Nerf N-Strike Elite Stockade

The Stockade is the evolution of the Barricade blaster from the N-Strike range featuring a flywheel system leading to semi automatic rapid fire blasting.

Usability

The Stockade features an on/off switch which when engaged fires up motorised flywheels, the blaster will then fire at every pull of the trigger.  The cylinder is self rotating so darts areable to be fired in quick succession. The trigger is very responsive with the instant satisfaction of a dart firing and heading towards its intended target.  The shoulder stock is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable and versatile stocks of the Nerf range and I tend to agree.  The moulded plastic sits comfortably against the shoulder and allows for a wide array of movement.  The added bonus of 10 dart storage is a plus.  The stock is a fantastic addition to many of the other Elite blasters most notably the Stryfe.

My only issue with the usability of the Stockade is the limited space in underneath, an adult hand just slightly touches the the front of the rotating cylinder, although this is only an issue if you are using the Stockade as and SMG, Without the shoulder stock and in pistol formation the Stockade performs like an effective semi auto pistol and although it has a slight weight imbalance at the back is a formidable close quarters blaster.  The added bonus of a handle clip point make a valuable secondary.

Loading the darts is straight forward although slightly slow.  Darts need to be pressed into the cylinder and then rotated to expose the next one.  The loading again lends the Stockade to being better suited as a secondary weapon.

Usability Score 7/10

Styling

As with all the Elite the Stockade has the Blue, Orange and White colour scheme as well a a silver addition to the stock.  The stockade is an attractive blaster but does appear a little stubby when in SMG mode.  The addition of a top tactical rail lends well to the addition of a scope, although a red dot sight would be most applicable as anything larger leads to the balance being off.  It is disappointing that the Stockade didn't feature a barrel attachment option, but this leads me to believe that Nerf are billing this a secondary/light blaster.

When loading out with a Stockade I would tend to use it as a secondary weapon paired with a Retaliator or Recon with the primary weapon on a rifle sling.  I would also add a chest rig with the Stockade attached via clip point and in full SMG mode.  In order to cater for ammo use I would also carry a Nerf bandolier kit with 12 darts loaded and the Vortex ammo belt kit which features a handy ammo drop pouch for an extra 12-16 darts.  This coupled with a loaded chest rig for the primary means the wearer would carry up to 60 darts into the fray.  Many Nerfers argue as to whether to have the Stockade always on or for it to switch before engagement, I prefer the quieter approach so often just switch it on before firing although this can lead to some tricky engagements if your primary runs out.

The Stockade is a fantastic secondary weapon and could be used as a Primary on a quick capture the flag mission, although would need a good amount accessible ammo to support you.

Styling 3/5

Performance Distance

Unlike its older brother the Barricade the Stockade performs fairly well in the distance test.  Maranus (2013) puts this down to the flywheels being closer together allowing for more friction on the darts.  The Stockade fired an average distance of 11.3m (37.07ft) with the maximum distance fired being 14m (45.93m) and the minimum 8m (26.24ft).  This sits the blaster at 15th on the table and more than shows its versatility.

Performance Distance 6/10
Performance Accuracy

The Stockade is the first blaster to complete the accuracy and performed fairly well.  For the 10 darts fired down the 8 of the Darts hit the paper target, 1 hit the backing board and 1 didn't make the target. Here is the target displaying overall performance.  Considering that the target is an A4 piece of paper this is a very good grouping of shots.

Performance Accuracy 2.5/10

The improvements over the Barricade have led to a blaster that is versatile and usable in many game modes, the addition of the unique shoulder stock is a winner and greatly improves the overall score.

Overall I give this blaster 18.5/35