Buffdaddy Recommends: Project Partners Rotary Tool Workshop

If you're in need of a cheap but reliable Dremel replacement, there's actually a $20 option available, and one that's not from Harbor Freight (not trying to put them down, but you just have to know which of their products are reliable). Found at Sam's Club the other day, and my father and I each bought a set. (Amazon.com product page).

In addition to the main tool and the various accessories, the set even comes with a stand and a flex shaft, which are extremely helpful for making precise cuts, grinds, and other things. Both of our sets have yet to show any real damage, aside from normal wear and tear (aka dropping them. Oops.)

Unless something strange happens, I would have to rate this above an actual Dremel in terms of usefulness and reliability. I'll post again in a few months whether this tool holds up. In the meantime, though, it remains a great bargain.

Stats Blast Revolution Review

Among the new blasters in the ToysRUs "Stats Blast" line (thanks to Prime Time Toys) is the Revolution, a new take on an old blaster. For those of you not familiar with the Lanard Over Under, it's a slamfire-only blaster with two revolving turrets, with the barrels meshing with each other in the middle. Performance was relatively poor, but it sold well enough to warrant a lawsuit over TRU using an unauthorized reproduction but claiming it as the real thing. Strange how they're now marketing an updated, but clearly derivative blaster.

In any case, the Revolution claims 70' ranges, which are about double the ranges of the original Over Under. Let's open both of them up, see the differences, and do the measurements!

Prime Time Toys Double Feature: Backyard Cross Bow / Power Strike 9 Review

After being sick and postponing posting for the New York Toy Fair (plenty of pictures are available; do I really need an opinion post when we already have so many?), I have lots of things to write. Starting with two new blasters in Prime Time Toys' arsenal!

The Power Strike 9, available under the ToysRUs "Stats Blast" label for $18, is a faux crossbow with pump action and a 9-dart turret. Meanwhile, the Backyard Cross Bow is a small pull and release blaster that I discovered at Target for $8. In the backyard toy section, not Nerf, for some reason.

Both claim 70' ranges, which would be competitive versus the current ranges of Nerf blasters. But do they live up to the package art?

Q&A With Lanard Toys Designer Jonathan Blackburn

One day last year, while searching for more info on a few Lanard blasters, I came across the website of none other than their Senior Visual Development Designer, Jonathan Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn was kind enough to answer some questions via email last month, and I'm just now getting around to posting the conversation.

A big thanks to Jonathan! Read more after the jump.

Buzz Bee to Introduce New Air Max and Ultra Tek Blasters

After a busy week, I can finally catch up on reviews, information dumps, and even an interview. First things first!

As of January 30th, Buzz Bee Toys filed for new trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and for a LOT of them. First, under the existing Air Max line:

• Air Max Tyrant
• Air Max Boss
• Air Max Baron
• Air Max Sentinel

Next, we have the apparently large Ultra Tek line in the works!

• Ultra Tek Protector
• Ultra Tek Champion
• Ultra Tek Wizard
• Ultra Tek Star
• Ultra Tek Gem
• Ultra Tek Brute
• Ultra Tek Snipe

More information will filter out soon, officially or otherwise, and we can see which blasters are brand new and which are simply reshells of previous products.