Zuru has been doing a steady overhaul of the Xshot line, featuring improved but older blasters as well as new models. They also have been using a nice combination of blue and white colors. The line as a whole has improved, and Zuru deserves lots of credit for stepping up in the blaster arena.
The Xcess blaster is being replaced by one of the newest blasters. The new blaster shell has improved functionality, dart compatibility and an aesthetic that is much better. It’s my favorite spring-powered pistol.
With The Old
The Xcess was the first flip cylinder blaster on the market, taking after the old idea of adding cylinders to Mavericks. Prior to the new models release, it had been upgraded to get ranges of up to 24.4m, generally through a stronger spring. The disc shooter, which was rather useless, was also preserved at the top. A spring-loaded clutch held the cylinder in place, and you changed by turning with enough force.
It was also incompatible with regular darts. Most new darts are just a bit too long for the cylinders, and prevent it from rotating when priming the blaster.
The new model makes compatibility a priority. Darts of all (.50) types fit in the cylinders, with room for the cylinders to rotate. The disc shooter is done away with. Even better, a second trigger has been added to initiate cylinder flipping. You still have to put the other one in place by hand, but its still a major improvement; pull the ring to disengage the clutch, and the cylinder flips out.
Although the handle is still quite small, it’s not as cramped or cluttered as it could be.
Major Upgrades
The new Xcess features a 49 mm draw, with a 27.
5 mm diameter plunger tube (5 cm and 3 cm, respectively). That amounts to 29.1 mL of usable plunger volume, which is respectable for a pistol. The secondary trigger attaches directly to a lever which pulls back the plunger tube as well as the rotation mechanism. This allows for free rotation of both the twin cylinders. Rotation of cylinders occurs upon priming.
I have not yet attempted to see how well a new spring would be supported.
But Does It Work?
I ran the Xcess for a few rounds at an HvZ event last weekend, and the blaster performed beyond expectations. It fired all darts perfectly and was easy to flip the cylinders to reload each set while firing the next. This made it ideal for rounds requiring lots of running (like our capture the flag round). The included darts arent the most accurate, but the new push on dart compatibility makes up for that.
After firing several dozen rounds each through a chronograph, I can report that the new model hits 80fps average with Xshot darts, and 75fps average with Nerf Elites. These are impressive numbers for a stock pistol.
Final Opinion
The Xcess is the result of much improvement over an already improved but still flawed older model. Range claims of up to 90 are easily achieved, both with the included darts and other types. Combat use and operation are easy and consistent. Overall, the Xshot Xcess is a great blaster at a great price point.
