It’s been about a year since I bought the Stampede. Only recently have I had the chance to battle test it myself. I’ve played a good amount of games against this blaster as well. I’ve reviewed it’s features here, and looked at pros and cons as well. However when using it for yourself, you discover new aspects. I’ll be reviewing the goods and the bads once again, and telling you how you can incorporate this blaster into your own usage. I’ll also be reviewing the accessories that come with this, and giving usage tips as well. As always, the rest of the review is down below.
Theres really a lot to talk about when the topic of the Stampede ECS comes up. I’ve had mixed thoughts since going against it many times. With my new personal use, my opinions have been changed. In it’s basic form, it’s rate of fire can be compared with the Vulcan’s, averaging about 3 darts per second. It’s battery powered as well. However, thats where the comparisons end.
The Stampede feels like a sort of a battle rifle. The 30 inch. 3.5 pound blaster is a little bit hefty compared to most other Nerf blasters. However real life assault rifles are about the same length, and heavier as well. I thought this would be a big negative when I first got it, but after seeing others use it and using it myself, my opinion on this has changed. The weight is easy to get used to, and the mobility is surprisingly high. The ability to fire with one hand is also a great attribute. Also the rate of fire is lower then slam fire blasters, but the Stampede’s high rate of fire combined with one handed fire, allows you to dodge darts more quickly and maneuver easier. I was able to get into close quarter games and dodge darts thanks to this. I could dodge or maneuver, while simply holding down the trigger. This allows me to put pressure on the other player while relieving some off myself.
It’s a very versatile blaster. It uses the clip system and clip system darts. Even though Streamline darts are not the most accurate darts, the amount that the Stampede can put out at the pull of a trigger is deadly. It’s accessories, the bi-pod and shield, allow a user to camp up on a spot with stability and protection. Removing these makes handling the blaster easier, allowing for quick strike attacks or usage around corners or doors. More options on a Nerf blaster is always a good thing, especially when their practical options.
Using it around corners and doorways wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. It’s not as small as an Alpha Trooper, so it’s not as great as that getting around corners. It’s not that bad, since there are some things you can do to adjust and make for it. Things like PIEing a corner, taking corners wider, having your finger on the trigger, and moving more slowly allow you to make your moves more carefully and precisely. If you are sneak attacked, you should be able to react fast enough and counter back with high Stampede rate of fire.
The noise the Stampede brings to battle is something that bring mixed reactions. When firing, you can really hear this thing (noise range tests coming later). However it brings a psychological factor to games. Hearing the gears churn up and the direct plunger in work is a head-turner and game changer. If a decent player is behind a Stampede tactics should be adjusted to counter and deal with it, and if that is not done a good amount of damage can be sprayed upon a team. I’ve played against the Stampede many times, and it can overwhelm a person due to it’s high rate of fire and surprising mobility.
I say spray in the kindest way possible. The ranges on the Stampede are not great. They constantly get about 20 feet, so close range or arcing the blaster are the best ways to maximize efficiency and range. Don’t try to use it as a sniper rifle or long range blaster.
The 18 dart clips are pretty big and are hard to carry around. Using the Nerf tactical vest or tapping them together is a great way to transfer and use them. Using the six dart clips isn’t bad, but it’s very easy to spit out six darts, so thats not the most effective. The drums are the best choice because you can see how many darts you have left and gauge it. I didn’t like the 18 dart clips too much because you couldn’t see inside them and it would be hard for me to tell how many darts were in it without pulling it out to check or the blaster running out of darts and dry firing. Reloading and inserting new clips is very easy, just pull the switch, pull the clip out, and insert another one.
The $50 price tag is quite steep, and the cost of batteries propel the total cost to about $60. If you have the money to spend, it’s a nice blaster to add to your arsenal. If you don’t, then theres other choices such as the great Alpha Trooper. Overall, the blaster is a highly mobile version of the Vulcan. It’s similar to the Alpha Trooper due to it’s high rate of fire, mobility, and versatility. It differs in it’s weight, size, and cost.
Just remember that the similarities are just that, their not the same, but similar.
Over all I would give this blaster an 8.5/10, but the cost makes me lower it to a 7.5/10.
Basic Nerf 
Wow. Just looking at this gives me all kinds of ideas for a sort of “nerf-battle” I should try to organize between the fellas and myself. If we get these guns, some goggles and an open park, we could have hours of fun!
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