The X-Shot Excel Regenerator is probably the best choice for kids because it has so many ways it can be customized.

Don't aim for the head – even if you're wearing protection over your eyes, it can still be quite uncomfortable to get hit by a foam dart around sensitive spots such as your ears or mouth, and your opponents won't thank you for it. Aiming for the torso is the best way to avoid spoiling play, and gives you the best chance of landing a hit.

Hyper Gel

Your opponents will do everything in their power to get their hands on the Crusher. This includes up to (but not limited to) tripping you while you're running to get it and then enlisting the help of all their siblings to hold you down while they steal it from you (speaking from experience here.) There are plenty of X-Shot darts included, 48 to be exact, so you have more than enough to fill the 35-dart chain. To add to the fun, you can get extra links to extend the chain or wear on your shoulders like Rambo.

Featuring a 40-dart drum, the X-Shot Excel Turbo Advanced is a spring-powered pump action powerhouse. There is very little assembly required, you just have to put the drum and snap on the blue plastic guards above it. Don't shoot at point blank range – foam darts are soft, but if you get hit by them at very close range they might sting a little. The darts won't have any chance to slow down in the air, so at that range they'll be hitting you as hard as they can.

Insanity

The XShot Crusher is available in the white color seen above, or in red. Who Should Buy The XShot Crusher It also includes 16 darts, so you get a few more than what it can hold. With most dart blasters performing about the same it is always nice to be able to fire a bit longer. Who Should Buy The Excel Xcess They made a name for themselves over the years by producing some fun toy dart blasters. Over the last 5 years or so, X-Shot has grown to be one of the most notable competing Nerf brands. One main concern is the weight and bulkiness, but they really aren’t that bad. A dart-blasting minigun is a great way for youngsters to feel the power without actually doing too much damage.