The Rayven is a motorised semi-automatic blaster using a flywheel propulsion system. It comes packaged with a 18 dart firefly tech clip, which flashes glow in the dark darts with an LED leading to green tracer style darts.
Usability
As with the Barricade the Rayven requires no priming and is fired by holding an acceleration trigger to bring the flywheels up to speed and pulling the trigger. The resulting fire rate (as tested below) is impressive and the Rayven is a formidable mid range blaster. The unique 'bullpup' layout of the blaster is a love it or hate it scenario. Many Nerfers enjoy the balance of a bullpup blaster, although I find I'm not entirely sure how to effectively hold it in battle scenarios. The blaster can be held out in front similar to a pistol, effectively working like a quick hop firing SMG or against the shoulder for those precision shots. When against the shoulder the blaster stubby nature makes it difficult to effectively maneuver although the shoulder stock is well molded and comfortable. The 'bullpup' design also means that there is no real need for a front hand grip, and despite this accuracy is still good as darts are being fired from only centimeters in front of the trigger.
The clip is easy to load and the added advantage of being able to load any Nerf N-Strike clip into the blaster makes it effective to lay down heavy amounts of fire. The firefly tech clip is pretty cool but is only really effective in complete darkness which I seldom use it in, but that being said the the cool blue LEDs shining through the jam door mean I often have it turned on anyway.
The addition of 2 tactical rails on the handle and the side of the blaster are a definite plus, as is the ability to add a barrel extension. This alone can completely change some of the factors mentioned above as the blaster can effectively become an Assault rifle although this lowers distance somewhat.
Usability Score 7/10
Styling/Loadout
The Rayven sports the unique Light it up colour scheme of lime green, orange and grey, which to be honest I quite like. The clip features the Firefly tech logo which would make a pretty cool moral patch for a game day uniform. As mentioned above the Rayven allows for a range of tacticool loadouts as well as multiple clip configurations. Here is a taste of a few....
When gaming with the Rayven I feel it is best utilised as an SMG and used in game modes requiring holding capturing of enemy bases and flags. When paired with an Elite pinpoint sight this blaster is accurate and looks the part. Because of the blaster layout it is easy to hold at your side and run with and bring up to fire quickly when required. The added advantage of a rear sling point means this can hang by your side when using a secondary or capturing a flag. The acceleration trigger leads to a slight delay in firing that possibly the Barricade doesn't have but this can be remedied by always have your second finger poised over the accelerator or simple have it accelerating at all times.
When using this a primary weapon I would loadout with my regular Woodland BDU with tactical MOLLE vest and one point sling. On the vest I would load at least 3 12-18 dart clips and holster a Nitestrike as an emergency secondary weapon. I would also utilise a ammo dump pouch to store used clips and make any ammo pickups when on a mission. With its high rate of fire and best use in an aggressive play style this blaster will go through a lot of ammo in a short space of time.
Styling/Loadout Score 8/10
Performance
The performance score of a blaster is often the factor many Nerfers take into account when preparing for a battle. Will the blaster perform when there a long sight lines, is it effective up close? Through testing the Rayven proved to be effective at the later ranking 18th out of 32 for distance fired.
Dart Distance - 10.9m (36 feet). Middle of the road performance but suitable for the play style it is best matched with. The Rayven fired a maximum distance 14m (46 feet) and a minimum distance of 6m (20 feet). Therefore it can be capable to make a mid distance precision shot but is best served up close and personal.
Darts per Second - 3.6 dps. A fairly good rate of fire, which can be quicker or slower thanks to the semi automatic feature. The blaster performs best when the flywheels are brought up to speed so keeping constant pressure on the acceleration trigger is advised.
Performance Score 5/10
The Rayven is a unique blaster that is usable in a range of different contexts. Despite fairly poor performance in the distance stakes the Rayven stills performs and is particularly adaptable to a range of game types.
Overall I give the Rayven a score of 20/30
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