Reliable gun doesn’t require batteries and comes at an affordable price point.
[penci_review]
Despite being on the market for two years now, NERF’s N-Strike Elite Delta Trooper is still best-in-class, proving itself an affordable (MSRP $29.99) and reliable option for those looking to have a dart war.
We tested three of the guns in a variety of conditions including on a playground, in a large field, around the yard, and in a wooded area during rain. The Delta Trooper relies on the Elite darts and the package includes 12 — just enough to fill the 12 shot magazine.
We faced few jams in our time with the blasters. However, actively unloading the entire magazine by slamming the slide back while holding the trigger didn’t just jam the gun, it actively bent the darts. The Delta Trooper likes being used as a primary blaster that can unload at a distance and keep your opponents at bay.
Its customization options–including both a removal stock and removable barrel extender–do some work to allow the blaster to adapt to different situations. We recommend keeping the stock on at all times while using the barrel extender when shooting more than 25 ft away. You probably still won’t hit your target but your suppression fire will be much more intimidating.
Indeed, the Delta Trooper’s marketing claims it can hit targets up to 90 ft away, but we rarely saw shots exceed 60 ft, and those that exceeded the 40 ft range did not hit their targets. That said, the gun performs well under 40 ft away, and shooting without the barrel extender makes the blaster formidable. It fires rapidly and with relative precision.
The large magazine and rate of fire is top of class for a blaster that doesn’t require batteries. We appreciate NERF products that use the Elite dart as they have the greatest longevity and are usable across a number of other blasters. The 12 included darts is generous given the price point but you’ll want to purchase additional darts. Across our three Delta Troopers we regularly run through 100 or so darts in a single battle.
Assembly is as easy as a few turns and clicks: the barrel extender notably rotates off and can be added or removed in the heat of battle. Smaller hands may experience some frustration removing the magazine, however, as the button to eject the magazine is difficult to push, and the magazine likes to be helped out while depressing the button. It’s a niggling design feature in an otherwise accessible blaster.
Those looking to start a war of foam darts may be drawn to newer models–especially those emblazoned with Fortnite branding–but the Delta Trooper is our top pick for a beginner blaster. Not only does it feature top of the line durability with limited jamming, it also features ease of access in assembling and re-stocking the blaster. With no batteries required, the Delta Trooper is an essential starting point for all NERF arsenals.