Reviews for Nerf Rival Helios Outdoor Blaster
People say Nerf is really similar to Nerf.
5.0
Averages 94 FPS; auto-return ambidextrous side-priming handle; weaker to, but more practical than the Apollo.
My ProChrono Digital chronograph measured the speed of the Rival rounds fired by this stock Phantom Corps Helios blaster at an average of 94 feet per second (FPS). The standard average velocity of a Nerf Rival blaster is 100 FPS, so the Helios’ velocity rating is just under the average, but just remember that for a “springer” type blaster, typically the stronger it is, the harder it will be to prime (to compress the internal spring enough to operate the blaster). Younger “Nerfers” should have a harder time using the blaster but I believe the new auto-return priming “bolt” handle should help a bit with the overall operation. The blaster was designed for teenagers, after all, and it is still easier to operate over the awkward top-priming Apollo. The closest related blaster to the Helios happens to be the Apollo. In fact, one could argue that the Helios is the Apollo MK2. The Helios comes with a detachable priming handle (for lefties, righties, or ambidextrous people), a 7-ball magazine, 7 balls (including the display ball embedded in the standard packaging), and 2 Rival flags (1 red and 1 blue). Minimalistic, but for the money, I suppose it is a decent deal. The Helios is compatible with the same Rival 12-round magazine that the Zeus, Hera, Apollo, and Atlas can use, so coming with a small magazine is not a big concern for most people. It’s body frame and tactical rail location are close in size and placement to the Apollo, but it is a bit thicker and the tactical rail is twice... Read More
5.0
Way easier to prime!
My 6yr old son plays outside with his neighbor friends which are around 10-12 years old and they love nerf wars. However, nerf rival has been hard for him because they are hard to prime since he is so little and he wants rival so he can be like the big kids! Tried multiple blasters and they were hard, and the battery powered ones were heavy for him to lug around. Saw this and bought him it to try and surprisingly he was able to prime this one. Struggled at first but he did it and was super excited and got the hang of it and is doing it easy now and loves it. Actually even shoots better than his friends rival blasters! Overall great purchase!
5.0
A very niche but amazing buy!
The Nerf Rival Helios is a very niche blaster on the market compared to other blasters such as the Nemesis, Kronos, Perseus, and Prometheus. Despite this, it still holds its own over many of the other rival blasters available. 1. Compact Yet Powerful - The Helios has a good range and accuracy for its small build and being a springer. 2. Perfect for Outdoors - The 7 round capacity makes it so you only have to keep track of 7 rival shots. The lightweight design also makes it easier to run around with. 3. Very Durable - The main shell is a strong plastic meaning this can withstand a bit more abuse then an average Nerf gun. 4. Flexible on Use - This gun's ambidextrous features work well since the bolt can be placed on either side and has a safety selector on each side; This is not new to Nerf but it is still very helpful. The Helios is also is compatible with the 12 and 18 round magazines if you wish to upgrade.
5.0
Nerf wars are an absolute blast!
A heap of fun. I bought 4 of these for myself and my kids and we have an absolute blast running around the house shooting each other. We have not had 1 issue with jamming as other reviews have said even with another brand of ammo that is made for these guns. 2 things that I would reccomend purchasing with these are 1. A lot of extra ammo. These are round balls that will roll and find their way under everything. 2. Goggles or face masks as these things will come at you quick (100 fps) and if you get hit in the eye I could see these doing some damage. The handle used to cock these things is reversible depending on which hand you use. Magazine holds 7 shots and if you put one in the chamber the gun holds 8. Loving these so far but losing a lot of ammo under the couches.
5.0
This gun was so fun
A wonderful addition to our collection. The balls launch out extremely fast and can hurt smaller kids but it isn't like being hit by a paintball but close. I like that about this. We shoot Nerf targets so it works out for us. And when we want war... We have war.
5.0
Accurate, easy reload/cocking, fast shooter
Loooove these guns. They are way better and more accurate than old nerf guns. Must wear protective goggles though. Shoots fast and could cause damage. Can give small bruise if close up... but that is from the velocity needed to shoot the balls accurately and far. We love having epic battles with the whole family in the basement. Kinda like a wussier version of paintball. Our 7 y/o girl loves it. She has to use this specific gun since she has a hard time cocking the other rivals we have.
5.0
Game Changer
Been a fan of Nerf for my whole life (nearly 30 now) and I have to say the Rival line of blasters is the biggest innovation since the move from direct springs to spring powered compressed air.
5.0
Brings back the kid in me
What a great time playing with these. Way better than the old NERF guns I once had. Buy yourself a few and a bunch of ammo refills and have a Nerf war.
5.0
Awesome entry level rival spring blaster.
First of all, there are way better blasters in the nerf rival line up. This blaster, the Helios, is a direct successor to the Apollo blaster. It is a 7 round (upgradable to 12) magazine fed, spring powered blaster. Keep in mind the rival line up now has a full-auto 200 round hopper fed blaster (Prometheus) so the Helios will not be the baddest blaster on the block. What the Helios does offer is a well built quality blaster at a great price. This blaster is perfect for a group of kids running around the neighborhood with a bunch of spring powered blasters. It's a lot of fun and accurate. But in the hierarchy of serious nerf blasters, this is just a little fish. Still, I think the quality and overall feel of this blaster is incredible. Just don't compare it with the other high capacity full auto offerings in the nerf rival series like the Nemesis and Prometheus.
5.0
My husband loves this nerf gun, but unless your ...
My husband loves this nerf gun, but unless your boys are tough then this gun might not be for you. It hurts when you get shot. Powerful.