Toy Review: Nerf N-Strike Deploy CS-6

I still have quite a few more Nerf N-Strike foam dart firing blasters to get through before the September 9th release of the N-Strike Stampede ECS-60makes them all obsolete. It seems Hasbro has the same idea as it rolls out with clear reissues of their current line like the N-Strike Deploy CS-6 that was released earlier. The clear plastic allows people to see the inner workings of the blasters and can appeal to some. Clear does not appeal to me, so I decided to pick up a regular Deploy CS-6 that was on sale from the usual $19.99 for review.

The toy blaster at first looks like a thin briefcase or an oversized flashlight with a handle. Either description is not very convincing given the pump-action slide and a dock to insert a Streamline Clip (One clip with 6 Streamline Darts is included). Inserting 3 AAA batteries (purchased separately) in the designated spot powers the weak red light in the front. Had the Deploy CS-6 been in colors other than an already established Nerf N-Strike yellow color scheme, this "stealth" mode would almost pass as not a blaster. But any child who has seen a Nerf N-Strike toy will recognize it and would immediately shoot at if involved in a Nerf war. I do admit that I was able to carry the Deploy CS-6 in its stealth mode slung on my shoulder in public with hardly a second look from people.

Pushing a button on top of the handle conveniently labeled "Deploy" reveals the gimmick that gives the Deploy CS-6 its name. The rear of the briefcase springs forward into a stock while revealing the handle and trigger while the clip dock rotates to the left transform the package into a blaster. The flashlight can still serve as a flashlight while a hole through the handle serves as a sight. Converting it back into its stealth mode is as easy as rotating the clip dock back into original position. A release button on the side allows the stock of the gun to be pushed in while it folds the handle and trigger back into position.

The aforementioned pump-action slide loads each round of the Streamline Clip for firing and enables a faster firing rate than bolt-action pumping. The range still averages about 25 feet. The main issue is with the stock of the blaster and the handle. Neither feel really solid since they are more hollow to allow transformation. Yes, the gimmick of the blaster undermines its main function. Users have to be gentler when handling this blaster. Another peeve is that attaching the carrying strap through the loop located in the rear corner of the Deploy CS-6 results in shoulder pain when aiming through the blaster's sight. The plastic portions of the carrying strap simply dig into the shoulder.

The Deploy CS-6 is capable of accepting accessories from other N-Strike models such as barrel extensions, giant Streamline Clips such as the Raider CS-35 magazine, or any scopes via the tactical rail on the handle. The only issue with accessories outside of the ones included with the Deploy CS-6 is that the blaster looks ridiculous as it loses what little disguise it has. Attaching something onto the rail renders the handle useless since the hand cannot wrap around the handle now.

The transformation is a nice gimmick but it does wear out in fun and usability. Then all that is left is a mediocre $20 blaster that is easily overshadowed during a Nerf war. The Deploy CS-6 comes in either N-Strike yellow, clear translucent plastic, or the Target exclusive clear plastic with red Streamline Clip darts.