Toy Review: Nerf Barrel Break IX-2

September 9th marks the anniversary of Nerf. Starting with a simple foam ball dubbed "the world's first indoor ball," Nerf foam has created all sorts of toys that allow kids and kids at heart to let out pent up energy or stress through some good fashioned physical fun for over 40 years. Out of all of them, my favorite is the Nerf N-Strike line of foam dart firing blasters. As a kid I used those toy guns to shoot my action figures and the occasional wayward neighbor's kid. As a kid at heart I now use Nerf blasters to shoot my coworkers to vent steam and in the name of team-building. While September 9th will mark the release of Nerf's most ambitious blaster the Stampede ECS-50, for now N-Strike fans can whet their appetites and practice their aim with some equally special blasters such as the Toys R Us exclusive Nerf Barrel Break IX-2.

The Barrel Break IX-2 resembles a sawed off double-barreled shotgun. The color scheme-primarily yellow with black accents on the grip, bits of gray, and an orange barrel to conform to toy gun laws-is consistent with the current Nerf N-Strike line. The grips are designed comfortably and are easy to hold while aiming. The bottom of the trigger grip can accommodate a carrying strap if one is prone to slinging the blaster over the shoulder. Unlike the current Nerf N-Strike trend of using its Streamline Clip system and pump action for its blasters, this new gun opts for a more unique method of loading. It takes some practice getting used to reloading for younger children or those in the middle of an intense Nerf war firefight since the Barrel Break IX-2 has no Streamline Clip and only holds two darts. Since most N-Strike blasters require pumping after each shot, the Barrel Break IX-2's reloading disadvantage is offset with its ability to fire twice with one pump.

True to its name, the Barrel Break IX-2 loads and pumps with a breaking barrel action similar to real breach action shotgun. A push of the orange lever above the trigger-the blaster is friendly to both right and left-handed shooters-unlocks the double barrels of the Barrel Break IX-2. Extend the barrels forward a bit and then gently fold the blaster into nearly a 90 degree angle. This will both prime the blaster for shooting and enable loading. Simply insert one of the included ten sonic micro/whistler darts inside each barrel to load the blaster. Now refold the blaster back into its original shape and push the barrels back to its original position. Aim and pull the trigger halfway to fire the left barrel. Then pull the trigger all the way to fire the right barrel. The darts fly at an average of 20 feet. Or just give the trigger a quick pull to fire both barrels almost simultaneously. Then flip down the lever and repeat the process to reload. Anyone needing a reminder of the instructions can refer to the blaster itself since visual steps are emblazoned on it.

Since it cannot hold a Streamline Clip, holding individual darts could be a problem. Luckily the Ammo Rail accessory included for the Barrel Break IX-2 covers that problem. The Ammo Rail slides into the tactical rail on top of the Barrel Break IX-2 or any other N-Strike blaster. The Ammo Rail has enough slots to store eight individual darts. The darts easily snap into or out of the rail for fast storage and loading. The Barrel Break IX-2 includes 10 Sonic Micro/Whistler darts-eight stored in the rail and two inside the blaster.

Without Streamline Clips to store in the blaster or the need to carry spare clips, the Barrel Break IX-2 is light and its compact length makes it easy to carry. The ammo capacity, quick firing rate, and small size makes this Nerf blaster great for hit and run maneuvers. My only personal complaint is that while it can fire sonic micro and suction cup darts, the Barrel Break IX-2 does not accept streamline darts. Since my current ammunition ratio is about ten streamline darts to one sonic micro dart, I seriously lack ammo for this particular blaster.

But at only $19.99, the Nerf Barrel Break IX-2 is a fun blaster and worth getting.