Review: Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion is a beast of a Nerf blaster. It’s several feet long, has a two foot pull on the bolt to pressurize the blaster and even fires mega darts- big enough to fit the standard darts inside. It has a rifled barrel (grooves inside the barrel) but unlike the CS-18 that I looked at a few weeks ago, the rifling isn’t spiraled, just straight. A spiraled (or helical) rifling makes the projectile rotate when it’s in flight and this generally means it’s more accurate/stable when in the air.

To offset the straight grooves, the Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion has an enormously long barrel and a detachable bipod support at the end of the barrel. It’s accurate, evidenced by having a go at Nerf’s own shooting range at the recent #Nerfofficewars event I attended on the 31st floor of Centre Point.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion

The magazine only takes 6 darts and if you want to get some spare darts, you’re going to have to buy some because, like I mentioned they’re enormous. Unlike the battery operated Nerf blasters the rate of fire isn’t quick enough to enable you to ascertain how accurate the blaster is in repeated shots. With the CS-18 for example you can fire 6 rounds in 2 seconds and pepper any given target. With the Mega Centurion, you need to pull that bolt back a couple of feet and re-sight yourself. It feels reasonably accurate but keeping it steady enough is a bit tricky without resting it on the back of a sofa or using the bipod on the floor. Don’t forget, small movement will be magnified more than on a shorter blaster because the end of the barrel is further away.

The box says the Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion is suitable for ages 8+. Whilst I have no doubt an 8 year old would just about be able to wield it, the bolt action might be a bit much in terms of both travel and resistance. Personally I’ve given some of the smaller Nerf blasters to the kids and I sit at one end of the house in my fox hole sniping them with the Mega Centurion with the CS-18 for back up when they try and storm my position. It’s great fun.

Overall I feel a little torn withe the Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion. Taken out of context on it’s own, it’s a great blaster. At £49.99 it’s certainly not cheap but those big darts go some distance and like most Nerf blasters, there is a feel of quality. The mechanism hasn’t jammed on me yet, something that can be an issue with the revolver style devices from my experience. Taken in comparison with my new best friend, the CS-18, it does suffer. If you’ve tried the CS-18 and it’s not for you or you want a Nerf blaster with more range and a larger calibre dart, then this certainly should be at or near the top of your list.

Thanks to Hasbro for giving me a Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Centurion. It’s still hidden from the kids. 

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