Are Zuru XShot about to change the game with their new Pro AEB?

This one has definitely got the Foam Flinging channels blowing up with more questions than answers and unhinged excitement!

Images have leaked of Zuru’s NEW XShot PRO AEB blaster with switchable firing modes (semi/full auto) at an unbelievable price with general availability in toy stores. UK wise we imagine these will be stocked at Smyths/Entertainer/Amazon.

Having reached out to a few of our contacts, forwarders and distributors this is genuinely a blaster nobody saw coming..!

The subject of AEB’s specifically in the UK is a challenging one. Any blaster that is capable of Full Auto using “air” as the propulsion method must NOT exceed 1J. For this reason, AEB’s imported into the UK on mass with more power than this are a section 5 violation. However, due to the complexity of UK law, Game Organisers will typically allow AEB’s to be used on SEMI only at certain FPS caps. Full Auto is a no go and this feature should be disabled or capped off as a bare minimum.

Blasters such as the BK1 are widely used and there’s a general consensus between foam flingers that we’re here to have fun, be sensible and not run anything OP that would ruin a game for the majority.

So, why is the New Xshot Pro potentially such a game changer?

Well, firstly: the price. On Wallmart currently it’s advertised as $69.97 or £54. Typically with import etc the UK will see a 1:1 against the dollar so we imagine this blaster will retail for circa £70. The BK1s is around £110 as an equivalent and isn’t as readily available IN the UK due to its higher power. This isn’t to say you can’t get one, you’ve just got to be aware of UK law and how to respect this when buying or using one.

Secondly: 150 FPS out of the box. Zuru use 0.9G Darts so with a bit of maths at 150FPS that spits out 0.94J. This means if you’re using 0.9G Darts you’re able to full auto to your hearts content without fear of breaking laws. This means the blaster itself is LIKLEY to be stocked in the UK as it meets the requirements of Law.

Now, if you’re using other dart types please be aware you may be over 1J. This is remedied with different barrel and Bcar/PCar (or rifling) attachments that will bring the muzzle velocity or output down below 1J.

Thirdly: Compatibility. Unlike other AEB’s on the market the new Xshot is TALON MAG compatible and doesn’t use proprietary magazines like the BK1. This means all your current half length Talon mags are good to go!

Fourth: This is a blaster aimed at 14+. This will hopefully spur a lot of interest in the foam flinging hobby for new players. They can buy an off the shelf blaster from a retailer, turn up to ANY UK game (1J and upwards) and they won’t feel underpowered. Our games are 200FPS on a manual springer so the rate of fire alone will make up for a slightly lower projectile speed. Based on price it’s not a high barrier to entry. New Nerfers want to fire as quickly as possible with a “realistic but fun” blaster experience and parents want to know they aren’t buying a potential Section 5 problem.

Honestly, this thing couldn’t tick more boxes! It’s hopefully going to grow the hobby, lower the barrier to entry and increase the fun.

What we don’t know yet is how durable it will be, how good the gearbox is, how easy it is to maintain and what the performance is actually like. Knowing Xshot there will be compromise but for £70ish I can’t imagine anyone is going to grumble.

Watch this space for more updates. I CANNOT WAIT for this thing to land. The mod community is going to be jumping all over this one!

Remember, if you get one of these and need Mags and Darts: we stock them!