Douglas Schumacher

Happy Holidays everyone!  I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and is looking forward to 2012.  Today I am announcing the discontinument of "What's That? Nerf."  I learned a lot since I started blogging in May.  One fact that has struck me was that I no longer have the time to run a blog that people like you want to read.  School has been very demanding and so something has to get kicked out of my schedule.  I still love Nerf, yet having premier coverage of the toy weapon world is quite difficult.  Support from my friends about Nerf has been diminishing also.  All these factors have lead me to this decision.  I would have to say Nerf is getting better by the day and I hope that when I'm much older, my children will have as much fun as I did with Nerf.  I need to thank all of you readers- the ones who commented, voted in polls, ect.  You know where to go to find the best of Nerf....so go right ahead.  "What's That?Nerf" is ...

I'm "back!"  (I still hope someone reads my blog...) Here's all the rumored blasters that Urban Taggers has gotten that I haven't talked about yet.  (As confirming the rumors.) Super Soaker Lightning Storm Super Soaker Electrostorm No info about these blasters in stores, yet.  Go ahead and read those- they're well-written- as usual.    Quite an amount of posts coming...so hold you horses. Happy Nerfing!

The mini, full-auto Super Soaker- Nerf Super Soaker Electrostorm. Urban Taggers spotted this one on a German website.  This looks like a battery powered, full auto (like a Thunderstorm) but smaller and no removable clip.  That's all I got... Happy Nerfing!

Hello all readers. *Its been 13 days since my last post and that's because nothing has happened recently.  Thank you for your readership.* Nerf has now been coming out with Nerf-themed gear.  Here's a recap. All of these are being made by Sakar . 2GB Flash Drive, $20 Night Vision Goggles, $20? Helment Mountible Video Camara 2.1 and 5.1 MP Digital Camaras w/ socal media built in 2GB MP3 Player Pocket DVR Flashlight 1000ft range walkie talkies Note: These are all in addition to Nerf gear sold now (DS Armor, Earbuds, ect.). More info as some of this is found in stores. Happy Nerfing!

Hi everyone! Extremely slow week in Nerf, wow! I noticed that target.com is now selling Jolt's for $5 plus shipping.  Has anyone in the Midwest (Especially WI) found one of these in stores yet?  I'm so surprised at my findings that I've just about given up.... Happy Nerfing!

Urban Taggers got their hands on a Rayven early- no longer is this a rumor! Head over to their blog for all the stats. All my info from this post was confirmed! Happy Nerfing!

*This poll ran a little long, I know.  I apologize.  Every two weeks there should be a new poll.* This "month's" poll question was... What is your favorite Nerf line? The results: N-Strike & Vortex 4 votes each Dart Tag, N-Force, Vintage 3 votes each N-Sports, Ball Blasters, Other Lines 2 votes each I don't like Nerf... 1 vote (What?) A big thank you to all who voted.  I appreciate your readership and input. Look on the right sidebar and vote for the 2nd half of October's Nerf poll- Which new blasters are you most likley to buy? Happy Nerfing!

SgNerf got his hands on a Speedswarm early- no longer is this a rumor! Go to his blog for all the details! http://sgnerf.blogspot.com/2011/10/nerf-dart-tag-speedswarm-review.html All our details were right from this post. Happy Nerfing!

Nerf announced on their Facebook page the other day a couple of new repaints for the Toys R Us exclusive series, Sonic.  Here's the complete lineup: Previously Released: Maverick Nite Finder Recon Vulcan Deploy Just Released: Barrel Break Barricade Longstrike Stampede  So what do you think?  Is Nerf making to many repaints?  I think so.  They should spend more time on new blasters, not new plastic. Happy Nerfing!

Nerf Double Blockade, About $30 Link (UK) Blockade flipped upright. Nerf Combat Shelter, About $50 Link (UK) These are offical Nerf battle shelters, right now only available in the UK.  I like how they look but the price is a little high... Happy Nerfing!

Glow in the dark, clip fed, semi-auto.... Rayven CS-18! Box Stats: Semi-Auto Uses clip system Has barrel attachment compatibility Blaster uses 4 AA batteries 18 dart clip "charges" glow in the dart streamlines with 3 AAA batteries Clip goes behind trigger- I've never seen that before Approximate Price (translated from euros): $60 Of all the rumors so far- I want this one now!  Its so cool.  It looks like a miniature Stampede.  I personally love glow in the dark because I do lights out and nighttime wars.  Could the clip make other clip blasters glow in the dark, too?  Can't wait... Here's the German forum that had all the leaks... This ends the rumor string of posts, now on to released somewhere (not USA). Update : Here's another picture of this blaster- thanks to Urban Taggers. Happy Nerfing!

Here's one we've seen before- Nerf Dart Tag Speedswarm. Box Stats: Full auto Holds 10 darts Uses 6 AA batteries Appoximite price (translated from euros): $45 Here's the post of the blaster leak itself. Interesting- but kinda ugly in my opinion. Happy Nerfing!

We'll kick off our montage of rumors with this: Nerf Super Soaker LightningStorm Box stats: Full Auto 1 liter drum clip (hopfully compatible with Thunderstorm and Tornado Strike) Shoots 25 feet Uses 4 AA batteries Uses "PowerSoak" technology Also comes with shield and stock  To me, it looks like a Thunderstorm but I'm sure some of this will change.  That drum looks heavy... Happy Nerfing! Update : Here's another view...

Hello fellow Nerfers! Many new blaster concepts and releases have been coming out lately.  The next couple posts will be on some I have not yet featured. Happy Nerfing!

Nerf has unexpectedly put a new blaster into Kmart and TRU stores yesterday, the Jolt EX-1.  This is a micro sized  blaster- about the size of the Reflex.  They cost around $4.50-$5.  Ranges are 35-40 feet.  We'll see if I can my hands on one... Happy Nerfing!

As Nerf said yesterday , they would be giving info on a NEW blaster today.  They announced something alright, but its not a new blaster.  Nerf talked about Barricade repaint. Its another Transformers skin, this one yellow. (Bumblebee) It was also in a leaked photo.  Really?  I wanted to see the Dart  Tag gun!   How are everyone else's feelings on this issue? Happy Nerfing!

SgNerf , a Nerf blogger in Singapore, has spotted a 18 dart drum being sold in individual packs.  Usually, the only way to get the drum is to buy the Target exclusive Alpha Trooper CS-18.  Jesse, a reader of Urban Taggers , reported that they are already in stock in Idaho.  Its selling for $14.99 in the Kmart there.  Many people have been looking for Nerf to do something like this and now its here.  Will 35 dart drums be next? Happy Nerfing!

Now that all the hupla is over and Nerf Nation has their Vortex, I'm looking back at some of the ads that I saw in store's flyiers and newsletters. Walmart: Target: Many other stores, such as Shopko and Toys R Us had Vortex in their stuff but I never bothered to take a screenshot of it.  Happy Nerfing!

Nerf has been releasing more and more videos on Youtube , and here are some in the last week that I haven't had a chance to talk about... Here's a long version of the Nerf Vortex commercial.  Came out one week ago. Here some Nerf employees answer some of your questions.  Came out  one week ago. This video summarizes the Dart Tag World championship which was about a month ago.  Came out yesterday. And this last video is about the Dart Tag Quick 16, kind of a user's guide.  Came out 2 hours ago. Happy Nerfing!

LATE BRAKING NEWS OUT OF NERF NATION! Nerf's Facebook page today said that tomorrow at 2pm CST, they will announce a new blaster!  Here's a quote: " Get those eyelids opened wide, Nation! We'll be posting details on a new, exclusive Nerf blaster tomorrow around 3pm EST right here on the Facebook Wall. Is it Thursday yet?" Crazy right?  I thought that after Vortex, there would be a long calm before Nerf started with new blasters again.  There are some leaked images on the web, and the most likely one to be reveled tomorrow is this: This looks like a 10 shot semi-auto Swarmfire of sorts.  Thanks to  Nerf Mods & Reviews for the picture.  I saw this a few days ago and now its all starting to click. Of course, at this moment it is all speculation, but what to you think?  Will it be a N-Strike, Vortex, Dart Tag, or Super Soaker blaster?  What will it be named?  Isn't this so cool- out of nowhere a blaster will be coming?  Spea...

It's been a WEEK since my last post, and I apologize.  Since the Vortex launch is over, there isn't as much to quick post about.  Only reviews and they take a long time to put together.  I've been too ambitions and can't balance this blog as well as I thought.  Don't worry though, I'll keep it running. Today I started a new page, The Shopping List , to give you an idea of what blasters I'll be getting.  It'll be typical for 2-3 guns a season, give or take a few, depending on sales and that kind of thing. I briefly mentioned reviewing up above.  My policy will be any blasters I received after my Speedload 6 will get a video and text review.  Blasters bought before that will be only text.  I only have about 4 guns left in my collection I haven't reviewed, and those should be coming within a month. Happy Nerfing!

My Vortex poll that started months ago has now closed.  The results are in. 33% of readers said that they couldn't wait for the Vortex launch! (myself included) 33% of readers said that they would rather stick to just darts. 0% of readers said that they had no clue what Vortex was. (That means I informed you well. :-) ) 33% of readers said that they wanted to see/demo with them before buying. Thanks to anyone who has read my blog and voted in this poll.  Polls will now probably be monthly from here on out.  September's poll is.... look on the right sidebar and vote! My 100 days contest is STILL open until 12:13 today. (Get it, 9/10/11 at 12:13) I just one person to enter. Happy Nerfing!

Sorry about my excitement, but I found a Proton.  It was at my local Walmart way out here in the heart of Wisconsin.  Only one more in stock there now. :-)  No refill packs were available... but that can wait until 9/10/11.  My first impressions: FANTASTIC.  These discs glide and go, go, go.  I'm working on a video review right now, should see that up tonight. Please enter my 100 days contest, its open until Saturday morning! Happy Nerfing!

Target has the Vortex blasters in stock in most stores.  Their Nerf stuff has been down the last few weeks, but this afternoon I was able to see the stock status.  Of course, I would love go go there to pick one up but, the nearest store is 45 miles away.  During the summer that would be fine, but I can't go on a school night.  Just have to wait until Walmart, Kmart, and Shopko have it on Saturday. Don't forget about my 100 day contest- more details here. Happy Nerfing!

This blog, What's That? Nerf is now 100 days old.  Its took a lot of hard work and some foam to put it all together.  I've posted 9 videos as dougaschu, wrote 48 posts, and tweeted 23 times.  Also, you guys have left 2 comments and 305 pageviews from all around the world! I wasn't sure if I'd make it this far.  Now I feel as if the blog is finally starting up.  Keep reading and spread word. So, I've creating a giveaway for your readership.  Its simple: Comment on this post, send me a tweet, or message me on Youtube telling me why you like my blog. On Saturday, yes- Vortex Day, I will draw a winner randomly.  Only one entry per person will be counted.  The prize will be...WAIT, I can't tell you the prize!  It will be fairly small, but remember I don't get paid for this.  Nerf is just a hobby and so is technology.  Put them together and... out comes my blog.  We'll sort out the details with the winner later. So, go on and get ...

Nerf's newest action sport, Dart Tag, reopened in March 2011 with the release of 4 new blasters.  The Speedload 6 is one of them, featuring an internal 6-dart clip, positive ranges, and slam fire.  Its a complete package.                                                    Pros: Dart Tag clips, use any darts, slam fire Cons:  Heavy, Jams   can shred darts, large priming draw, moderate reload time  In the Box: Speedload 6, Manual, 6 new Dart Tag darts  Facts: Gun Type:   Multi-Shot Internal Clip  Ammo Capacity : 6 darts Ammo compatibility : Any type, New Dart Tag darts best Range:  25-30 feet Editions:  1 Price:   $10- $15 Other features : Slam-Fire  Overall Rating:   8 darts of of 10 *Questions?  Ask me in the comments below.  Have a review of your own?  Po...

I've now noticed that Walmart.com has the Vortex refill pack , Vortex 10-disc magazine , and the new Dart Tag darts in 16 and 36 packs.  The Vortex packs say that they can not be found in stock, so you have to go to the store to see if they are there.  As for that Speedload 6 review in video and text, the written one will be the only one done today.  The video will have to wait until Sunday evening or Monday. Happy Nerfing!

For doing that Nerfmobile thing for my sister, Alainea, she got me a Speedload 6.  It arrived-Thursday- and so I've been playing with it and making reviews.  Running this blog durring the week will be harder than I thought...  I should have those up before I leave this afternoon.  Vortex is getting closer, next Saturday is the big day. Happy Nerfing!

As September 1st is just hours away, I'd like you all to know that its been a lot of fun working on this blog this summer.  No, I'm not leaving or discontinuing the blog.  (More readers would be nice, though.)I might get some of my friends to start authoring here, actually.  Its just that with school taking up 90% of my day, the blog won't get as much action as in August. (37 posts?!?)  Content will get posted, but just not as fast.  I'm aiming for 5 posts a week. Vortex Day, 9/10/111, is quickly approaching.  Nerf's Facebook Page still has the countdown, and I captured a really neat pic of it today.  Can't wait. Also, this blog has been running since May 30th.  3 months!  I'm planning on doing something for the 100th day. Happy Nerfing!

Nerf has posted a new video on their Vortex Launch Party that was in NYC about 2 weeks ago. Foam from Above was there, so click here to see all their posts on it. Happy Nerfing!

                                         I've now placed my order for that Dart Tag Speedload 6 I earned for doing that Nerfmobile stuff for my sister, Alainea.  See that video 9/1/2011.   Walmart has a great price for $10 and free shipping to home.  It should arrive between 9/1/2011 and 9/8/2011.  Reviews (written and video) will come as soon as I can make it.  By then Vortex will be days away!  Wow! Happy Nerfing!

My sister, Alainea, has created something called the Nerfmobile.  Here's a teaser  trailer for the real video, coming 9/1/2011. The video has supposed to have music, but Youtube just keeps processing the AudioSwap.  Its part funny, part showing her work.  She has agreed to buy me a Speedload 6 for all my help, so watch for that review.  I should have both the written and a video. Happy Nerfing!

I'm trying to develop a cheap blaster power test.  Some people have chronographs , but I'm trying something a little more 'old times.'  A marble and a tape measure. So this is how it works.  I shoot the marble with a blaster and I'll try to use the same darts for each blaster. Measure the distance it rolls and there you go.  The marble is just as accurate as my range test , though.  Watch the video for more info. Happy Nerfing!

I've had the " My Amory " page up on my blog for a few weeks, but now I got around to making a video about it. I'm hoping to get a Speedload 6, some of the new Dart Tag darts, a Vortex Proton, and some Vortex discs this month. Happy Nerfing!

I finally got around to doing that range test of all my blasters as I've said before.  The test is not that accurate- but gives you a general idea.  In the future, I'll do multiple shots and averages and the whole 9 yards.  For now, you can watch the tests. I explain how the darts skid.  I tried to shoot all blasters flat and with their specified dart (ie: What Hasbro puts on the box).  Sorry that the video is not better but I'm so tired and busy today that this is all I could do. Happy Nerfing!

Nerf's Facebook Page now has up a countdown to Vortex - less than 14 days.  That's a long wait- get here already!  Also, Nerf's Youtube Channel has a Vortex teaser, the video is almost identical as the Walmart one .  Here it is: Happy Nerfing!

I got back from my vacation 1 AM this morning (broke my fear of flying- yay!) , but now I'm ready to start Nerfing again.  My plan I set was way to ambitious.   We'll see how I'm feeling and how many chores I have to do.  Slow Nerf week- I'll have some posting coming your way in a couple of hours. Happy Nerfing!

JaRu is a little known blaster maker that makes cheap foam toys.  I found this at the dollar store- see what you think about it after the review...  Current Store Box Pros: Cheap ,  Can be modded to shoot darts 50+ feet, looks cool Cons: Shoots 10 feet stock, needs to be modded to be worth anything, can't buy more giant missiles, sticker peels, air leaks, loud, large  In the Box: Rocket Pumper, 1 Giant Missile  Facts: Gun Type:   Single-Shot  Ammo Capacity : 1  missile Ammo compatibility : Giant Missile Range:  "Far" -10 feet (I'll do a video test on this soon.) Editions:  1 + different colors Price:  $5 Other features :(NONE)  Overall Rating:   JaRu's blaster entries always have been terrible and will continue to be.  The Rocket Pumper shoots 10 feet with the missile included and needs to be modded (guide coming soon) to be worth anything.  Don't buy.  Its not even funny! 4.0...

I'm taking a short vacation Monday Evening until Friday night to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.  (If you can offer any help to my fear of flying, please do tell me.) My family has a LONG story on the vacation planning from pop-up ads to snowstorm surprises.  If I ever have a huge break on Nerf news, I'll get around to tell it.  Anyway,  I'll have an Internet connection most of the time, even on the plane, to respond to comments and Tweet, but no blogging here unless there is a major Nerf emergency. I have 3 posts scheduled for this week to post automatically: Monday at 9:00 AM CST: JaRu Cyber Strike Rocket Pumper Review Wednesday at 9:00 AM CST: Buzz Bee Hunter Review Friday at 9:00 AM CST: Nerf N-Strike Reflex IX-1 Review Before school starts September 1st, I'll have up the Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6 Review, the Whiteout Whistler Darts review with comparison to past sonic/whistler darts, and a range test of all my blasters...

My little sister was watching Big Time Rush , a teen-singing group show, on Nick yesterday and she called me to the TV because they were using Nerf guns.  Of course, I was late but she said she recognized a Nerf and Buzz Bee gun.  So today, I watched it (the show is so annoying) just to see if she was joking, but then they pulled out the blasters and started shooting.  Here's a pic I captured: That's a Barricade RV-10 and other guy had a Buzz Bee Tommy 20. I did some more research on Nerf guns on BTR and found another instance: Some little kids are shooting a Raider CS-35, a Magstrike, and a Buzz Bee Tommy 20. Whenever other shows have blasters, they are usually painted so that they are almost unrecognizable.  Maybe Nick is just to lazy...  Also, I found out the the stars of the show love Nerf guns and play with them all the time.  Happy Nerfing!

 I was bored today, so I set up a Nerf Shooting Range in my basement. The target is on a door about 15 feet away from where it says "Shooting Range" on the floor.  I plan to do Nerf video reviews down here in the future with a better camara and a tripod. :) The second video shows me shooting at the target with a Spectre REV-5 with Buzz Bee darts.  Watch the videos for more info. Happy Nerfing!

I've talked about 3 of the Vortex blasters at Walmart, but now I'm wondering, where's the Proton?   So I contacted Walmart on this matter, and they have no clue about if the Proton will available.  Nothing. Happy Nerfing!

Shopko is a smaller chain retail store with locations around the US.  They do not normally get much Nerf attention, but when I was at my local Shopko I saw every Vortex item have a price tag on the shelf but no boxes.  So, after our "team" got in contact with  Jennifer Lemirande, Sr. Buyer II Toys at Shopko, here's what we learned: 1.  Shopko will have all the Vortex products on 9/10/11. 2. The Vortex blasters will be featured in that weeks circulatory. 3. Pricing- Proton and Vigilion, $20; Praxis, $30; Nitron, $55; Refill Pack, $5  4. When they come out, they should be 20% off (do your own math :-) ) On a side note: Shopko has great costumer service.  They responded to our emails within minutes. Happy Nerfing!

During the heat of a Nerf battle, have you ever had you gun horribly jam? When that happens, try throwing darts. Now some people may not allow you to do this at Nerf wars, but if you can, here's how. Grab the dart with your thumb and middle finders near the tip of the dart.  Then place your pointer/index finger on the hole on the back of the dart.  Lunge forward like you are throwing a baseball and push with your pointer/index finger. With the proper technique, you can hurl darts 40+ feet and with more practice accuracy can  become improved.  For any time your blasters fails, try throwing darts. Happy Nerfing! 

I was at my local Kmart this afternoon searching for Vortex blasters- and I almost found one!  In the middle of the Nerf stuff- I found a little tag on the shelf that said "Nerf Vortex Praxis."  The price was $30 but there were no boxes there.  So close. :-( So, after I got home, I had a little online chat with Kmart.  They said it would be restocked in a couple days possibly with other Vortex blasters.  We'll see. Happy Nerfing!

Kmart.com now has all six of the Nerf Vortex line products on their website !  Right now the Nitron is ready to preorder but the rest say that they are "out of stock" but will arrive shortly.  Some of the products are slightly overpriced, but lower than TRU.  The site indicates that they are available at some Kmart stores, but not mine. This is the first time I've seen the refill pack for sale anywhere.  Also, the picture of the Vigilion is wrong.  It shows a picture of the Proton.  Oh, well.  Mistakes happen. Happy Nerfing!

I don't do much modding myself and much rather like to admire other's work.  I was watching Drac's review on the Max Force Crossbow-65 when I was inspired to make a Nitefinder shoot the same(ish)  way.  This mod is also like a mini Big Bad Bow that shoots darts . So to do this mod, you'll need: Nitefinder Rubberbands (As many as you want) First, make sure the blaster is deprimed.  Then place one end of the rubberbands under the barrel and place the other end around the lip on the front to the priming handle.  Ta-da!  You now have a Nitefinder that shoots 5-10 feet farther.  Combined with other mods, you may be able to really blast away the competition. Note: After long use, there is the potential that this mod can ruin your blaster, like all other mods. *Warning:  Modifying Nerf guns can be dangerous if not done properly.  Never shoot modded blasters or darts at people if you would not want to be hit by it yourself.* Happy Ner...

I'm trying to make a logo for my blog because I feel like my blog needs some individuality and identification.  So, I quick made up one prototype for you to look at- it'll need more work but its a start.  More will be to come.  So tell me if you like it or don't- comment below. Happy Nerfing!

Walmart now has two different Nerf promo videos on their site- one for the Whiteout series and one for Vortex line.   Whiteout :  Shows Longstrike, Deploy, and Maverick (Halfway down page) Vortex :  Shows N-Strike vs Vortex (w/blasters) Happy Nerfing!

Hasbrotoyshop.com - Nerf's official place to buy Nerf blasters- now has all the new Vortex blasters available for preorder, but no refills.   They will ship on September 12th.  Prices are as what they should be, not like TRU's.  :-)  I'm still debating either to preorder here or wait until they are in my local stores... Happy Nerfing!

While reading my email today, I came across this week's Walmart e-mail newsletter.  Nerf has a small feature block and Nerf is also called a "hot summer essential."  Awesome! Happy Nerfing!

For many years, different stores have had exclusive Nerf blaster repaints.   Early on, Walmart sold Longshots and Recons in red.  Target used to have the Clear Series with red darts .  Toys R Us has the Sonic Series .  After years of drought, Walmart gets a new exclusive series- Whiteout! This blaster series (aka repaints) has a white base coat with blue, orange, and gray detailing.  These look very cool and earn a spot in a  collectors collection. Walmart currently has the Maverick, Longstrike, and Deploy on their website .  The Nitefinder should be coming soon.   Other Nerfers have spotted Whiteout Whistler and Streamline darts at Walmart.  Thanks Urban Taggers ! Happy Nerfing!