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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Elite Foam Darts - Comparison & Internals Guide!

This guide will look at the differences between the new Elite foam darts and the older Streamline foam darts.

Weight comparison between both foam darts:


The Elite foam dart is noticeably lighter at 1.0 grams, while the Streamline foam dart weighs in at a heavier 1.3 grams.

Here is a cross-section comparison of both foam darts:


The Elite foam darts have a much shorter tip stem, which is lighter and shifts the tip weight further forward within the foam dart. This helps it to achieve better balance and improved range.

71 comments:

  1. Hi there SGNerf - awesome review of the new darts!
    But how is the foam compared to the older darts? Cause lets face it... The old dart foam really isnt all that durable :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deus,

      The foam is actually quite similar (it still gets out of shape if bent or squashed), the main difference is the tip weight and balance.

      Delete
    2. The foam from the elite dart actually feels a little bit more durable

      Delete
  2. Hi,

    Wich are the performance differences between elite darts and stefans? One better than an other? Or a matter of choice depending of the use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LeDucSAS,

      Elite foam darts are abit better than streamlines, more suited for stock Nerf blasters... but they still cannot match custom calibrated foam darts or stefans in consistency and accuracy, especially in modded blasters.

      Delete
    2. Will they work in a longstrike?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous,

      Yes, they should be compatible with the older N-Strike blasters.

      Delete
  3. so u r trying to say that the elite dart will go further than the streamline dart if fired from longshot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I've tested the Elite foam darts in a stock Longshot and the ranges were 20-30% further than streamlines (not alot, but still noticeable even with the inconsistent shot variations). Generally the lighter tip weight helps improve ranges for stock blasters.

      Delete
    2. AAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWW YYEEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!
      Does this mean that the guns can use both old and new streamlines?

      Delete
    3. i just got my longshot and it isnt shooting elite darts. is there a mod for it because i will do a brass or copper breech mod anyway which should fix this prob.

      Delete
    4. colby s,

      I guess the elite foam darts sometimes have variations in different production batches (some might be slightly longer or shorter), which may affect how well they work in certain older blaster models... you can compare them to the streamline foam darts work in your blaster and then trim the elite foam darts accordingly.

      Delete
  4. For higher power blasters (100ft+) would the Elite darts fishtail and spin out from too much power?

    Also, would you mind listing my blog on your main blog? (was called Nerf Blasters & Accessories, now is called Outback Nerf) http://cplnerf.blogspot.com.au/

    Cheers,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P13c30fch33s3,

      Yes, when used in modded blasters, the Elite foam darts will still swerve, curve and fishtail alot.

      They are okay for stock blasters (slightly better than streamlines)... but definitely not modded blasters, those have to be used with custom calibrated foam darts or stefans.

      Added your site link to my main site's "Nerf Links" section. :)

      Delete
  5. 2 things,

    1: can you still fill the tip with hot glue to keep it from curving?

    2: without hot glue (in the tip) in a moderatly powerful blaster, do these hurt as much as modded streamlines? I head that hasbro just put the rubber from the stem in the tip.

    -thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Modders have tried adding hot glue in the tips too, while it does help reduce the swerving and curving in flight (it depends on blaster power, as they will still tend to curve when used in more powerful blasters)... the heavier tip weight can also sometimes result in reduced ranges in stock or lightly modded blasters.

      From my own experience, the impact force of the Elite foam darts seem to be quite similar to Streamlines, i guess its subjective. :)

      Delete
  6. Thanks,
    Also will these darts work in other blasters that the old streamlines didnt due to the longer stems?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Yes, with their shorter internal tip stem length, the Elite foam darts can now also be used with most non-clip fed Nerf blasters too.

      Delete
  7. I find the new Elite darts are horribly unbalanced. They often go "squirrely" as in wobbles in the air and veers off of it's original trajectory. This is especially true if you have the Retaliator with the AR Removed. I'm going to be trying some methods to close the center opening and possibly balancing it better. Will update when I do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown,

      I agree, although Elite foam darts are better than normal Streamlines to a certain degree, they still curve and swerve in flight, especially when used in modded blasters.

      Custom calibrated foam darts are still the best choice for modded blasters.

      Delete
  8. Would a Nerf Recon with AR removed only shoot elite darts straight? I've found that streamlines either swerve or fishtail in flight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Elite foam darts still swerve and fishtail in flight, especially with modded blasters (even if just AR removed)... though the effect is abit less severe then compared to Streamline foam darts.

      Delete
    2. I mostly play indoors, so will the inaccuarcy still be a problem?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous,

      Well, it depends on the size of the indoor game area... at short 15-20ft ranges, its not too bad, but at longer ranges the foam darts swerving and curving in flight will affect accuracy more noticeably (it also depends on the condition of the foam darts).

      Delete
  9. If I mod my streamlines by cutting of that extra bit to make it like the elite darts, will it perform better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      You can try and test if it works.

      Do be careful when removing the tip stalks though, as that tends to rip out the foam at the same time.

      Delete
  10. Can I mod my streamline darts to elite "range" Darts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      You can try removing the tips from streamline foam darts, reduce the tip length, then re-glue back and test. The main difference is basically the tip weight and balance.

      Delete
  11. Will elite darts work in the N-Strike Recon CS-6?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Are there any mods possible to irradicate the fishtailing in Elite and Streamline darts that don't take too much time per dart?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Well, you could try custom calibrating the tip weights further to match your blaster power.

      Perhaps you can refer to my custom calibrated foam dart guide for ideas:

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/custom-calibrated-foam-darts-conversion.html

      Delete
  13. SG Nerf,

    N-Strike has Streamline, Whistler, Micro, and Sonic Micro darts. What will N-Strike Elite have besides Elite darts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      So far, no news on other dart types for the Elite foam darts... it seems Nerf is looking to standardize just one dart type for the Elite range instead of many types.

      Delete
  14. SG Nerf,

    I read that Hail Fire doesn't have the range and accuracy of other elite guns. But is it still better than a normal n-strike gun?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Well, the range and accuracy of the blasters depend on the condition of the foam darts, usually when the foam darts are brand new they get optimal performance but after some usage they naturally get worn out and their performance decreases.

      The Hail-Fire is designed to achieve longer ranges, so its still better than the older N-Strike blasters (note that it is a flywheel blaster, so its ranges depend on the condition and quality of the batteries used too).

      Delete
  15. How far do elite darts shoot in the vulcan and stamped and raider and alpha trooper and recon and strikefire?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Elite foam darts get an average of another 5-10ft (sometimes up to 15ft more) in most older Nerf blasters (due to their lighter tip weight).

      Delete
  16. Will Nerf make an Elite Dart Tag?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      No news or announcements on any of such versions from Nerf so far... but they have released the updated 2012 "blue trigger" versions which feature improved performance (though they are not called "Elite", just improved versions).

      Delete
  17. Can elite or streamline darts, really the glowing streamline darts, be cut and weighted with silicon to approach or approximate a 'stefan'? I am interested in still being able to use my glow dart magazines and am not aware of any glowing backer rod in existence or any suitable way to make tracer stefans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ThorsMitersaw,

      Its possible to use streamline or elite foam with custom silicone tips (or any other customized tips) too.

      "Stefans" are basically a common term for short length customized foam darts... they can be made from a mix of different foam and tip materials.

      Just test different combinations and find the best configuration for your usage. :)

      Delete
  18. I've heard that the Elite darts sometimes stick to the sides of clips and such...is that true?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      I've not encountered that before... but i guess it could happen with worn out or faulty foam darts.

      Delete
  19. so cant you just get an exact-o knife and cut off part of the stem in a streamline dart?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. calvindv,

      Yup, its possible to do that too, just that it requires time and effort to remove the existing streamline tip (and not damage or tear the foam in the process), cut the tail stem shorter, then re-glue it back on.... and then repeating that process for all your streamline foam darts. :)

      Modders have actually been doing similar designs for years, the basic concept is to match the tip weight to the blaster power and shift the weight as far forward as possible.

      Here is an alternative method you can try to further custom calibrate your own foam darts too:

      http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/custom-calibrated-foam-darts-conversion.html

      Delete
  20. Are the elite clips any different from the n strike clips?
    Can you put elite bullets into n strike clips.
    For example put an alpha trooper clip with elite darts into a retaliater?
    Thanks,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Yes, both the new and old clips are compatible with the new and old foam darts and clip-fed blasters.

      Delete
  21. SG Nerf,

    My raider has been experiencing problems when i try to shoot the elite darts. The darts seemed to not be fired out of the barrel because the dart is not pushed all the way into the breech, and every time this happens i have to manually push the dart further into the breech for it to be fired. Please Help me with my problem and i am not planning to buy a rampage. Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BudhiBoom,

      Most likely the dart blocker pop-up tooth mechanism is mis-aligned or stuck, so the foam dart doesn't get chambered into the bolt properly.

      Open up the casing, then check the mechanism to find the issue and troubleshoot it.

      Alternatively, just exchange it at the store for a new working unit, less hassle. :)

      Delete
    2. The Dart Blocker Seems Fine, But It has A slight delay if i prime it from the back I tried using the WD 40 to loose the mechanism...it seemed to have smoothen the mechanism and i don't encounter jams as much....

      Delete
  22. Will the new clips and darts work on the stampede ecs

    ReplyDelete
  23. Why when I try to shoot the elites out of my longshot and recon they don't shoot

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had the same issue with my longshot. Try using elite clips. I have no idea why, but I never had a jam with elite darts after that

      Delete
    2. the longshot chamber has the oldest design so its not really good with chambering the elite darts.

      Delete
  24. does the elite dart work with nerf longshot cs-6 ?

    ReplyDelete
  25. does the new dart work with the old n-strike mavericks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

      Yes, it is compatible with the older N-Strike blasters too.

      Delete
    2. Just bought a longshot CS-6 & 2 packs of 30 "N-Strike Elite Darts"... 95% of Elite Darts are jamming - perfect description at following link (http://nerfhaven.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23488).
      Quite annoying for a stock LS with "compatible" darts.
      > Should I get it back to the shop ? Any other 'official' fix or help to expect ? or should I mod my gun (possibly destroying it as I am no expert...)
      thanks
      Nicholas

      Delete
    3. Nicholas,

      Well, i've not personally encountered jamming issues with my Longshots and Elite foam darts so far... though i have heard some users experience it occasionally.

      I think it could be due to manufacturing variations in particular production batches of either Longshots or Elite foam darts. I guess you could try another batch of the Elite foam darts to test again and see if there is any difference, or just mod your existing Longshot to accommodate them.

      Delete
  26. I modded my longstrike and now its freaking loud like plastic hitting on plastic is it normal?
    Please advise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric,

      Yes, thats normal... without the AR, there is no air buffering system to cushion the plunger on bolt impact.

      This results in very high wear and tear on the plunger, by both normal firing and dry firing. Due to repeated direct impact on the bolt (hence the loud cracking sound during firing), many users will experience bolts eventually punching a hole out of the back of the plungers.

      Therefore, padding should be applied to the plunger to help cushion the impact.

      Delete
  27. how can i make whistler darts of the elite darts

    ReplyDelete
  28. Can elite bullets be used in older versions of nerf guns

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dustin Fredericks,

      Yes, they are compatible with the older Nerf blaster models.

      Delete