Our first major summer war!

When:  Sunday June 24, 2012; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where:  Centennial Park
             9300 S Natchez Ave
             Oak Lawn, IL

Our Extra Special Warsite!

Rules:
- Stock Ammo Only
- A "Hit" is defined by the projectile coming to a complete stop and dropping to the ground.
  Ricochets, grazes, bank shots, etc., do not count. Hits on clothing/accessories count as hits.
- Homemades and Blowguns only allowed if they shoot large ammo
- Toy blasters are TOYS; any attempt to paint modify to make them look real will get them
  banned
- Blasters count as shields. Large ammo breaks shields
- Excessive use of tactical gear will result in us laughing at you and telling you to put it away
- Event host has final word on game rulings, bans, etc.

Here's what to bring:
- Nerf Blasters and at least 1 pistol
- Eye Protection, or else you won't be able to play
- Lunch and Drinks

TTAGS Chicago Season Kickoff War 2012

When: Sunday May 6, 2012 10:00am - 4:00pm

Where: Centennial Park
9400 S Oak Park Ave
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Our Supa Dank Nerf Site!

  Let's let the whole nation know where Nerfing is at!

Rules:
- Don't be a Jerk or Camper
- Stock Ammo Only
- A "Hit" is defined by the projectile coming to a complete stop and dropping to the ground. Ricochets, grazes, bank shots, etc., do not count. Hits on clothing/accesories count as hits.
- NO homemades, or blowguns (If a blowgun is integrated you'll be asked to remove it)
- Toy Blasters are simply that TOYS; If they are painted/modified to look real they will be banned.

- Shields are allowable up to 5" diameter
- Blasters count as shields. Large ammo breaks shields
- Melee weapons no larger than 12" are allowed in specific rounds
- We provide the darts, but suggested donation to help our group keep going is $5
- Excessive use of tactical gear will result in us laughing at you and telling you to put it away
- Event host has final word on game rulings, bans, etc.

Here's what to bring:
- Nerf/Vapor Blasters and backups in case of breakage
- Eye Protection, or else you won't be able to play
- Lunch and Drinks

Any questions feel free to ask!

Nerf Rampage Video Released

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  New in from the people at Nerf, we've got the Rampage video.  The Rampage is the new 25-round drum fed, slam fire blaster in the Elite Line.  The big hook to the Elite line is that the blasters can shoot up to 75 feet!  Without further ado, here's the video:

In the previous pictures here, the rampage has a removable stock and shield.  These were not even featured in the video.  The other big ticket item still not shown yet is the Elite Ammo.  When we know anything about the new ammo, you'll be first to hear it here on TTAGS Chicago!

Rampage with removable stock and shield

After watching the video, the Rampage seems exactly like a raider functionally and astetically, with the exception that the drum is 10 rounds less.  Unlike the 35-round drum, this one has the feeding part centered.  Centering the drum will make it much more ambidexterous. 

For the entire Elite line information check out our pictures and reviews here:

Nerf N-Strike Elite Full Line Pictures and Links

Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator Revealed

Nerf N-Strike Elite Full Release Pictures!!!

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  We've got the huge scoop everyone has been waiting for.  On the same German forums that had the information on the Hailfire, now found a store that is carrying the entire Nerf N-Strike Elite line.  Here's the link to the website:  Nerf N-Strike Elite Line

Without further ado, here are the big pictures of the FINAL PRODUCT that everyone wants:

Retaliator, full review here

Rampage - A Raider with a new stock and shield with 20 shot drum

Elite Barricade - No new name yet, but with a dart holding stock

Hailfire - The big boy with all the bells and whistles

No word or information yet on the new Elite Dart design or what it might consist of at this time.

So there's the entire Nerf N-Strike Elite Line!  The Hailfire has more clips than we could have imagined.  With the secondary trigger like the Rayven, it's semi-auto flywheel powered.  All the Elite blasters closely resemble something already on the market.  Will we see if they can stand up to the "Up to 75 feet" claim...

Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator Revealed!

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  Today we've got the reveal video of the new Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator Blaster.  On first look it appears to be a Recon/ with accessories to make it more closly resemble a Longstrike!  Here's the video:

Nerf says the whole Elite Line, including th Retaliator will launch in Fall 2012, headlined by the Nerf N-Strike Elite Hailfire.  Here's a youtube still I took of the Retaliator:

Fancy Recon or something new?

Honestly, my first impression is a Recon body with a Longstrike style stock.  The removable front barrel is simply a new paintjob on the classic recon barrel extension.  The Assault Grip on the front is modular as well as looks to be an amazing addition to anything that uses a tactical rail. 

As with the entire Nerf N-Strike Elite Line, they advertise the Retaliator will hit up to 75 feet.  I am eager to see what the good folks at Nerf have come up with the get those ranges with a Recon style blaster.
The clip is obviously larger than the standard 6 shot magazine, and looks to be shorter than the 18 round magazines that came with the Stampede.  I'd wager the Elite line will come with 12 shot magazines, just like the Hailfire will.

More to come as it gets released!

New Airzone Blasters - Including Undermounted Arrow Shooter!

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  During my weekly roundup of new stuff around in stores I came across some new Airzone brand blasters at my local Toys R Us.  Total we've got 4 new blasters that feature a new technology...DUAL SHOOTERS!  The Dual shooters line all shoot two types of ammo - darts and either discs or arrows.  Here are the overall pictures:

AirZone A2 XShot Dual Dart and Disc Shooter

AirZone A2 XShot Dual Ammo Blast (6 dart shooter)

Both of these blasters feature dart and disc shooters.  The pistol sized shooter retails for $6.99USD, while the larger blaster retails for $17.99USD.   The wow factor comes in the way of being able to simultaneously shoot the disc and the dart.  Both parts of the blaster are connected, and cannot be separated.  The simple factor of having a 2-in-1 blaster  is the major selling point.  I would use the dart blaster portion as a primary, and use the discs as a back-up, in case I do not have time to reload. 

Now for the piece I picked up to review:

AirZone 8 Dart Blaster Combo Pack

Wow! It's the back of the box!

The AirZone 8 Dart Blaster Combo Pack retails for $19.99USD and features a bunch of tactical rail accessories.  The blaster is the same model as the AirZone Humans vs Zombie Dart Blaster, which features an 8-shot rotating turret.  The turret rotates on the prime as opposed to rotating on the trigger pull.  It also feels like heavy duty plastic, and works better than the HvZ Dart Blaster.  The main feature of this product lies in the accessories.

Blaster with the Scope and Arrow Shooter attached

In addition to the blaster you get an 8-dart ammo holder, a 2-lens scope, and...drumroll please...the undermounted arrow shooter.  All accessories attach via tactical rail and WILL WORK with Nerf's tactical rail system.  Securing the accessories works by sliding them over the rail and they snap into place.  These attachments are very secure to do not "wobble" like some others.  The scope does look cool, but provides no magnification.  The Ammo holder works very well to hold an additional 8 rounds. 

The undermounted arrow shooter has finally given me (and many others), what I've been wanting for years.  It's a modular attachable secondary, similar to a real-life masterkey shotgun, or undermounted grenade launcher.  The arrow shooter works extremely well and has range the same as the blaster.  In our wars, ammo larger than a dart can break through shields and blaster-blocks.  So having large ammo at the ready is an amazing advantage!  Even having a backup shot of something, that can be attached to any blaster is a huge advantage. 

Without further ado, here's the firing video:

Overall I would totally recommend this product to anyone.  The blaster many not be anything super special, but the undermounted arrow shooter is well worth the price.  This is the first time that a blaster has a modular accessory that can function as a blaster!  Truly unique and well done!

Nerf Pinpoint Sight (Red Dot Sight) Coming Back!

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  Over on SG Nerf, a reader of his found the pinpoint sight, which is a fancy name for a true red dot sight.  It appears that Nerf will be re-releasing the pinpoint sight again.  The Red Dot Sight has been the most sought after accessory Nerf has ever made.  At the moment, the only way to get these are for insane prices on eBay and Amazon.  Hands down, it's the one I use all the time. Here's a pic:

Taken by XCon at the SGNerf Forums

I'm heading out in a bit to see if anything like this has struck at any toy stores stateside!  Updates to come later today!  Here's on more of the box:

It really does fit all blasters and truly work!

So the deal in Singapore, where SGNerf and XCon are from, if you spend $40 you can get a Pinpoint sight for free!  Check it out:

Courtesy of SGNerf

I'll post updates when I do my weekly toy reconnaissance run!  Stay tuned!

Humans vs Zombies Loadout and Blasters!

Hey guys and gals Snake here.  Since the other HvZ article I wrote, I've been getting a lot of requests to see what I use at HvZ events.  Here's the full shot of everything all packed up:

Everything you need to eradicate any Zombie threat!

Starting from the top we have my Secret Shot I, Eagle Industries Mini Chest Rig, and White-out series maverick.  Next is my first line gear all mounted on an ATS Tactical War Belt.  Finally we get to my Special edition red Nerf Recon, which has been customized.

Typically I play in HvZ's that are one day events, or have set playing times throughout the day.  When playing I am always wearing my first line gear on the War Belt.  Here's a pic of the War Belt with everything displayed:

Starting from the left, in the M16 pouch I keep 2, 5-Hour Energy Drinks and 2, 6 shot magazines.  The 5-Hour Energy works well for me, and you never know when you'll need a boost to keep running.  In the Green GP pouch I keep my flashlight, hand sanitizer (Killing zombies are unsanitary and gross!), my boo-boo kit, Cliff bars, and most importantly the Doodle Roll.

The Doodle Roll Activity Kit is 15' of paper, crayons and the case, which has an awesome easy tear notch.  I ran into the Doodle Roll folks at a few fairs, cool product, cooler people!  Quick shout out to my boy at Doodle Roll, you know who you are :) I use this super rad product to leave messages for teammates, sketching maps, and, if the horde is slow, to alleviate boredom.  This is a must have in the field!  Check them out at http://www.doodleroll.com/!

The canteen is necessary to stay hydrated!  Finally, the dump pouch is used to carry my sidearm, extra ammo I find on the ground, and empty magazines.

Found at Flying Tigers II Army/Navy Surplus

The Mini Chest Rig is compact and simply holds a total of 5, 6 shot magazines.  I can also stuff my keys, wallet, and phone in the Velcro bib pocket.  It attaches easy and comes off easy.  When doing a mission to save survivors, I always can use the extra ammo this rig provides.

My "Little Friends"

Finally we come to the blasters.  My primary is a Special edition Red Nerf Recon and 35 round drum magazine, completely customized.  It features a first-generation plunger tube (so it will not break), air restrictors removed, deadspace removed, and a new spring custom made by a moderator at Nerf Revolution.  It hits huge range and puts aftermarket kits to shame.  Tutorial to come soon on how to make this baby for yourself!

The White Out Series Nerf Maverick features air restrictors removed as well being able to open all the way to make reloading easier.  Lastly, my Secret Shot I; this beauty has been converted to have CPVC barrels to be able to shoot all ammo.  The secret barrel on the bottom is still completely functional and works like a charm.

Hope everyone enjoyed seeing how I roll at HvZ!  If you have any comment or questions leave them here or email me at ttagschicago at gmail.com.  I'll have some more pics and a video of me with the gear up soon!

New Hailfire Pictures and New Nitron!

Hey guys and gals, Snake here.  Today floating around the internet are some new pics and box art for the Hailfire and Nitron.  Without further ado here they are:

We've got the concept photo from secret sources!

The above pic is the concept photo of the Hailfire!  So between that and the picture from Neo Creations we have a pretty accurate representation of it.

Photo from Neo Creations

From what we know, it will be semi-automatic, flywheel powered.  The clip platform will hold a total of 4 clips and appears to rotate when magazines are empty.  Any more updates, I'll post here!

Moving on, we have a new pictures of the possibly new Nitron.  This one comes with a Stampede-like shield on the top.  More news upcoming!

 

 

Now with 100% more shield!

New box art!

Humans vs Zombies: To "Mod" or not to "Mod"

Hey guys and gals Snake here.  I came across this article as posted in the NC State newspaper, Technician Online.  The full article can be found here: College Students Build Better Blasters

Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Really the only tools I need are a screwdriver and a hand-drill," Collins said. "Typically I crack [the blasters] open and there's this thing inside called an air-restrictor… I drill it right out."

The air restrictor is a part of a Nerf blaster added to slow down air flow, and according to Collins it should be the first thing to go.

"The air restrictor is something that virtually every Nerf [blaster] has," Michael Ramos, a junior in human biology and an owner of a Nerf Raider Collins has modified, said. "It restricts the air coming inside so that if you're a child… it keeps the [velocity of the dart] very low."

Other optional modifications include spring compression or replacements, jam door removals and replacement of the internals. However, according to Collins, the modification that improves blasters most is a spring replacement.

Even in our TTAGS Chicago outings, we run into a lot of modifications.  Most of these are simple, involving simply removing the air restrictor, or rebarreling a blaster.  My personal Secret Shot I (SS1) has been modified to be able to use the current darts.  When the SS1 came out, the darts used at the time were different sized.  I rebarreled my blaster using a bit of CPVC piping to make it useable.  However, I did not modify my blaster to shoot further, but to make it more reliable and able use all the darts available today.

A Secret Shot I in all its beauty!

Here at TTAGS Chicago, our rules concerning all modifications are that they need to be safe for the user as well as safe for those on the receiving end of the blaster.  A quick side-note here, we always use eye protection regardless of the blaster being used.  Eye protection is mandatory at all our events, you only get one pair of eyes!  Back to the discussion at hand...The majority of our members modify blasters not so much to gain range as they are about making blasters more reliable.

Modifying a blaster with more power presents a whole new challenge.  The internals were only meant to handle a certain power load.  By overloading it, you can break the fragile parts like the plunger tube on a raider, recon, or alpha trooper.  Using drop in kits from other companies will give you ranges of 100 feet or more.  But they carry a price tag of $60 plus the cost of the blaster, and darts.  Additionally you'll need to install it yourself which can present its own problems.  

Let's think about what we're doing for a minute.  Modifying a toy blaster to make it shoot as far as what? an airsoft gun? a paintball gun? Any modifications that breaks 50', can become hurtful at close range.  Launching a soft foam dart with accuracy at that distance is very difficult.  Most darts are so unbalanced, they spiral and loop through the air when used.  If I want extreme range and accuracy, I'll paintball.  When I play HvZ I'm there to have fun, not to win at all costs by having the most uber-modded blaster than can snipe people 100 feet away.  

The TL;DR version: Modify at your own risk.  Soft foam blasters should be fun and safe, anything done to a toy to make it even the slightest bit dangerous should be banned from events.  HvZ is about having fun, not showing off who can shoot a dart the furthest!

Feel free to post comments here or email me (Snake) at ttagschicago(at)gmail.com 

Nerf Snapfire 8 and Firevision Sports Line

Hey guys, at Toy fair 2012, Vas (from Foam From Above) and I were able to get into Hasbro's private showroom and see the newest in the way of Nerf.  The highlight from the trip has to be the Snapfire 8, in the Dart Tag line.

Here's the official press release on it:

"NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 Blaster
(HASBRO/Ages 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 2012)
The NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster features one-hand firing, an essential element when players are on the move during competition battle.  This semi-automatic blaster allows competitors to load darts into the front and then cock and fire darts as the front barrel revolves with each trigger pull.  The DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster also enables players to adjust the tension level for increased speed and distance.  Includes 8 Velcro tipped DART TAG darts.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com."

We even got to play with it a bit...Here's the teaser video of us using it before we had to stop filming :)

Here are some stills we were able to grab:

The Snapfire 8, the guy's hand is on the knob to adjust for more power/speed

The Box for the Snapfire 8

 BONUS!
Here is the Firevision and Heatgear information! Press Release:

NERF FIREVISION SPORTS 2012 PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

The NERF brand brings fans a completely new way to play with its sports gear in 2012 with the introduction of FIREVISION technology, an innovative enhancement featured in the debut FIREVISION SPORTS collection which allows for play in both daytime and dusk. To turn up the heat on throws, catches, and dunks, users simply put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear and flip the switch on the bridge to see reflective graphics and skins on the FIREVISION SPORTS products. Only those wearing NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear will be able to see the action once the lights are out, so whether fans want to enter into casual games with friends or test their skills in competitive challenges one thing is for certain: You don’t want to get left in the dark.

@vasthestampede looking menacing with the Firevision on!

NERF FIREVISION SPORTS Football

(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99/Available: August 1, 2012)

No sunlight? No problem. Put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear and turn on the switch to see this awesome football soar. Set includes one FIREVISION SPORTS football and two pairs of FIRE FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

NERF FIREVISION SPORTS NERFOOP Basketball Set

(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $14.99/Available: August 1, 2012)

Convert your room into the coolest court with the NERF FIREVISION SPORTS NERFOOP basketball set.  Hang the set’s oversized backboard over almost any door, put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear, and turn down the lights. The darker the room, the brighter the reflective graphics on both the backboard and basketball glow, setting you up for a serious slam-dunk! Set includes one mini NERF FIREVISION SPORTS basketball and one pair of FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

NERF FIREVISION SPORTS HYPER BOUNCE Ball

(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: August 1, 2012)

The NERF FIREVISIONL SPORTS HYPER BOUNCE BALL ball shines new light on the game of catch. Wear the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear to see the ball’s reflective skin glow in green or red and track how far and fast throws fly when the sun goes down. Includes one HYPER BOUNCE  ball and one set of FIRE FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

 

NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES Eyewear Assortment

(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $5.99/Available: August 1, 2012)

Give everyone a chance to get in your FIREVISION SPORTS game and stock up on FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear. The new assortment includes one pair of FRAMES eyewear (choose from green or red). Players place on the FRAMES eyewear and flip the switch on the bridge to see FIREVISION gear in a whole new light. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

Red or Green, they both work beautifully!

Nerf Hailfire Revealed!

Hey guys, Snake here!

At Toy Fair 2012, Vas and I saw the sizzle video from Nerf that featured the new N-Strike Elite Line, including the HAILFIRE.  At the time, we were unable to take pictures or video of it, but apparently that has changed.  Today Nerf posted the sizzle video to youtube.  Here's the link!  Enjoy!

The folks over at Neo Creations  sketched up a sample of what the Hailfire looks like given the stills taken from the video!  Check them out!

Still taken from the video of the Hailfire

Sketch courtesy of Neo Creations

Day One of the Toy Fair Adventure

Hey guys, Snake here! Vas and myself have arrived in NYC, and are ready to hit Nerf for the first appointment in the world tomorrow morning at 8am EST. Here is our road journal from today:

Working hard at Midway Airport pre-flight:


































Arrived in NYC and checking out Times Square and a little sightseeing:

















































Enjoying a snack at Tim Hortons (send us free coffee!!!)






























Stay tuned for more! Tomorrow morning we hit up the Nerf showroom, Razor and many more! Follow here and at Foam From Above!

Live! Nerf Nstrike Rayven!

Thanks for the look at the Rayven, Nerf!  I will definitely rep this once the season starts :)

-@vasthestampede

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Latest event! Gettin' out in the IL cold!

From CLDTS_04/17/11

Just another day in the park for the CLDTS!

Here it is! The NERF VORTEX

First look at the new line of the Nerf Vortex blasters!



Yup, the range looked pretty freaking ridiculous. More coming soon at: http://www.facebook.com/NerfNation Check the Nerf Vortex tab!

NERF VORTEX: THE BIG REVEAL- ONLY ON FACEBOOK!

THE REVEAL OF THE NERF VORTEX LINE IS COMING... TO FACEBOOK.

The grand reveal of the Nerf "Vortex" line (not even shown at Toy Fair)is going to be revealed for a little while on the Nerf Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/NerfNation

Videos, pics, and more!

WHEN: APRIL 11th. Just enough time to get us ready to "Gear up" and keep waiting for the latest in Nerf material.

Remember, hit up Facebook, find the Nerf Facebook page, and then hit that "Like" button. Tune in April 11th, and the new Vortex info should be there! Woo!

Personally? I'm inviting everyone :)

Huge News! Indoor Outings Galore!!!

Hey guys, Snake here!

Man the winter has been cold and long, and without Nerf...UNTIL NOW!

Here at the CLDTS we've teamed up with a local school to put on a large scale indoor outing. On January 29 the event will take place. Our official rules will be posted here as well as any other information you guys will need. Feel free to email/comment with questions or concerns.

Pics and reports from the event will follow!

Happy Halloween! - ZOMBIE OUTBREAK!

So, we Nerfed on Halloween!



Here are the pics, and some highlights:

Flag zombies = WIN
Free Giveaways, courtesy of Nerf = WIN (1 Clear Deploy, 1 regular Deploy, 1 Longstrike, 1 1 Mission Kit Scope and Mission Kit Red Dot Sight)
Halloween costumes = WIN
Good group getting together = WIN
Oak Lawn = WIN

That's all! As always, if you don't want your pics up on the internet please shoot me word and let me know. ALSO... we had a special visitor to the war! But more on that closer to Thanksgiving. It's such great NEWS.

-VasTheStampede

EPIC 8! October 10! - PHOTOS!

And lo, the pictures went up! (Well, most of them)

There was much rejoicing.

Thanks to the attendees, to Oak Lawn, and the weather! SO MUCH RUNNING AROUND.



As always, if you have an issue with the shots I'm using, please let me know and I'll take'em down.

-VasTheStampede