The 7 Most Expensive Nerfs in Collector History

The original Nerf ball blaster first hit shelves back in 1969, sparking over 50 years of foam-based firing fun. While early Nerf blasters shot harmless balls, the 1992 addition of toy darts revolutionized the possibilities. Since then, Nerf warfare has become a core part of many childhoods. These days, Nerfs encompass spring-powered pistols, fully automatic battery-powered machine guns, bows, and even high-tech drones.

For Nerf enthusiasts, collecting rare, limited edition blasters has become a passionate hobby. Some discontinued or hard-to-find Nerfs command eyebrow-raising prices at auction. Just what is it about these foam-firing toys that makes them so valuable to collectors? Read on for the stories behind the seven most expensive Nerfs in history.

Nerf N-Strike Longstrike CS-6 – $110

Kicking off our list of costly Nerfs is the venerable Longstrike CS-6, the longest range blaster ever made by Nerf. Released in 2010 as part of the N-Strike series, the 4-foot Longstrike allows sharpshooting hits on distant targets thanks to its sniper-style design.

The blaster itself resembles a military-grade tactical rifle, complete with accessory rails and a flip up sight. Two quick reload clips mean you won’t run out of ammo fast. The Longstrike’s removable barrel extension delivers superior accuracy and firing distance up to 35 feet.

Originally sold for $40, used Longstrikes in good condition now fetch between $100-150. Discontinued by Nerf years ago, the Longstrike has become popular amongst fans wanting to mod it for even longer ranges. Well-preserved specimens in unopened boxes are the most valuable to serious collectors.

Nerf Rayven CS-18 (Light It Up Series) – $200

Next on our list, shining bright with glowing darts, flies the Rayven CS-18 from Nerf’s ‘Light It Up’ lineup. Released in 2011, the semi-auto electric Rayven has an 18 dart capacity fed by Firefly Tech clips. When you load up glow-in-the-dark darts, the blaster ‘charges’ them so they shine in vibrant neon colors.

What makes the Rayven CS-18 really valuable however is its uniquely quiet flywheel motor. While other motorized Nerfs create loud spinning revving sounds, the Rayven almost whispers as it fires. That stealthy near-silent operation, combined with its radical glowing darts, creates dramatic gameplay potential. These qualities have pushed used Rayven prices over $200 today.

Nerf Dude Perfect Signature Bow – $300

In 2016, Nerf partnered up with YouTube superstars ‘Dude Perfect’ to create an oversized bow blaster emblazoned with their logo. Firing arrow-like whistler darts at ranges up to 105 feet, the 4 foot long Dude Perfect bow immediately appealed to trick shot fans.

Only produced for one year before selling out, the bow comes packaged with a multi-colored target for practicing wild stunts and ricochet shots. Recently, the popularity of Dude Perfect has boosted interest in the OOP (out of production) branded bow. Unopened versions now sell for up to $300.

Nerf Rival Artemis XVII-300 – $79.95

Shifting to a futuristic blaster with unrivaled ammo capacity, behold the Rival Artemis XVII-300. The Artemis uses Nerf’s proprietary ‘High Impact Rounds’ (HIR) – foam balls that hit three times harder than classic darts. With an integrated 30 round rotary magazine split into three 10-shot segments, reloading takes seconds.

Slam fire capability allows rapid full-auto discharge of all 30 HIR rounds in seconds. It’s this devastating area saturation power that makes the Artemis arguably Nerf’s highest firepower production blaster ever. Combine high ammo capacity with 100 fps muzzle velocity and it’s easy to see why the Artemis costs around $80, even years after its 2016 release.

Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout RC Tank Drone – NA

Here we have something entirely unique in Nerf history – the TerraScout drone tank released in 2018. Merging remote control (RC) robotics with dart blasting creates shockingly dynamic Nerf battles. The TerraScout features tank-style tracks allowing all terrain movement, a blaster turret, and a live video feed camera system.

The tank links wirelessly to a controller screen that lets you drive the TerraScout sneakily into position using first person video. Tilting the controller then aims and fires the turret at unsuspecting targets. With 18 loaded darts plus a 35 dart drum, the TerraScout has both reconnaissance and heavy weapons functions.

Extremely intricate design and electronics may be why Nerf quickly cancelled the TerraScout after less than a year of production. Remaining stock sells out fast, with used tanks going for $500+. New in box units are virtually unobtainable.

Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 – $220

Now for a true heavy weapon – 2010’s battery-powered Vulcan EBF-25 minigun. Fully automatic firing unleashes up to 25 darts per second downrange, necessitating a belt ammo feed like an actual machine gun. A motorized 25 dart chain belt is included.

The Vulcan’s tripod stand enhances stability for offsetting heavy recoil during continuous fire barrages. A carrying handle with an ammunition box allows dealing devastating suppression damage on the move. Extra dart chain belts and drum magazines are available to keep the Vulcan churning out foam ammunition.

With features emulating squad level support weapons, the imposing Vulcan delivers incredible intimidation factor. Despite weighing nearly 8 pounds though, most of the mass comes from required 6D batteries. These days, electronic flywheel semi-autos offer comparable rates of fire with lighter weight. Thus, the novelty of the Vulcan’s minigun design drives collector prices above $200.

Original Nerf Crossbow (1995 Purple Version) – $250 to $350

Lastly, no compilation of extravagant Nerfs would feel complete lacking one of the originals from the 1990s. Enter the sometimes forgotten Crossbow, first released by Nerf in 1995. Cocking loads an 8 dart revolving barrel allowing rapid repeating shots (no need to reload after every bolt).

Alternatively, dropping in a suction cup dart, mega dart, or arrow creates connection to classic Nerf play of yesteryear. Dual ammo capabilities give the Crossbow unprecedented versatility for both close and long range shots. Speaking of range – firing distance exceeds 75 feet thanks to the crossbow bow arms adding serious power.

Vintage styling with wooden effect detailing contrasts wonderfully against vibrant purple and green colors. Being produced only briefly before cancellation two decades ago, Crossbow examples in new condition are virtually impossible to find now. As one of the rarest Nerfs ever, prices for preserved ones reach $350.

Summary and Comparison Table

To recap, factors driving Nerf collector prices include rarity, special features/aesthetics, novelty, nostalgia/history, mod potential, and discontinuation. Here’s a breakdown of how are spotlighted Nerfs stack up:

As you can see, both modern and retro Nerfs hold tremendous collectible value for diehard enthusiasts seeking rare discontinued specimens. Special editions, novel features, accessories, elite performance, and moddability all factor into the eye-watering prices these foam blasters command long after retail shelves removed them.

Next time you pick up a Nerf blaster, pull the trigger and enjoy imagining where it might end up or what excitement it might bring to future Nerf warriors!