How did Nerf improve the spring powered Elite blaster models? Did they retain the reverse plunger system or did they re-design it with another type of plunger system?
Here is your answer!
Yes... Direct Plunger System!
Note that the units i've had a look at might be different from the final production versions. Therefore, this not a full review on them yet, just a preliminary insight into the new internal design.
This photo shows the plunger rod in the primed position (with the spring removed).
Plunger rod, spring and catch removed from the casing. The plunger catch point is situated just behind the plunger head.
Here is a view of the plunger system from the back in un-primed position (left side in the photo) and without the plunger rod (right side in the photo). The bolt which pushes back the plunger head and rod during the priming action can be seen at the front of the plunger tube (similar to how a Nerf Longshot works).
Spring plunger design comparison between the Nerf Raider reverse plunger system (top in the photo) versus the Elite direct plunger system (bottom in the photo).
Spring plunger size comparison between the Nerf Longshot direct plunger system (top in the photo) versus the Elite direct plunger system (bottom in the photo).
Kudos to Nerf for listening to their fans and improving the designs on their new blaster models, they have done an excellent job.
The new Nerf N-Strike Elite Series is indeed shaping up to become a hot favorite amongst Nerf enthusiasts! :)