Review: Nerf Nitefinder Ex-3

The Nerf Nitefinder Ex-3 is quite a popular little dart blaster and makes an appearance in almost every department store, just like the smaller Nerf Secret Strike. For around $12 AU you get the blaster and three suction cup darts, which i feel is good value, though you do need two AA size batteries for the "light beam targeting".

The blaster is operated by drawing back the ring at the rear of the blaster until it locks in, loading a dart manually into the front of the barrel, and pulling the trigger. It features a tactical rail on the top of the blaster, and below the barrel it has an adjustable lens for what Nerf advertises as "light beam targeting", which is activated by pulling the trigger in half way. It's not a laser, it's a single red LED inside the blaster which via the lens projects a kind of target in the dark. Below that, is a spot to hold two spare darts, VERY handy for this blaster.

Attachments are fairly limited, there is no way to put a barrel or stock on this blaster, but the rail will take all Nerf lights, scopes and sights, even a shield from the Nerf Stampede if you like overkill. personally i would suggest a pinpoint sight, or the ammo holder from the Nerf Barrel Break, and you could even dangle a torch or Nerf Secret Strike from a clip on the pull ring.

Modifications for this blaster can yield a massive improvement over the 20 - 25 feet stock ranges, I have been able to get up to 50 feet just by drilling out the air restrictor, and up to 80 - 90 feet by adding a small spring on the inside of the existing spring as well. I feel this is a great blaster to learn about modding Nerf blasters on, but is a little tedious thanks to it having about 15 screws holding it together, so use the correct screwdrivers (because believe me, stripping a screw is not fun!). cosmetically, it could possibly be intergrated into another blaster, and a Nerf Secret Strike can take the place of the dart holders and light beam unit, which can be used for other mods as well.

So, how does this blaster rate overall? Well with the basics of what you need, it could be used on it's own in Nerf game, and is still small enough to still be used as a well performing backup, I can testify that this is indeed a very good blaster for bit of pocket change. It's potential for performance modding is incredible and using your imagination it's great for chop up mods too. I can't honestly see a down side to the Nitefinder's design or function. perhaps the targeting light could improve, but what more could you expect for $12?