Best foam dart blasters

Start with the Nerf Elite Ace SD-1 Party Pack — a set of proper Nerf blasters, so a group can play straight out of the box, and the simplest way to get a family or party going.

Who the others suit:

• Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot — the one-handed, hammer-cocked classic; great for adults and older kids who want a quick-draw sidearm.
• Nerf DinoSquad Raptor-Slash — the pick for younger kids: light, six shots, easy to prime.
• AGM Mastech AWM Sniper — for older players who want range and a clip-fed, bolt-action feel.
• Multi-packs (Wordot, POKONBOY, TiopLior) — best value when you need several blasters for a group.
• Nerf Inked Mandalorian — for a Star Wars fan who wants a display-worthy blaster.

Check the age rating on each: most are 8+, and the sniper-style ones suit teens and up.