The Best Toy Blaster For Kids

No matter what generation you belong to, chances are you’re familiar with toy foam blasters.  Today’s blaster products combine the safe materials that made them popular in their early years with the latest innovations to make them powerful and fun.

Toy blasters shoot balls or darts at targets that are designed to strike humans without hurting. They’re especially popular with older children, although many versions are safe for children ages 8 and up. Since the projectiles they shoot are soft in nature, they’re generally acceptable for indoor or outdoor use.

If you’re buying a Nerf gun for a young person in your life, pay close attention to shooting power. That’s the element of the gun that will be considered the most “fun.” However, if you’re concerned about safety and indoor use, you may not necessarily go for the most powerful, especially if you have younger children. The Elite line of Nerf blasters is considered impressive, with shooting power of approximately 70 feet per second, although the heavy-duty NERF Ultra One Motorized Blaster can shoot at up to 100 feet per second.

Perhaps more important than shooting power is recovery. Some blasters can shoot rounds in rapid succession, while others have recovery time between each shot. You’ll also find that some blasters need to be reloaded after a few shots, while others will hold 25 or 100 rounds. That means more uninterrupted shooting time, which equals more fun for everyone.

Lastly, decide what projectiles you want to shoot. Some blasters shoot balls, while still others shoot darts. The option you choose will probably be a matter of preference, but you may find your own children prefer one over the other. You should also look into the number of rounds that come with the blaster you choose, as well as the purchase price for replacements since some of those rounds are bound to get lost during the course of gameplay.

• No matter the age, toy blaster owners want to know their blaster has power. The NERF Ultra One Motorized Blaster can shoot rounds at speeds of up to 125 feet per second. The average for the Elite line of Nerf blasters is only about 70 feet per second.
• Distance is important, as well. The BOOMco. Twisted Spinner Blaster can shoot as far as 70 feet, although it does best within 50-feet ranges. The POKONBOY Blaster Soft Foam Toy Gun, 2-Pack can only shoot up to 40 feet.
• One thing to consider with the NERF Ultra One Motorized Blaster and the BOOMco. Twisted Spinner Blaster is that they can fire all loaded rounds in rapid succession.
• If rapid-fire shooting is important to you, though, you may find some models bothersome. You’ll notice a slight delay after you pull the trigger before something happens.
• Extended playtime can make an uncomfortable grip unbearable. Look for a toy blaster with a comfortable grip that will make it easy to play longer.
• It’s important to note that blasters are better for older players, with a recommended age of 14 and up. The NERF Ultra One Motorized Blaster, however, is rated for ages 8 and up.
• Stopping to reload can hold you back while you’re in the heat of battle. The NERF Ultra One Motorized Blaster holds up to 25 rounds, which will keep you going for quite a while between reloads. The BOOMco. Twisted Spinner Blaster only has the ability to hold 8 darts. Others hold even less and must be reloaded frequently.
• Price is a big differentiator when it comes to toy blasters. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget.