The Nerf Hail-Fire uses a "clip carousel" design with a flywheel powered system to launch foam darts in semi-auto. It features 2 spinning flywheels positioned in a vertical layout (similar to the Nerf Barricade).
Pull the "acceleration trigger" button at the trigger handle (similar to the Nerf Rayven) to power up the flywheels, then pull the main trigger to fire. Each trigger pull fires one shot. The rate-of-fire depends on the how quick you can continuously pull the trigger.
The "clip carousel" system is operated via its advance carry handle, each time the handle is pushed forward, the carousel will rotate anti-clockwise by one ammo slot. The blaster has 8 x ammo slots.
It comes packaged with 4 x 6-dart clips and 24 x Elite foam darts. The clips are translucent on the right side for easier viewing of the ammo count. It is also compatible with all other N-Strike clips and drum magazines too (sold separately).
With additional ammo clips, the Hail-Fire is able to attain the highest ammo capacity amongst all current Nerf blasters. With an 8 x 18-dart clip configuration, it allows for an ammo capacity of 144 foam darts!
Elite foam darts are lighter than Streamline foam darts, and their tip weight are focused further forward to enhance performance. In addition, they can also be used with most Nerf blasters.
The Hail-Fire utilizes the new Elite foam darts to achieve longer ranges. The box states "fires up to 75ft".
The blaster requires 4 x AA batteries to operate (batteries sold separately). It is compatible with most N-Strike tactical rail accessories.
Average stock range is around 45-55ft (parallel-to-ground) or 65-75ft (angled-to-ground).
Review:
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Box (Front)
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Box (Back)
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Box (Side)
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Un-Boxed
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Contents
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Assembled
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Angled View
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Blaster Requires 4 x AA Batteries
(Batteries Sold Separately)
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Acceleration Trigger & Main Trigger
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Advance Handle
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Access Hatch
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Clip Comparison
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - 8 x Ammo Slots
(Additional Clips Sold Separately)
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - With 8 x 6-Dart Clips
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - With Assorted Clips & Drum Magazines
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - With 8 x 18-Dart Clips
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - N-Strike Accessory Compatibility
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire - Demo & Range Test Video
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire @ Amazon.com
I'm just guessing here, but given the way it's set up, ,the max ammo can be a lot higher than you show. I'd figure it at about 184 or maybe a little less.
ReplyDeleteXavier,
DeleteIf you are looking at using drum magazines to increase the ammo capacity, i've found that each 35-dart drum magazine takes up the space of 2 ammo slots (due to the way they are positioned within the clip carousel)... so the maximum number of drum magazines that can be loaded is only 4 at any one time, hence i guess there is a limitation in that aspect. :)
SG,
DeleteI would guess that if you were to have maybe four 4-dart mini clips in the blaster at the same time as the 4 35-dart drums the capacity could reach at least 156 and maybe more if you could make a 5-dart miniclip. Just food for thought.
It looks like it is quite bulky. How is it moving around with the gun?
ReplyDeleteBonooru,
DeleteIts actually quite a compact blaster length-wise... the only bulky part is the width due to the clip carousel system.
I guess its abit like carrying a cooking pot cover around. :)
SG,
DeleteThanks for the reply. I might have to find a friend to convince to get one before I decide if I need to get one or not.
I didn't imagine that it would look that bulky with the eight 18 dart clips in it. How is it moving around in that configuration? Because before I saw what it looked like with the 18 dart clips, I was planning on getting one for that exact purpose. But now I'm thinking having 48 darts wouldn't be all that bad, as I rarely ran out of ammo with my raider drum.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
DeleteYeah, with the 8 x 18-dart clip configuration it is much bulkier... so i guess its for those who don't mind lugging around the extra weight. :)
Very nice job! I did have 2 quetions for you if you know the answeres?
ReplyDelete1. How can you take the blaster apart once you put the advancing handle and clip well guards on?
2. Could you take these motors out and put them in a rayven or are they different sizes and would take some serous modification?
Anonymous,
DeleteIts possible to take the side covers and advancing handle apart after they are installed, but you'll need to pry them apart with force.
The motors seem to be similar in size to the ones on the Rayven (ie. like Tamiya 4WD motor size).
Hey SGN, do you think you could find a way to see how hard the trigger pull is? Or compare it to some other blaster? :D
ReplyDeleteThanks -iModify-
iModify,
DeleteFrom my experience so far, the trigger pull on the Hail-Fire seems kinda similar to the Rayven.
SG Nerf, what is your personal views on this blaster? Would you use it in a war and what purpose? It would help a lot in your reviews.
ReplyDeleteTerence Lee,
DeleteWell, i'm personally not a fan of flywheel blasters (the buzzing noise and the tactile feel somehow seems to annoy me), hence its not a blaster i would use in games.
But there are many other users who are fans of flywheel blasters, so they would enjoy using it. It really all depends on individual preference.
Thats one of the reasons why i don't put my own personal views in the reviews, because my preference can be very different (which may not do justice to the qualities of the blaster), therefore i prefer to show the facts and features in an impartial manner and let readers make their own decisions.
Imho, the best way to really know if a blaster is suitable is to attend organized Nerf games, see how the blasters are used by other players and actually have some hands-on experience with them, then you will know if you like it or not. :)
if some one could make a tube Stefan mag for this like the PP-90M1 this would be so cute
ReplyDeleteIs the carousel plastic removable?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteOnce the cover is installed, it'll need to be pried apart to be removed.
So will it work if i dont attach the carousel plastic?
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteIt should still work without the carousel covers... i've not tested it without the covers, but as far as i can tell, they seem to just be clip-on parts.
One more question:
DeleteThe magazines will not drop if lets say it is knocked really hard right?
Anonymous,
DeleteThe clips shouldn't pop out under normal usage or even when knocked about, but of course if its subjected to a drop from height at an odd angle or thrown with force, then the clips would probably pop out (and most likely the casing or parts would also break too).
hi
ReplyDeleterandom question but which nerf gun next??!!
ive got recon x2 mav x1 nf x1 proton x1
spectre x1 im lookin for machine gun or semi or sniper or rpg or just a compact rifle
Anonymous,
DeleteGet the Nerf Stampede. :)
do you recommend glueing a wooden dowel on to the nerf recon cs-6 slide to make this blaster bolt action.?
ReplyDeletethankyou kindly,
SIGNED your majesty the Queen of England
P.S just jocking about the queen stuff and i know ur in sg
your majesty the queen,
DeleteYup, you can try that out too... quite a few modders have also done similar mods, usually by simply bolting on a round handle (or sometimes even door knobs!) to the side of the slide handle to act as a sort of bolt-action feature. :)
i so go do dat
Deletedo you have like a warning if uve gt a questtion or do u just check aaaalllllll ur pages?
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI get notifications whenever there are new comments posted, 'cos i have to moderate them too (a large percentage are just commercial spam comments which i have to remove).
Hi SG Nerf,
ReplyDeletecan you tell me what elite gun is worth the most? I am currently lost. I appreciate alot. Thks :)
Anonymous,
DeleteIf you are referring to their retail prices, just check this page:
http://sgnerf.blogspot.com/p/singapore-nerf-store-stock-list.html
SG Nerf,
ReplyDeleteI looked at nerf.wikia.com/wiki/N-Strike_Elite and saw that that there two Elite guns that were just found out about. They are the Strife and Ruff Cut. If you have any information about that, it would be cool. Thanks!
Anonymous,
DeleteYup, you can read about them in this article by Wired.com on the Nerf design process:
http://sgnerf.blogspot.com/2012/09/wiredcom-article-how-nerf-became-worlds.html
hi sgnerf. i actually placed 4 trustfire 3.7v AA into my hailfire n it cant work. will only go off like 6 rds. i was told by a shop that its because theres an resistor inside e circuit so the voltage is too strong. was advice to use only 2 trustfire n dummy batt or anything metallic to complete the circuit. will it work? is there anyway to remove the resistor and give it a full 14.8v? please advice thank u.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThats most likely caused by a thermistor component in the circuit, it is usually part of such circuits operating as a self-resetting over-current protector:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermistor
You could try to find and remove it from the circuit, then you'll have no more restrictions on the voltage and current feed... but due to that protection being removed, you'll have to monitor the motor and batteries during usage to ensure that they don't overheat and get damaged in the process.
SG Nerf is it comfortable to hold the Hailfire in your opinion? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteWell, the default method to hold it is like carrying a lantern with your arm outstretched at waist level. Some are okay with it, some find it odd... i guess you just have to try to know. :)
Dear SG Nerf,
ReplyDeleteIs the Hailfire as accurate as the Rampage?
Regards,
Anonymous,a humble Nerf collector
Anonymous,
DeleteAccuracy in blasters mainly depend on the foam dart type and their condition.
From my experience, both the Hail-Fire and Rampage have similar "accuracy" when using the same foam dart types... but note that even Elite foam darts still do swerve and curve in flight (just less severely than compared to the older streamline foam darts).
SG Nerf,
ReplyDeleteWould I want to get this of the Rampage? I am a huge Nerf collecter and wanted to know what would be better for an intense Nerf war.
-Anonymous
Anonymous,
DeleteIt'll depend on whether you prefer spring plunger blasters or flywheel blasters, both systems have their unique features (read the reviews to compare) and both have a different "feel" during actual usage... ie. some people don't like flywheel blasters due to the buzzing noise, while some are okay with it.
It'll be best to personally try them out and see which suit your game-play style and usage.
Which Nerf N-Strike Elite blaster is most accurate? Because I think it should probably be the Retaliator, because the Retaliator seems like the "cheap" alternative to the Rampage.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteAccuracy depends mainly on the dart type and condition of the foam darts.
From my tests so far, those models you mentioned all have similar accuracy when using the same Elite foam darts... though its tough to actually determine actual accuracy with the Elite foam darts as they still do swerve and curve in flight (just less severely than compared to the older streamline foam darts).
So why would anyone want to buy a Retaliator?
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteWell, the Retaliator has the advantage of being a compact clip-fed blaster, 'cos users can choose to configure it as a pistol style blaster (just use the main blaster unit on its own, without the barrel extension or shoulder stock), so its easy to maneuver around in narrower spaces (ie. indoor games) and ideal as a sidearm too.
Yeah...but the price is similar and a rampage vs Retaliator contest would end ...in...well....yeah. And also with the other one you get twice as many darts and a drum, which was the main selling feature of the original raider.
Deletemay i know where i can get 18 dart clips in singapore?
ReplyDeleteShane Lim,
DeleteYou'll have to get them from existing Stampede sets or order them from overseas... 18-dart clips are currently not available as standalone kits in Singapore.
My three children, all over twenty want Nerf guns door Christmas- they live in a townhouse together and thought it'd be fun- which one should I get?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteGet the latest Elite blasters, ie. Retaliator, Rampage or Hail-Fire... all of them are good blasters. :)
sg I got a hail fire but when my flyweels get to full strength the they start making a sound that dosent sound right i want to say buzzing but flyweels do that naturally, when i press against the sides of my blasters front it stops partially I think maybe my parts are loose or something it still works but im paraniod, your opinio, cuz I dont want to open the gun.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI guess your particular unit probably has loose motor mounts which cause the flywheels to create more noise during operation.
If you are not keen to open up the casing to fix the issue, then just exchange it at the store for a new working unit.
no it works it just dosent sound right pluss opening up nerf guns ended badly 4 me 90 percent of the time destroying my old collection of n-strike blasters, pluss I did drop it once. (but your saying the motors arent mounted soidly to the blaster?
Deleteanother reason i worry is my rayven usually keeps a constant sound without the variation of pitch exept for 1 time i think i heard a little bit of flux, but its way too late to return my hailfire
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteYeah, most likely the motor mounts somehow got loosened or maybe cracked (perhaps it occurred when the blaster was dropped), so the motor is now wobbling too much at higher speeds, hence the different noise.
other than the change in noise do i have anything to wory about performance wise cuz it still seems to work
DeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI guess if it still works well, then the issue is rather minor... just that you have to get used to hearing those odd noises. :)
yeah the noise is my only problem it still hits the wall with a bang, the noise just makes it sound broken 2 me i like to keep my nerfguns in good condition, but am not good at it obviously, then again each moddel probably does have a slightly different sound, thnxs 4 the help.
DeleteIs it still available at stores now?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteYup, at this moment it's still available at local dept stores in Singapore.
Im looking for a good gun for my loadout should I get stockade+ this or snapfire and swarmfire for christmas?
ReplyDeletePotatos,
DeleteThe Stockade and Hailfire are good to get as they are designed to achieve longer ranges... but it'll be good idea to test out a flywheel type blaster first and see if you are okay with how flywheel systems work and don't mind the buzzing noise they produce (some people tend to be annoyed by the noise).
If you are bothered about the flywheel noise and the way they operate, then go for the Snapfire and Swarmfire instead.
Can cancan normal n strike clips fit into the hail fire?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteYes, the normal N-Strike clips and drum magazines can also fit in the Hail-Fire.
In fact, you can already see them being loaded in one of the photos in my review.
Hi SG Nerf, how much does the Elite hailfire upgrade set cost? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThat's not available locally in Singapore yet, so you have to just do a search at online stores and websites to find out their prices.
Thanks for the info :)
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best Nerf gun for a game of capture the flag while getting the flag? What is the best gun for guarding a flag?
ReplyDeleteThe Hail-Fire is an amazing Nerf. You can hold 288 darts with 16 18-clips and 8 flip clips. Many people will return it because it doesn't shoot the claimed 75 feet. The solution: READ THE DIRECTIONS!!! I learned the hard way and you have to use Alkaline batteries, otherwise, it only shoots up to about 30 feet. It would be nice if they included batteries with it, but the Hail-Fire is an amazing blaster either way!
ReplyDeleteDo the hailfire clips work with other nerf blasters such as the raider?
ReplyDeleteJoel Prib,
DeleteYes, the clips that are package with the Hail-Fire can be used with other blasters like the Raider.
cheers man, thinking of grabbing some extra clips for my raider, also i hear the new blue streamlines are superior to the baishe ones so the hailfire upgrade kit will be ideal. :D
DeleteExcuse me can the motor of the hail fire be upgraded ..?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI guess you could just open the casing and check the motors, go to a RC hobby shop and see if you can find motors of the same size but with higher speed and voltage ratings.
If i were to fight against a retaliator 1v1, and i had to use a flywheel blaster, should i get the elite rayven, stryfe, or the hailfire?
ReplyDeleteSGNERF I think that the maximum capacity is 288 darts becuase you could use flip clips to double the 18 dart clips
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteI guess it depends on individual viewpoint... but generally ammo capacity for a blaster refers to the number of shots it can fire continuously before requiring a clip reload.
In the case of the flip clip attachment, it only joins the bottom of the clips (it doesn't double the actual clip capacity), so you still need to manually remove the empty clip, flip it around and then load in the full clip... its a quicker way to swap clips (compared to getting clips from pockets), but still requires a pause in firing and some reloading procedure.
Its a great suggestion though... if the user can handle the extra weight and bulk of all those clips. :)
The max capacity is 144 (or 152 if you overload your clips) because the 35 dart drums take up 2 slots and the 25 dart clips take up 3.
ReplyDelete