Review: Nerf N-Strike Deploy CS-6

The Nerf N-Strike Deploy CS-6 is the first (and probably only) piece in the N-Strike range that can boast the unique ability of being able to "transform" into a weird looking flashlight/case thingy. A press of a button on the handle allows for a spring loaded quick change into a beefy looking dart blaster .

Nerf Deploy CS-6 box. Kid doesn't look happy..

The Deploy comes in the standard N-Strike yellow, grey and orange colour schemes (although there is a new clear version that's now available). The blaster has an inbuilt red light that you can switch on and off next to the barrel- sort of like the recon's 'laser' sight. It is very lightweight, and utilises the streamline dart clips system that clip into the top/side of the blaster (depending in where you have it. It's quite comfortable to hold and does resemble that Halo/Aliens "pulse rifle" style that is a real hit with sci-fi fans.

The Deploy has tactical rails for N-Strike attachments, and the barrel is like the Recon that allows you to fit on extension barrels on the end. A couple of batteries power the red flashlight beam for night time fun:)

Arming the Deploy uses a pump action shotgun style primer at the bottom of the blaster. Sliding it back and forth arms the blaster. It also has an inbuilt sight (ie a drilled hole) through the handle to look through when firing.

The transforming of the blaster was a novel idea, but it lends itself to a kind of flimsy feeling grip which just doesn't feel good to hold.

Apparently the internals of the Deploy are similar to the Recon, which means modders aren't a fan of the reverse plunger system it uses. Personally, I find it does shoot further than the Recon, but as always, I am using it in a confined apartment space.

Overall I quite like the Deploy; it looks great and I liked the built in light, but have to admit I find the wobbly handgrip a lil' distracting. The transforming function is also more of a gimmick than offering any real useful functionality.

Nerf Deploy in "Torch" mode. Looks.. like a gun to be honest:)

Deploys are not officially available in Australia yet, but are floating around on the grey import market. In the US they're around that 25-35 dollar US mark and are also available in limited edition clear finishes if that's your thing.

Usability: 7/10
Out of the box performance: 7.5/10
Cool factor: 7/10
Price point: 7/10 (only because you have to either import it or buy from a grey import seller)