The Three Best Nerves in 2023

The editorial staff of 20 Minutes was not involved in the production of this article.

In our evaluation, we took into account different aspects of the product. First, we looked at the design with a focus on the feeding mode, barrel capacity, and ease of use and loading. In addition, we evaluated maneuverability by considering factors such as bulk, weight, and stability when shooting. Accessories were also part of our evaluation, including the precision sight, extra storage, barrel, window, etc. We took into account the possibility of customization with elements such as tactical rails and attachment points, as well as the strength and noise level emitted (for motorized models). To measure performance, we performed a series of 20 shots by varying the inclination of the blaster. Power was judged by measuring the range of the farthest shot, while accuracy was assessed by aiming at a fixed target at about 10 meters, as well as several moving targets. This allowed us to determine the speed at which the Nerf was triggered and propelled at it. Finally, we looked at the number and quality of ammunition supplied in the overall product.

The Selection of the 3 Best Nerves to Choose in 2023

• Nerf Elite Disruptor: The Cheapest Good Quality
• Nerf Elite 2.0 Eaglepoint RD-8: The best value for money
• Nerf Elite Surgefire: Largest Drum Capacity

Enjoy Amazon Prime benefits free for 30 days

Nerf Elite Disruptor: The Cheapest Good Quality

SEE PRICE

This manual blaster, despite its affordable price, offers an excellent range, actually reaching the 27 meters announced during our test. It may not be the most accurate, but its ease of handling makes it accessible even for children, thanks to its lightweight design weighing around 500g and its medium size. Although it only has one grip, you can place your second hand underneath the barrel for added stability when shooting. The blaster's rotating drum has a capacity of 6 darts, and loading is effortless. Priming is done very easily via the slide, allowing you to fire at the desired speed, whether one by one or in bursts. In addition, the 6 official Elite darts provided by the brand are of very decent quality. However, given the speed at which they can be lost, we recommend ordering additional ammo. Overall, this handheld blaster combines impressive range, ease of handling, and a play-ready shooting ability, making it a great choice for blaster enthusiasts.

Advantages:

• Excellent firing range of up to 27 meters
• Easy to handle, even suitable for children
• Lightweight design (approx. 500g) and medium size for easy grip
• Rotating drum with 6-dart capacity
• Quick and easy blaster loading

Cons:

• The accuracy of the shot is not the best

Nerf Elite 2.0 Eaglepoint RD-8: The best value for money

SEE PRICE

This manual sniper-like model offers a customizable design thanks to its removable sight and barrel, as well as its 3 tactical rails allowing you to vary the blaster style according to your mission. The advertised range of 27 meters is perfectly respected, as confirmed by our tests. As far as accuracy goes, it's generally okay, although we did notice some trajectory deviations during some shots. The blaster is equipped with a rotating barrel that can hold up to 8 darts, which we easily reloaded, and the brand generously provides 16 official Nerf Elite foam darts. In addition, it has a built-in storage space designed to store an additional 8 rounds of ammunition. However, it's important to note that this blaster is quite heavy and bulky, making it less discreet and aimed more at older kids, teens, and adults. The support area under the barrel provides excellent stability when firing, while the slide system is smooth and simple to operate. One small gripe is with the viewfinder, which we found to be ineffective in our review.

Advantages:

• Customizable design
• Firing range within advertised specifications (27 meters for the furthest shot)
• Generally correct accuracy
• Support area under the barrel for excellent stability when firing
• Smooth, easy-to-operate slide system

Cons:

• Relatively heavy and bulky
• Possibility of trajectory deviations during more accurate shots

Nerf Elite Surgefire: Largest Drum Capacity

SEE PRICE

This toy features a nice design with beautiful finishes. It features a large drum capacity, holding up to 15 official brand-supplied Nerf Elite darts, reducing the need for frequent refills. The accuracy of the blaster is also a plus, providing an enjoyable shooting experience. Although its advertised power is 27 meters, our tests revealed a maximum range of 20 meters, which is still respectable. The pump mechanism allows the darts to be discharged one by one or successively, providing flexibility of use. Despite some occasional problems operating the barrel, the blaster remains relatively simple to use and load thanks to the rotation of the drum. However, it is important to note that this blaster is heavier, weighing 1.2 kg, and imposing, making it less suitable for children under 10 years old, requiring the use of both hands for optimal handling. Luckily, the two built-in grips provide good stability when shooting, which partly makes up for its size and weight.

Advantages:

• Attractive design with beautiful finishes
• Large drum capacity, holding up to 15 darts
• Good accuracy when shooting
• Pump mechanism allows darts to be discharged individually or successively
• Drum rotation for easy loading

Cons:

• Some occasional problems operating the barrel
• High weight of 1.2 kg, requiring the use of both hands for optimal handling

Other models tested

• Nerf DinoSquad: Lightweight and compact, this blaster is ideal for easy one-handed handling, making it suitable for younger audiences. However, we found that its accuracy was not exceptional, and we regret its low magazine capacity, limited to a single dart.
• Nerf Fortnite SP-L: Its design inspired by the video game Fortnite offers a significant modularity, allowing it to be transformed into a short or long blaster depending on the needs of the mission. However, the magazine concealed in the slide has a limited capacity, containing only 3 darts, which requires frequent reloads. In addition, the accuracy of the shots is not always optimal.
• Nerf Fortnite RL: This replica of Fortnite's missile launcher turns out to be heavy and cumbersome to handle, especially for a child. In addition, it only allows one missile to be inserted into its barrel at a time. In addition, the missiles' fins show signs of fragility from the first use, and replacing them is not a simple task.

4 Key Criteria for Choosing the Right Nerve

According to our product experts, here are the key criteria to consider when choosing the right nerve.

The design

• Aesthetically, it is common to come across models who are inspired by video games or movies.
• When it comes to practicality, it is essential to check the compatibility of the kits, as it is possible to customize these items.
• This gives you the option to get a long or short version that suits your playstyle.
• However, it is important to note that adding additional accessories results in an increase in the weight of the set.

Manoeuvrability

• The portability of a blaster depends on both how it operates, whether automatic or manual, and its physical characteristics such as weight and size.
• Typically, a smaller, lighter blaster is easier to handle, making it a suitable choice for children.
• Motorized models, which require batteries, tend to be heavier, sometimes weighing up to 4 kg, which can make them less easy to handle. They are often more appropriate for teenagers or adults.
• To improve stability when in use, some blasters come with a second grip, while using a shoulder strap can help with better weight distribution, which is especially useful for heavier models.

Firing speed

• The rate of fire of a blaster can be measured in meters per second and the number of munitions propelled per second.
• This rate depends on the firing mode and the features of the device. For example, shotguns, which require manual action, typically have a slower rate of fire than electronic pistols.
• The burst (or continuous) firing mode is interesting because it allows projectiles to be fired consecutively, which can be advantageous in certain situations.
• However, this also means that the charger drains faster, which may require frequent recharges during heavy use.

The type of ammunition

• Common ammunition for these toys includes darts, although some models use balls or missiles.
• To minimize the risk of injury during contact, these munitions are made of foam.
• Official Nerf brand darts are designed with flexible, hollow tips for added safety.
• However, it is common to lose this ammo during games, which is why it is always recommended to provide a spare pack to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Content proposed by our experts who are partners of 20 Minutes. The editorial staff was not involved in its production. The prices mentioned in this article are for information purposes only and are subject to change.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which may use trackers in order to allow 20 Minutes to receive a commission in the event of a purchase on the partner site.

• Buyer's Guide
• Amazon Buying Guide
• Leisure Buyer's Guide
• Toy Buying Guide