Usability
The Barricade is a semi-automatic blaster meaning that no priming is required in order to fire it. This results in quick firing and the ability to move and fire keeping one hand free to wield another blaster or piece of tactical equipment. Firing is achieved by switching the blaster to on, which in turn as described by Maranus 2013 'a sound like a hive of angry wasps' occurs. This description is on the money, this blaster would certainly not be recommended for stealth type missions. The dart is propelled by a pull of the trigger which automatically revolves the cylinder to load the next dart. The blaster will fire as fast as the user pulls the trigger. The blaster is reloaded by sliding darts into each individual cylinder, there is no flip down barrel like the Maverick.
The blaster is comfortable to hold in your hand and although slightly heavier at the back due to batteries is easy to hold out in front and fire away. Adding tactical pieces to the blaster increases the usability substantially making the Barricade a fairly good all round blaster.actually leads to more difficulty in firing as there isn't a place to place your front hand comfortably without disrupting the operation of the blaster.
Usability Score 6/10
Styling/Loadout
The Barricade feature the standard N-Strike yellow, orange and black paint scheme. It is an attractive blaster and looks good when holstered or hanging from a belt/tactical vest. The addition of the shoulder stock attachment point and the top mounted tactical rails can lead to some interesting accessory combinations. The lack of front barrel mount is a little disappointing as this could have opened up the blaster to a range of further tacticool additions.
This blaster is best ulitised in a game mode that requires aggressive front foot type of play. Modes like capture the flag that don't benefit the defensive are where this blaster is best suited. Although best suited as secondary weapon this blaster is most effective without a shoulder attachment and a set of Recon Iron Sights or Elite Pinpoint Sight. When playing with this turn it on at the start of the game and let people know you are coming, look to surprise would be defenders by being first to the objective and unleashing a quick hail of darts before retreating for a reload.
When playing with this blaster I would use my standard Woodland camo BDU with a bandoleer strap loaded with 12 darts I would also attach a ammo dump leg bag with extra darts if neccessary. Although it is unlikely that the blaster will need more than two reloads in a match it pays to be prepared. I would also match this a Zombie Strike Machette for those close quarter moments or another mock knife of some description. (Loadout photos to come being edited)
Styling/Loadout Score 6/10
Performance
Despite scoring fairly well in the above categories in the category that for many Nerfers is most important the Barricade falls short. After testing the Barricade was ranked 32nd out of 32 blasters tested.
Dart Distance - 5.7m (18 feet). Very disappointing over all making the Barricade only effective at very close ranges. On 5 occassions the blaster only fired 5m (16 feet) and twice the darts barely fell out of the barrel at 3m (10 feet). This poor performance is evident in the DPS video following.
Darts per Second - 3.125 dps, this is a great rate of fire but oh how I wish it was matched with distance.
Performance Score - 1/10
The Barricade has all the makings of a fantastic blaster but it is hard to over look the performance stats. This blaster will really only be effective as a side arm and for CQB emergencies.
Overall I give this blaster 13/30
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