Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster

Stock gun (i.e. with no performance improvements at all): better than mediocre. The rate of fire is around 1.5 darts per second. Range is acceptable for elite nerf guns, but accuracy is very poor owing to a protective flap over the spinning flywheels - note that unlike the Stampede, this IS a flywheel gun, not a plunger system. Gun balance is terrible - the weight of 4 x C-cell batteries in the front makes the gun very front heavy, which younger users may find troublesome. In this aspect, the Stampede ECM was rather better - balance was equally poor, but the weight was at the rear, so that the shoulder could be used, rather than levering down on the arms.Apart from the weight problem, this gun looks and feels *superb*: Nerf have really succeeded with a weapon that conveys the sense of an assault rifle - while *simultaneously* producing a silhouette that is far enough from that of a real firearm that it should not arouse problems in public.I did not use the gun enough before modifying it to check on battery life with C-cells. However, with an upgraded power pack (which should discharge *faster* than C-cells, and probably have a smaller capacity), I have not had to recharge once after several multiple-hour session of use. I would estimate at least 8-10 hours of "combat" should be fine.This is also an excellent base platform for Nerf warriors to improve upon. The accuracy can be dramatically improved by the removal of the translucent rubber safety flap over the flywheels. Due to the low torque of the motors, and low friction of the flywheels, this does not pose any significant safety risks. The rate of fire can be improved by upgrading the battery (I use a 2-cell Li-ion pack, which both dramatically improves available power and reduces the balance problems, due to being lighter), and by some judicious modifications to the internal electronics.Even with a doubled rate of fire, it is quite possible to squeeze off individual darts: you just need a bit of trigger discipline. The need to pick up darts and refill magazines may help teach this to new users!

I got my hands on the NERF N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster, and let me tell you, it's been a blast!First off, let's talk about the quality. This blaster is well-built and sturdy, with a sleek design that looks and feels great. The rapid-fire action is smooth and satisfying, and the darts fly with impressive accuracy.Packaging-wise, it arrived securely packaged in a box, so there were no worries about damage during shipping.Amazon's delivery service was excellent – despite opting for standard shipping, the blaster arrived quickly and in perfect condition.One thing I really appreciate about this blaster is its versatility. Whether you're engaging in an epic NERF battle with friends or just blasting targets in the backyard, the Rapidstrike CS-18 delivers hours of fun and excitement.Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The NERF N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster is a must-have for any NERF enthusiast, and Amazon's great service made the whole buying experience a breeze. Highly recommend!

A great product for target shooting or Nerf battles and safe to use indoors. I would definitely advise eye protection though, as a pellet in the eye from an excitable Nerfster comes quite sharp! Great interactive fun for children and adults, would recommend. The only negative is the blaster often jams and this is why I have given the product a 4 and not a 5 star rating.

This is nerf's fastest firing automatic (yes, it's faster than the overly-coverted rhino, although the rhino is so badass xD. We did a comparison of them both at my local assassins guild). The range is very decent too for a semi-automatic nerf gun. It requires 6C batteries, and it is fairly heavy, although the weight is significantly less than any other nerf semi-automatic.However, this gun cannot receive 5 stars as the magazine is dreadful. It jammed all the time. I tried lubricating it (determining which lubricator was suitable for ABS plastic took a while) and even after using this on the magazine it did not help. My solution to this was to buy the nerf rampage and use the 25-dart drum for that gun (actually the 18-mag works fine in the rampage because even if the mag jams it's not a problem since the mag is sideways so gravity no longer holds the bullets in the mag) in the rapidstrike. Having a 25 dart drum (vs 18-dart mag) is better anyway in the rapidstrike (more darts the merrier :D )Conclusion: If you want a semi-auto gun and have about £50 to waste (wait for an offer to appear on the guns) then this is the gun for you. It's nerf's finest semi-auto. It's the lightest and the fastest firing with a very decent range. However, I think you will need to get a 25 dart drum for this. I'm giving it 3 stars because it's annoying that I had to pay an extra £20 on the rampage to get this working effectively.

Fab Nerf gun! The rapid fire is rapid, easily get through the 18 darts if keep your finger on the trigger or if you press the trigger as and when then you release a dart at a time. The darts go a reasonable distance too. The scope is slightly out though so if using that, you need to 'master' the difference otherwise it's more of a point, shoot, adjust and shoot etc. Easy to reload the darts into the magazine and assemble. It requires a large battery in order to work (doesn't come with one), the motor is a little noisy but if playing with others/outside their sounds will drown the motor and it's only brief too while there are darts.Delivery was quick although the box it came in was a little on the oversized side but it arrived in good condition.