete with five awesome, interchangeable parts: a clip-fed blaster, removable shoulder stock, Tactical Rail dual mode light beam/covert light, barrel extension and flip-up sight. Enjoy the ultimate in mission versatility with the NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6 blaster and accurately blast targets through the flip-up sight in broad daylight or the darkness of night. The NERF N-STRIKE RECON blaster comes complete with a quick-reload clip and six streamline darts.

IRON MAN N.R.F. 425 BLASTER
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages 6 & up; Available: March 23, 2008)
Kids will enjoy recreating the excitement, energy and action of the Iron Man movie through roleplay, and Hasbro's IRON MAN N.R.F. 425 BLASTER is the perfect item to bring that experience to life! This blaster features 10 rapid-fire repulsor darts and even comes with FLYPAPER™ Iron Man targets and poster.

[Giz @ Toy Fair]

Nerf Vulcan EBF-25: Fully Automatic Toy Dart Gun Rambo Junior's Weapon of Choice

Brian Lam — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:10:01 EST

The best new Nerf toy out of the entire Toy Fair 2008 lineup is this fully automatic dart gun. The toy is $40, and comes with 25 belt-fed darts, powered by six D-cell batteries (!). Paired with the Mission Kit Tactical Light, this is the kind of base unit a Nerf gun modder could really learn to love.

N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25
(Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2008)

The top-of-the-line blaster for mission supremacy, the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster is a 25-dart belt-fed fully automatic blaster that will intimidate any opponent. This impressive blaster comes complete with a fold-up tripod to steady your aim, 25 sonic micro darts that whistle through the air when launched and a 25-dart belt. The NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster features the Tactical Rail System allowing players to customize their blaster for each mission - for example, players can use the green 'night vision' Tactical Light accessory (sold separately) for nighttime missions. Six "D" batteries are required but not included.

Wiimote Nerf Blaster Shoots Foam Darts, Adds Meaning to Life

Haroon Malik — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:24:50 EST

Every now and again a product comes along that makes us question how we ever managed without it. Well, the Wiimote Nerf Blaster has us asking ourselves the same question. Details are light at the moment, but the most amazing technology combination since the touchscreen/phone will include a fully functioning Nerf blaster, as well as providing on-screen controls via the docked Wiimote. The peripheral is probably intended for EA's upcoming Nerf N-Strike title, but whatever the use, it will certainly enrich many, many lives. Bless you, EA Sports. [Kotaku]