Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Nerf Vortex Nitron - Review!

Flagship of the Nerf Vortex Series... the Nerf Vortex Nitron!

The Nerf Nitron uses a motorized flywheel launcher mechanism that fires foam discs. It uses a removable magazine with an ammo capacity of 20 x foam discs.

Pull the "acceleration trigger" button at the trigger handle to power up the flywheel, then pull the main trigger to fire a shot. If both triggers are held down, it will fire in full auto at around 2-3 shots per second.

The foam discs comprise of a flexible silicone rubber cap shaped core with a ring of soft foam surrounding it. Nerf refers to this foam disc design as "XLR Tech".

It comes with the Centerfire Tech Electronic Scope which features 3 separate clear plastic plates positioned in a row that are lit up by green LED lights in various moving sequences. This feature can be controlled by a button on its side.

The blaster requires 6 x C batteries to operate, and the scope requires 2 x AAA batteries (batteries sold separately).

It also has a tactical rail which is compatible with N-Strike accessories, along with a storage space in its shoulder stock for an additional clip (additional clips sold separately). The blaster comes packaged with 20 x Vortex foam discs.

Average stock range is around 55-65ft.

Available at most major dept stores in Singapore.
Retail Price: SGD$99.90.

Review:

Nerf Vortex Nitron - Box (Front)




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Box (Back)




Nerf Vortex Nitron - "XLR Tech" Label




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Contents




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Assembled




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Profile View




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Clip Release, Acceleration Trigger & Main Trigger




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Additional Clip Storage Space




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Main Unit Requires 6 x C Batteries
(Batteries & Converters Sold Separately)





Nerf Vortex Nitron - Centerfire Tech Electronic Scope




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Scope Requires 2 x AAA Batteries
(Batteries Sold Separately)





Nerf Vortex Nitron - Scope Operation




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick




Nerf Vortex Nitron - Demo & Range Test Video




Nerf Vortex Nitron at Amazon.com



73 comments:

  1. is there a way to make it shoot straight instead of veering to the right?

    ReplyDelete
  2. FL4Z3,

    The Vortex discs spin in flight to create the "magnus effect" for stability and distance, which probably causes them to also fly in a slight curve, so i guess thats the design characteristic.

    You can read more about the "magnus effect" in this link:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_effect

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lanh, Duc, Joey & Sydney Nguyen-Khoa,

    In terms of easier portability and usage, the Praxis would be better to get.

    Though if you want full-auto with higher ammo capacity clip, then get the Nitron.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bought a praxis a few days ago, and something's wrong, it's hitting 15 feet if you're lucky, and jams constantly. I really want the nitron, but I don't know what to do about my praxis. I cannot return because painted.

      Delete
    2. Davik,

      Unfortunately, it looks like you got a faulty unit.

      Delete
  4. sounds like a chainsaw. Do you know of any ways to silence it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. boss7654,

    Mod it with a quieter motor. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. For a kid with a budget, is it worth the extra twenty bucks to get a stampede over this thing

    ReplyDelete
  7. josh,

    Well, the Stampede comes with more clips, ammo and accessories, and it has full compatibility with the other N-Strike blaster models too, so it's worth the extra cost.

    ReplyDelete
  8. hi,

    i would like to know if i use the trustfire batteries on the Nitron, would it Increase the range of the discs and also, what is the number of batteries recommended for it?

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  9. Boon,

    So far i've tested it with up to 4 x TrustFire Li-Ion rechargeable batteries (each fully charged at 4.2V each) which runs at 16.8V in total.

    Range reaches around 80+ ft and RoF seems to be double the speed compared to normal batteries, but its much noisier though.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excuse me, I have a question to ask you. Should I get a Nerf Vulcan or a Nerf Nitron?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kenrick,

    Get the Vulcan... or better yet, get the Stampede instead.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What do you think about these XLR tech?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kenrick,

    Imho the Vortex foam discs do indeed travel further as a result of their "XLR Tech" design, so they fulfill their objective of longer ranges.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey sg,

    whats better: nitron or praxis (if they were same priced)

    and does the stampede shield fit on it?

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lanh, Duc, Joey & Sydney Nguyen-Khoa,

    The Nitron is full-auto, comes with a 20-disc clip (and 20 discs) and an electronic scope, so in terms of features and equipment its better (if priced the same as a Praxis).

    Both blasters are abit too wide for the Stampede shield to fit though, but i guess you could try cutting the shield wider to fit them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lanh, Duc, Joey & Sydney Nguyen-Khoa,

    The blaster is held as parallel-to-ground as possible, the camera is actually pointing down at the blaster so it could sometimes look slightly angled.

    ReplyDelete
  17. what? i cant understand it. my nitron was getting about 50 ft. slightly angled!?

    how did u get 60 flat? did i get a defective unit or what?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lanh, Duc, Joey & Sydney Nguyen-Khoa,

    I guess there are various external factors that could affect ranges in the Nitron.

    As it is a motorized flywheel blaster, the battery power determines the speed of the motor, which in turn determines the velocity of the shot. If newer or better quality batteries are used, it could result in slightly better range compared to older or lower quality batteries.

    The height of the user could also be another factor, a taller firer can result in the foam discs achieving abit more "air time", 'cos the discs can float abit further than from a shorter firer.

    In addition, wind conditions could also affect range. Even a slight head or tail wind (which may not be detectable by the user) could slow down or speed up the disc flight enough to affect the range.

    50ft ranges seem to be an okay variation to me... the 10-15% difference either way could be attributed to the various factors mentioned above anyways.

    Imho, you'd be alot more concerned if its only achieving 20-30ft, then its a more obvious sign of defects or faulty mechanisms. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. ok. i've tried a few different sets of batteries, i'm about 5 ft., and im indoors w/ no wind and have a long basement. still 50 ft. ranges.

    i returned it and got a new one. same things, but it hits 55 ft now. abit better. but still, its at a slight angle, and ur getting 60 ft flat. ur extra height and my angle should cancel out, but how can u get 60 and i get 55??

    ReplyDelete
  20. also: how did u get a rate of fire of 2-3 discs per second?

    i was getting between 1 and 2 dps

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lanh, Duc, Joey & Sydney Nguyen-Khoa,

    Like i mentioned, there are many factors that could affect the performance.

    As for height, i'm 6ft tall so perhaps the extra ft in height makes a slight difference in range.

    The ranges are just averages, some are abit further, some are abit shorter, you can't expect to get the exact same ranges for every shot anyways.

    Try better quality batteries, it could help improve RoF slightly too.

    ReplyDelete
  22. thanks for the info.

    but what annoys me is that the discs first fly curved to the right, curve far left at like 35 ft, and then curve back while it slams into the ground at around fifty-five feet. i use modded discs by the way. i filled the bottom with sticky craft foam. it really helps.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello, just wondering, are there any shops in SG still selling the stampede? I've checked takashimaya, isetan and toys'r'us but they all dont seem to stock. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  24. doomday323,

    Try checking at other dept stores like Metro or OG, i guess the popular Nerf blaster models tend to get sold out more quickly during the Christmas shopping season. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey Sgnerf.

    Should I get a Nitron or keep my praxis?
    I got the praxis for $25 US dollars.
    I found the Nitron at walmart.com for $30. It was $45 at Target, and $35 at toysrus.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. moogaffy,

      The Nitron is interesting, though it tends to be abit too bulky and heavy for some users. I guess you'll just have to try and see.

      Delete
    2. I mean performance wise. I need a blaster that goes at least 45 ft. That's how long the hallway at my house is.

      Delete
    3. moogaffy,

      The Nitron gets similar ranges as the Praxis... though it also depends on the power of the batteries you use, 'cos its a flywheel blaster and the speed of the motor depends on voltage feed too.

      Delete
  26. Oh and where can I buy battery converters?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. moogaffy,

      Check at electronics parts or hobby stores, they usually stock battery converter shells.

      Delete
    2. Do your battery converters fit into your nitron? If so, is it a tight fit?

      Delete
    3. moogaffy,

      The AA to C battery converter shells i use fit like regular C-size batteries, no issues with fit.

      Delete
    4. Thanks for this great input..will help my son reduce the cost of batteries. will rechargeable cells work in these converters?

      Delete
    5. Ravinder Mandayam,

      Yes, AA-sized rechargeable batteries can also be used with the AA to C converter shells too... but note that most NiMh rechargeable batteries output a slightly lower voltage, so the performance of the blaster might be reduced too.

      Delete
  27. What RoF does it get with 6x TrustFire Li-Ion rechargeable batteries

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Well, i have done tests with 4 x fully charged TrustFire Li-Ion batteries producing 16.8V (the motors were already screaming like banshees!), and the RoF increased slightly to around 3-4 shots per second. I guess the RoF doesn't seem to increase as much as the range.

      I've not tested it with 6 x TrustFires though (not too keen to damage the motors), but if you get an opportunity to test that amount of voltage, do post up your results. :)

      Delete
  28. SG Nerf,

    What will the next Vortex gun be? And should I get this, the Pyragon, or the Praxis?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      If i spot any new models, i'll post an update on my site. Just check back for news.

      Get the Pyragon, its got more ammo capacity.

      Delete
  29. Can this or any flywheel gun be modified to touch up to long shot capability? Has anyone figured a way to create homemade discs yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ThorsMitersaw,

      The most common method to increase ranges in flywheel blasters is to simply increase the voltage feed, higher voltage = higher motor speed = faster spinning flywheels, which in turn "throw" out the foam darts at a higher velocity and hence achieving longer range.

      The main limitation is usually how much voltage the motor can handle, and the reliability and accuracy of the shots at higher flywheel speeds... along with how much noise the user can tolerate. :)

      Its possible to mod a flywheel blaster to achieve >100ft ranges, but due to their need to use longer length foam darts to work well (they can't be used with short length stefans as effectively due to the limited amount of foam for the flywheels to grip and propel the shots), their overall shot consistency and accuracy tend to be more erratic at longer ranges.

      So far, i've not seen any viable or cost effective method to make DIY foam discs yet.

      Delete
  30. should i get the nitron or pyragon?and which is a better buy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      If you are okay with manually operated blasters, then get the Pyragon, it has the slam-fire feature and comes with a 40-disc drum magazine.

      If you want to dual-wield blasters, then get the Nitron, it's a motorized full-auto blaster.

      Or get both... then you can use the 40-disc drum magazine in the Nitron and get full-auto + high ammo capacity. :)

      Delete
  31. Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      Nerf Vulcans seem to be sold out in Singapore... so nowadays you'll have to order them in from overseas or online.

      Delete
  32. where can i find the nerf longshot cs-6?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      Most dept stores in Singapore still have Longshots in stock... check at places like Toys R Us, Metro, OG etc.

      Note that they are starting to get sold out at some stores, so you may have to shop around to find them.

      Delete
  33. should i both the nitron and the pyragon or stampede and pyragon or stampede and nitron.(pls help me choose)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      Get the Stampede and Nitron... both are full-auto blasters, so you can duel-wield them. :)

      Delete
  34. do u play some games like halo,mw3,black ops or others?(should i get the praxis or recon?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      I'm more of a Battlefield series player. :)

      Get the Retaliator, its an improved version of the Recon, and its clip and attachments are compatible with all other N-Strike blasters.

      Delete
  35. should i get the nitron and pyragon or stampede and nitron or stampede and pyragon?(i jus do not want to dual wield them as i have little strentgh:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      You don't have to dual wielded them, just use them on their own. I would still recommending getting the Nitron or Stampede, full-auto firing is still better 'cos less effort needed.

      You could get the Pyragon, but since its a manually primed blaster (and you have "little strength"), you'll also probably get tired priming 40 times to fire its whole 40-disc magazine. :)

      Delete
  36. ya u r right.where do u usually get ur nerf blasters and is stampede available at og?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      I buy my Nerf blasters from various local dept stores (ie. Toys R Us, Metro, OG etc), main preference are the ones which have discounts/sales promotions. :)

      At this moment, Stampedes are all sold out everywhere locally... so you'll have to wait for them to be re-stocked, or order them in from overseas/online.

      Delete
  37. if there are stampede somewhere in singapore,pls tell me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nerfnator7689,

      You can check the "Nerf Stock" section at the NerfSG forum:

      http://nerfsg.freeforums.org/nerf-stock-f2.html

      Local nerfers usually post what they spot in stores on that thread.... if you find any, do post your findings there too. :)

      Delete
  38. What do you think is better, the longshot or the nitron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MusicGuy1999,

      Personally, i'd prefer the Longshot... i still like spring plunger powered foam dart blasters (especially ones with large plunger volumes). :)

      Actually, the Stampede would be a better comparison as it is also a full-auto clip-fed blaster too, and i'd also prefer that over the Nitron (i'm not too keen on the buzzing noise and overall feel of flywheel blasters).

      Delete
  39. What about the hailfire? I'm looking for something that is accurate but also has a good range and I won't get bored of it. Stampede seems a bit too expensive for what I'm looking for as I have found many good offers for other nerf guns. My favourite guns are: longshot, hailfire and some others. Which ones are the best?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MusicGuy1999,

      Well, the Hailfire is also a flywheel blaster and it's only semi-auto. Although it has an interesting rotating clip carousel system, it's quite cumbersome to use and looks weird. :)

      In addition, the Hailfire only comes packaged with 4 x 6-dart clips, so you have to buy more clips separately to fill up the rest of its clip slots.

      Overall i would still go for the Stampede. Even though it may cost abit more, it's worth the price as it comes packaged with more accessories, along with higher capacity 18-dart clips and ammo.

      When properly modded, a Stampede can also out-range the Hailfire too.

      Delete
    2. It sounds like the stampede seems to be your favourite but im not convinced! I can get these guns for really cheap. Im in the UK and can get the hailfire for around £30 and longshot for £25 however the stampede is about £50-£55 which is money i dont have! So are the guns that i say worth the money or should i look at some other guns, bearing in mind i want something cheap, accurate and goes a long way. A very versatile gun i want so i can use it almost anywhere for a lot of different things.

      Delete
    3. MusicGuy1999,

      If you are really on that tight of a budget then i guess you have no choice but to get the cheaper blasters... that being the case, i would advise you to get the Longshot (since you can get it at a price within your budget), as it has the best modding potential amongst all the other blasters and its becoming a rare collectors item nowadays, 'cos it's no longer available in many countries.

      Delete
    4. Thanks for your help. How do you mod a gun! I have seen people do it but probably wouldnt do it myself. Therefore would you still go for the Longshot. Other people that have been helping me to decide have said it looks too long and cumbersome. Is it? Or is it ok!? Thanks so much,
      MusicGuy1999

      Delete
    5. MusicGuy1999,

      You can check out all the various blaster mod guides at my Mod Works site:

      http://www.modworks.blogspot.com/

      Here are some of my mod guides for the Longshot:

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2009/09/nerf-longshot-mod-guide.html

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/05/nerf-longshot-mod-shotgun-grip.html

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/03/nerf-longshot-brass-breech-mod-guide.html

      The Longshot isn't that long, you only ever use the main blaster unit in actual games, which is usually just right for most users (the main blaster unit is only around 60cm in length)... unless you are a very small kid with short arms. :)

      Btw, no one actually uses the entire blaster with the front attachment still installed on, that's more for show.

      Delete
  40. Can I have a list of your top ten nerf guns (not pistols if possible) so it can help me decide on a gun to get! Can you lay it out like:
    1. ***********
    2. ********
    Etc.
    Thanks this will help me loads. Please include guns from all ranges (elite, vortex etc.) But not dart tag!! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I only have a top 3 (i use these fully modded versions regularly in actual Nerf games):

      1. Nerf Stampede
      (Brass breech + Voltage Upgrade + Calibrated Stefans)

      2. Nerf Air Tech 3000
      (PETG barreled + Topeak Pump + Calibrated Stefans)

      3. Nerf Longshot
      (Brass breech + Pump Action Shotgun Grip + Calibrated Stefans)

      All other blasters are just for collection or display purposes. As no others can match my top 3 in either rate-of-fire or range (and still allowed for organized Nerf game rules)... thus i've not found any reason to use the rest of the blasters in actual Nerf games. :)

      Delete
  41. SG Nerf

    Is the stock removable in any way? Meaning that there are Screws that can be removed or similar?

    Thx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, I meant the Foregrip.

      Delete
    2. Richard,

      The foregrip is part of the casing shell, it can't be removed (unless you use a saw or dremel to cut it off).

      Delete