NERF DinoSquad Raptor-Slash vs NERF Zombie Strike Hammershot

Buy the Hammershot if you want a blaster that feels solid and fires one-handed. Its hammer-action priming and five-dart cylinder are the reason it has stayed popular for years, and owners praise the faux-wood grip and the fact that it needs no batteries. The Raptor-Slash is the pick for younger kids or dinosaur fans: it is lighter, has a six-dart drum and slam-fire, but it is all plastic and needs two hands to prime. Reviewers rate the Hammershot higher on build and reliability; the Raptor-Slash wins on capacity and rate of fire.

• Choose the Raptor-Slash if you want a light, dinosaur-themed blaster with a six-dart drum and slam-fire for fast backyard battles.
• Choose the Hammershot if you want a sturdy, one-handed blaster with hammer priming that works without batteries and holds up to repeated use.