The Stryfe is possibly the most prolific blaster of the modern era of Nerf. Its seen several iterations and variations since its debut in the NStrike Elite line, and is also one of the most commonly modified blasters out there.The Elite 2.0 line brings about a replacement for it, the Phoenix, featuring a chunky design and even more tactical accessory possibilities. It is worth the extra money over older versions. Perhaps not. Better blasters are already on the market, and if your intentions happen to include modificationyoure going to be disappointed.
Need More Tactics?
The Phoenix has a more aggressive (and symmetrical) look than its predecessor, but its one I actually like. Part of this is due to the external design, of course when youre adding tactical rails everywhere (two on top, two on the sides, and one below), you need plastic to mount them. Theres also another reason: since the pusher mechanism is simplified like the Nerf Alpha Strike Flyte(see the internals at the end), but takes more physical volume, the only realistic space for batteries is in the front. This is not a problem, but it shows how design choices can be limited and conflicts with cutting costs. Unless you want a bulge somewhere using plastic, or you choose screwing together a compact design, the battery space has to go up front.
Even so, the Phoenix remains one of the best looking in the Elite 2.0 line. It makes the most of the design motif, both in molding and in color placement.
Moving On
Although the handle is acceptable, it still falls short of its NStrike Elite counterpart. It also operates as youd expect, with a rev trigger turning on the motors, and the main trigger pushing darts forward. However, it does feel like you’re hitting the rev trigger just before the motors start to turn on. Additionally, the magazine release (sitting in front of the main trigger) is terrible to use, taking lots of force to actually move the retention tab out of the way. It is annoying as an adult pushing my trigger finger forward.
For a kid, thats simply unacceptable.
If it hurts to use a blaster, its not user friendly.
The blaster does come with one accessory, a scope. Its purely decorative and for pretend play, seeing as it doesnt really help with aiming. The accessories are for kids who love blasters and to make them look cool. Its still a nice touch and goes well with the blaster. It looks great on other Elite 2.0 blasters!
The jam door is made of a similarly flimsy design as that of the Flyte. I dont expect it to live long if the user/child opens and closes it a lot.
Even with the cost cutting measures, the blaster shell itself feels solid, with the off hand supporting the battery weight. Even with button and handle issues, the Phoenix is comfortable to use in two hands. One handed use, while possible, feels front heavy compared to a Stryfe.
Performance
I averaged 67fps with the included darts its around the low end what youd expect with Elite darts, and other Pheonix blasters could shoot a little higher. The pusher mechanism worked fine, although it may not feel as smooth as Stryfe versions. However, I was able to shoot three darts per sec. Just be aware that darts speeds will (as usual) dip when you try to fire off darts that rapidly.
Modifications And Internals
Here is where I tend to be more subjective. As we review products as they would be found on shelves or online, I try my best not to let modifications affect the score. The Phoenix is still a great deal, even though things like the Rebel Mech are at the same price.
However, the tinkerer in me is completely frustrated at the clamshell design of the Phoenix. There are a few necessary screws, but beyond those, the shell clips together or has posts solvent welded together. I purchased a second Phoenix to disassemble it, but ended up having to destroy the first one.
There are two posts that are joined on the top: one below the tac rail and one behind.
Two posts stuck together behind the bottom tac rail.
The orange box containing the motors, batteries, etc.
This is the reverse side of the orange box. The tiny hole up top is the rear of a motor shaft!
After deciding to not fight with the solvent welded posts, open the orange box. Or the solvent welded barrel lug and associated plastic bits.
The flywheel cage, which isn’t meant to be unclipped.
Rear of the cage. This fits together so tight that the top shaft extends through the orange box.
The rear of the blaster looks similar to the Flyte, with one long compression spring taking up space (and helping force the batteries to the front). The shell around it came unclipped fairly easily (took effort, but was doable).
Thats some melted plastic right there, where the barrel meets the main box
Although the front of the blue panels could be unclipped (above and beneath the orange middle), four posts in their middle appear to have been solvent-welded. I gave up on coaxing them apart. Underneath it all, you find that the orange mouth on the blaster is actually its own box, containing the guts!
There are three screws and some clips that come loose, but the barrel attachment point is solvent-welded together. Thus, under normal circumstances, you WILL NOT have realistic access to the internals. Even if they were, the internals are so tight that the orange box houses the motor shafts‘ rear. The internals are not able to be replaced and the flywheel cage is too tightly secured. Doing so can cause damage to the clips. If your goal is to modify a blaster, this is 100% NOT the blaster you should be buying.
Yep, its been a struggle trying to compartmentalize things while reviewing this blaster. Hopefully Ive been fair.
Last Thoughts
This buys you a semi-auto basic flywheel blaster, complete with a scope and six shot magazine.
You get the Nerf performance that you would expect and enough tactical rails for customization. It is difficult to recommend it due to some issues with the controls and the fact there are better-performing items on the shelves beside it. It LOOKS great, Ill grant you that, and in two hands feels great (one-handed is front-heavy). You and your child will love the basic customization of Nerf accessories. But like the Rebel Mech shows, that can go farther.
And all of this ignores the fact that, for all intents and purposes, you cannot modify the blaster to make it better.Hasbro tookthe cost-saving Alpha Strike assembly lessons to the next level with Elite 2.0, and in doing so has essentially closed off the internals to everyone. Granted, theyre a toy manufacturer, so being able to modify toys isnt even a thing for them to be concerned about. But for the dedicated and eclectic group of Nerf modders and players out there, it does mean that theres no reason to buy this blaster unless you really like the aesthetics or want a stock blaster for that express purpose.
