Sunday, June 3, 2012

Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Review!

Check out the Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8!

The Snapfire 8 is a compact semi-auto blaster with an 8-shot auto rotating turret. Its semi-auto feature is based on a trigger pull-to-prime and firing system, therefore it does not require motors or batteries to operate.

It also has a unique method of allowing users to tune the power, this is done by adjusting the tuning knob at the bottom of the blaster handle. It can be tuned for more "Speed" (easier to pull the trigger, but less range) or more "Power" (more effort required to pull the trigger, but longer range). An indicator on the side of the trigger handle shows the speed/power levels.

Note that in both mode settings, the trigger requires strength to pull (especially in the "Power" mode setting). Users with weaker finger strength may find it an extra challenge to use.

The blaster comes packaged with 8 x Tagger foam darts.

Average stock range is around 25-30ft (in "Speed" mode) or 35-40ft (in "Power"mode).

For internal photos of the Nerf Snapfire 8, click Here.

Review:

Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Box (Front)


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Box (Back)


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Un-Boxed


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Contents


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Assembled


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Profile View


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Trigger System


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Speed/Power Tuning Knob


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Speed/Power Level Indicator


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Scale Comparison with Nerf Speedswarm


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Dual-Wield!


Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire 8 - Demo & Range Test Video



118 comments:

  1. Woah SGnerf is this already for sale???? Im looking forward to
    This!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DarkSonarch,

      Well, they are not in Singapore yet, i got them from overseas. I guess they will be in local stores very soon. :)

      Delete
  2. If these don't become available in AUS, would I be able to purchase some off of you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. quang23,

      Well, i guess they should be popping up in dept stores very soon... and online stores too. So you'd probably have many other avenues to get them.

      Delete
    2. They are on for sale at Target for $20

      Delete
  3. Hmm. Ranges are good and it's smaller than a mav. That's pretty good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. just a question do you think this can ever replace mavs?

      Delete
    2. DarkSonarch,

      Imho... for Nerf games, i would definitely use a Snapfire 8 instead of a Maverick.

      But i guess the Maverick will still have its fans 'cos of its iconic design. :)

      Delete
  4. This is amazing modded with cpvc this would be the bomb

    ReplyDelete
  5. New sidearm, then. Do streamline darts work with this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Foo Yang Yi,

      Streamline foam darts have longer rubber stalks within their foam so they tend to get blocked by the plastic pegs in the turret barrels. You'll need to remove those plastic pegs in order to use streamline foam darts.

      Delete
    2. what're those plastic pegs in the turret barrels..? are those the one firing the darts? just to be sure... 'cause i have too many streamlines/elite darts and i want to use those streamlines/elite darts only... so i wouldn't have to buy those dart tag darts...

      Delete
    3. Edward,

      The plastic pegs in the turret barrels are just designed to prevent users from slotting in objects other than Nerf foam darts.

      They can be removed and the blaster will still work.

      Btw, Elite foam darts have shorter inner tip stalks so they can be used even with the plastic pegs intact:

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2012/07/elite-foam-darts-comparison-internals.html

      Delete
  6. It functions a lot like a real firearm than any previous foam blasters.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It looks like the Speed/Power control does actually make a difference in range when used in Power mode. Is the trigger pull strength significantly different?

    I'm so going to get a few of these when they're available; they just seem so easy :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zandor,

      I would estimate that in "Power" mode setting, the trigger requires around 50%-60% more strength to pull, compared to the "Speed" mode setting. Users can definitely experience the difference.

      Delete
  8. Am I right in guessing that the way the plunger works is the plunger and the spring are connected to a lever piece that the trigger pushes up which puts tension on the spring and moves the plunger rod backwards?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. harpuia,

      Thats the basic concept, its based around a lever actuation system that links the trigger and spring to the plunger.

      You can check out the internals guide for reference:

      http://modworks.blogspot.sg/2012/06/nerf-dart-tag-snapfire-8-internals.html

      Delete
  9. This is easily the one of if not the best dart tag gun out there! Nerf has finally started to add more power to their guns. I have a question: is the Snapfire 8 accurate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob,

      Its accuracy is similar to most other Dart Tag blasters that also use Tagger foam darts (its mainly the type of foam darts used that affect the accuracy).

      The accuracy also depends on your grip strength which is required to keep it steady while firing too.

      Delete
  10. In speed, can it shoot as fast as a Barricade?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      How fast it fires basically depends on how quick the user can pull the trigger.

      But as the Snapfire's trigger also primes the blaster, it requires some additional effort, so the rate-of-fire would also depend on the strength of the user's trigger finger. :)

      Delete
  11. That's awesome! I normally don't keep track of new blasters as I've generally been rather disappointed with how uninteresting they have been, but this and the Retaliator have caught my eye. Looking forward to getting one, thanks for the news SGNerf!

    Also, I remember asking you to link to my blog, and you said you couldn't because of Airsoft content, well, I've separated the two blogs now so if you'd please link to blastermodsandmore.blogspot.com I'd really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blaster Mods and More,

      Yup, i've added your blog to my Nerf links list. :)

      Delete
  12. Wow, this is so cool! Thanks for this great review and all the pictures! And by the way, thanks for allowing anonymous comments.

    ReplyDelete
  13. If you set the dial in the middle of Speed and Power, could you get the best of both worlds? Or can you only set it for one option at a time?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joey,

      Yes, you can adjust the speed/power levels to the middle too (or any other intermediate level). The range and corresponding trigger pull effort will be adjusted accordingly. :)

      Delete
  14. How reliable is the snapfire? Is it possible for it to jam?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Orange The Fruity,

      Well, as an auto-rotating turret blaster, it can't jam. From my experience so far, its very reliable.

      Delete
  15. I got my own snapfire yesterday, after i removed the air restrictor, it seems that the trigger slips halfway through the pull. also when i pull the trigger too fast the ranges seen to drop quite a fair bit sometimes dribbling out of the barrel, when you do the mod guide could you look into this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O'I SJIJ robotics,

      I've not encountered that issue so far, maybe you just have to re-check the internals and make sure everything is aligned and positioned properly.

      Delete
    2. then don't remove the air restrictor! ;)

      Delete
    3. I'm haviong the same problem, but all I did was open up to see what was inside, then the darts only can shoot once every full round of the turret

      Delete
  16. SG Nerf, can you put my blog under your NERF LINKS please? thx. heres my blog

    www.awesomenerfer1999.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesomenerfer1999,

      Sure, added to the links list.

      Delete
  17. Over 40 feet?
    Count me a customer.

    ReplyDelete
  18. sgnerf, in the picture titled "contents" the speed/power knob is orange, but in all the pictures below it it's black. Why is that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I have 2 versions of the Snapfire, the earlier version has a black adjustment knob (which i did the review on earlier), while the retail version that i subsequently got has an orange adjustment knob (i added in the box photos later).

      Delete
  19. What's the Snapfire's thickness compared to the Maverick? It seems like it would be a bit thicker due to holding an extra two darts, but the 8-dart turret actually doesn't look too much wider than the Mav's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bfa,

      Both blasters have similar overall turret width, i guess the Snapfire's turret barrels are positioned closer together compared to the Maverick's turret barrels.

      Delete
  20. Is it avalible in Malaysia?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I guess they should be popping up at stores in M'sia soon too, just keep a look out for them.

      Delete
  21. When do you think these "snapfire" eight guns will be available in the U.S? I heard they might be released either mid-summer or with the N-strike Elite guns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Should be very soon, they are already listed on the Hasbro USA site, i guess you'll just have to keep a look out for them popping up at local stores around your area.

      Delete
    2. Could you please link to where it is on the Hasbro site? I am having trouble finding it. Thanks!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous,

      I checked back at the website and seems its not listed anymore, should probably be just a matter of time before it pops back up again.

      Delete
  22. good stuff! I love your reviews. I am quite into office nerf wars and and have organised about 7 sessions so far. Are there anyone doing public nerfwars where we can join? Check out my blogsite for some nerfwar art and photo i posted. Cheers!
    http://www.skullbase.blogspot.sg/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skull Leader,

      Just check the NerfSG forum "Upcoming Games" section, all the schedules and details of upcoming local Nerf games are posted there.

      Delete
    2. Skull Leader,

      Btw, your illustrations are very cool, i like your Nerf war posters. :)

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the info! :)
      Maybe some day i can help you do some illustrations too. Cheers :)

      Delete
    4. Skull Leader,

      Cool... do pop by the NerfSG forum (www.nerfsg.com), the local Nerf community makes Nerf banners and t-shirts for various events, so maybe we can feature your illustrations in some of the upcoming events too. :)

      Delete
  23. which is better?Dual wielding two snapfires or using one quick 16?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~Maxhardy~,

      Personally, i'd prefer dual Snapfires, 'cos there is the flexibility to fire both at the same time to double the rate-of-fire, or even fire each at different targets at the same time (useful when engaging multiple opponents)... and they are much lighter to carry and more compact to handle too. :)

      Delete
  24. When will it be available in the uk as I really want one.
    P.S. Your site is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Keep a look out at the dept stores around your area, they should be popping up soon.

      Delete
  25. SG Nerf, Can You Put A Comparison Size To The SpeedLoad 6 And Nitefinder? Im Really Curious on the size as the snapfire it isnt yet available on my local toy's r us Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DarkSonarch,

      Well, unfortunately i've already traded away my Speedload 6 and Nite Finder units, so can't do a photo comparison... but just for reference, the Snapfire is kinda similar in size to a Nite Finder, but around twice the width due to it's 8-shot turret.

      Delete
  26. when does this come out in the uk

    ReplyDelete
  27. why is the colour of the knob in the unbox part orange but when its in the contents part its black?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~Maxhardy~,

      Good observation... the versions with the black tuning knob were actually an earlier batch which i reviewed, then a while later i got the retail versions which have orange tuning knobs instead (i recently added in those new photos to the existing review).

      Mechanically both are the same, just different color knobs. :)

      Delete
  28. and which is the official colour orange or black?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~Maxhardy~,

      The official retail version has the orange tuning knob.

      Delete
  29. which dart tag gun can slam fire but not damage the darts?speedload 6 or quick 16?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~Maxhardy~,

      Both of those blasters can slam-fire, but whether the foam darts get damaged depends on the condition of the ammo and how the user does the slam-fire... they have to practice to make sure it is done smoothly and reliably.

      Delete
  30. Where do you get the foam for your stefans?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      The custom red foam i use for my stefans can be sourced directly from inform3r at OzNerf forum or from hanzo at the NerfSG forum.

      Delete
  31. speedload 6 and snapfire 8 has the same price?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~Maxhardy~,

      Both are the same price in Singapore stores.

      Delete
  32. Off topic, but because the darts are whistlers, are they inaccurate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joseph,

      Well, compared to streamline foam darts, whistler foam darts actually tend to be abit more accurate and consistent at stock ranges (most likely due to their slightly heavier forward balanced tip weight).

      Delete
  33. SG Nerf, do you prefer speedload 6 or snapfire 8 better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Personally, i prefer the Snapfire 8 'cos its more compact and is semi-auto... can dual-wield. :)

      Delete
  34. Bluefire (of Urban Taggers)July 24, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    SG Nerf, I'm very interested in adding a pair of these beauties to my collection for new secondaries. Have you tested to see if they fit into your Maverick holster-pouches? Because if so, that would be my preferred method of deployment. Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bluefire,

      The Snapfire is just slightly wider than the Maverick, but its length and height are much shorter... so i guess it should also be able to fit in Maverick holsters or pouches.

      Delete
    2. Thanks! Also, how does the trigger pull length compare to that of a Barricade?

      Delete
    3. Bluefire,

      The Snapfire trigger requires a fair bit more effort to pull as it is priming the blaster, but adults and teens shouldn't have any issue pulling the trigger... though some younger kids might not have enough strength to use it. :)

      Delete
  35. This is a brilliant idea. Combine this method with Nerf guns (modeled after real-life firearms) and you'll get something that'll dominate the market for quite a while. I know this may be a bad idea but I was wondering if Nerf will ever make shells. If Nerf were to remake one WWII gun, I would choose the PTRS-41. Man, Nerf has really evolved. Maybe in the future, they can make it as realistic as an actual gun (such as bolt is held open after last shot, etc.). Can't wait to see other brilliant ideas in the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Well, in the meantime you could check out the Nerf Stampede... its bolt is designed to return to the open breech position after every shot. :)

      Delete
  36. SG Nerf,

    Hey this is TyePower from over on the HvZ forum. So, the Snapfire 8 looks to be fairly wide around, so would you happen to know if it would have any problems fitting into an airsoft/gun holster? Or am I going to have to make my own holster?

    Thank you,

    Tye Taylors

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tye Taylors,

      The dimensions of the Snapfire 8 are approx. 8cm diameter for its widest section at the turret area (around 2cm wider than a Maverick) and its around 23cm in length.

      I guess you can use those dimensions to gauge if they can fit in your existing holsters.

      Delete
  37. Wow,I'm really looking forward for this gun!
    I think its the best gun Nerf ever made.I love this awesome gun!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey SG!,
    I am looking for one of these, I live in the US.
    Do you know where to get one here?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I hear they are going to be released at stores in the USA soon, so i guess you'll just have to keep a lookout for them.

      Delete
  39. SG Nerf,
    I am Brazilian and wanted to know when the line Nerf N-Strike Elite will arrive here.
    Can you respond?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Louis Edward,

      Sorry, i've no idea about the Nerf Elite stock availability in Brazil... perhaps you can check with the sales staff at dept stores around your area, they might have info on it.

      Delete
  40. SG Nerf,
    When you use the power mode on the Snapfire, how hard is it for you to pull the trigger? Because I need a second opinion as to whether i should get it or not. Btw, i have a rather weak trigger finger :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      From my experience so far, adults and teenagers usually have no problems pulling the trigger in power mode... it's only the younger kids that may have issues with it as their fingers tend to be shorter and weaker.

      I guess the only way to know is to just personally try it out and see if you can use it. :)

      Delete
    2. Hi, do you know exactly how heavy the trigger pull (in lbs/kg) in power mode with a stock spring is?

      As for Anon above, finger position helps with the trigger pull.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous,

      Hmmm... i've not figured out how to measure the trigger pull load yet.

      If any one has managed to find a way to measure the load, do update! :)

      Delete
    4. response posted down below, should have posted as reply

      Delete
  41. SG Nerf,

    In terms of accuracy and range would you rather
    choose the Sharp Shot or the Snapfire 8 ?
    I can't decide which one to buy.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Both have similar accuracy, but the Snapfire 8 has more ammo capacity and can fire in semi-auto, so its better overall.

      Delete
  42. Are they available in america yet?, Because where i live there is no toy's 'r' us but im going out-of-town and where i'm going dose have a toy's 'r' us, and i want to buy one.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Is removing the outer shell advisable? It's lighter that way but makes more noise. And thanks also I'm afraid I might expose the internals if I remove the outer shell..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Well, the outer shell (and even the inner shell) are just casings to hold the blaster... both could be removed and the blaster will still function. The actual internals are within a separate casing.

      You can check out a photo of it without both shells in my Snapfire 8 Internals Guide:

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2012/06/nerf-dart-tag-snapfire-8-internals.html

      It is still able to prime and fire. I've seen some modders actually use it like that, without any shells at all. :)

      Delete
  44. When will it get to the US?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      From responses gathered via online queries to Hasbro USA so far, apparently not in 2012, maybe in 2013.

      Delete
    2. Know of any Singapore websites that ship to the States?

      Delete
    3. DrBob,

      So far, i've not spotted any local sites that sell Nerf blasters or are able to ship them to the States.

      Delete
  45. if you want to test the trigger pull it should be fairly simple. however it will require you to craft something. There are spring scales that tell you the amount of force exerted when pulled. Now if you use this system you need a faux finger to pull the trigger and a loop of string with this spring scale attached, and record the force exerted by pulling on the spring scale when it fires. Alternative methods involve using the force of gravity and a series of weights with a faux finger/wood dowel.

    ReplyDelete
  46. After opening the Snapfire, I've found that the power increase in 'power' mode is because the spring is stretched, which adds more spring load.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Looks cool does it fit into the tactical vest holster and could you put the other in the pocket on the other side for dual wielding???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Yes, it can fit into the Nerf Tactical Vest holster section, you'll just have to tighten the holster strap more as it has a more compact form factor.

      It could also be carried in the mesh pocket on the other side too, but the trigger handle will have to stick out abit.

      Delete
  48. Dear sgnerf,
    Is the snapfire 8 available yet and if so at what price.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mgjs1500,

      It's been available at local dept stores in Singapore since June 2012, check this post:

      http://www.sgnerf.blogspot.com/2012/06/nerf-dart-tag-snapfire-8-in-singapore.html

      Delete
  49. Is it worth modding the snapfire 8 seems like the stock version is just as good in terms of range/accuracy/power, on "power" mode, just wondering is it worth the difference? Also can you remove the Main AR and not the restrictors in the turret and it still give good ranges, seems like removing the restrictors in the turret can cause dart problems like sinking to far in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smooth,

      Removing the AR helps to improve air flow with a noticeable improvement in range and its a relatively simple mod, so its worth doing.

      Yes, you can remove the AR parts and just leave the plastic stalks in the turret too... the main reason to remove them is to be able to use customized foam darts (ie. stefans) made using solid core foam.

      Delete
  50. Why is the AR even put in the blasters? Does it do anything else than making the blaster shoot less far?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Air restrictors (AR) are designed to block air output once the foam dart leaves the barrel or when there is no foam dart loaded, this creates an air pocket to cushion the plunger impact forces.

      It is a safety feature to reduce stress on the plunger parts during firing or if it were dry-fired (fired without any foam darts loaded).

      Delete
  51. turet not aligned with the opening from yhe plunger, any ideas to fix it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      You'll have to open up the casing and see if its possible to re-align the turret mechanism... if one or more of the parts are somehow broken or faulty, then just exchange it at the store for a new working unit.

      Delete
  52. well, there are no broken parts, and everything seems to be in its place, the parts are well greased and it fires, but due to the alignment issue, less then 50 percent of the air actually hits the dart... and there is no exchange since the blaster theoretically works. there is no reference for the stock range in the box so I can't junst say that its not firing far enough! God I miss Asia...

    ReplyDelete