Saturday, January 19, 2013

Elite Alpha Trooper: See ya, Rampage!

In the days of the original N-Strike Lineup, there were really only a few things separating the Raider CS-35 and the Alpha Trooper CS-18.  While, in my eyes, the Alpha Trooper was the better blaster, the Raider CS-35 had higher ammo capacity, came with a stock, and was available at all retailers whereas the Alpha Trooper only had 18 rounds, no stock, and could only be found at Target stores.  But now in the N-Strike Elite lineup, the Alpha Trooper has re-emerged as a powerful contender that, I think, will knock the socks off the Rampage.

Folks have always complained about comfort in the Raider/Rampage design.  The side-mounted magazine chamber is mostly to blame for that.  I also find that I enjoy the shotgun-style grip on the Alpha Trooper compared to the foregrip-style of the Raider/Rampage.  And, while it's obvious that the Elite Alpha Trooper will still have a slightly lower capacity compared to the Rampage's 25-dart Drum Magazine, I still think it's even HARDER to contend with now.

Both the Rampage and Alpha Trooper lack a stock, so they're on even terms there.  They both have the direct plunger system and, while they haven't been compared head-to-head just yet, will likely get the same amount of range performance.  So while the Rampage will still have a few more darts than the Elite Alpha Trooper, I think the comfort level easily separates the two.  To me, it's a win for the Alpha Trooper and a much harder sell for the Rampage.

22 comments:

  1. The rampage is still better beacuse u can remove its long useless barrel that slows it down for its tube size.. not possible on a AT

    this gun is pointless and wouldnt be suprized if it has old internals

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    1. I think you're a little confused/misinformed. The Retaliator has a removable barrel, not the Rampage. Also, it's already been confirmed that the Elite AT has a direct plunger system just like the Retaliator and Rampage. There's pictures on NM&R and Urban Taggers to confirm this.

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    2. the rampage is still better because of its nice capacity. in a war, i could never survive with 12 darts. also, the rampage feels better built than the AT and the AT is sometimes hard to prime if you try to put a stock on

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    3. dude... its not like you're not allowed to put a drum mag on an AT; we're talking about the blasters themselves, not the ammo.

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  2. I wasn't a fan over the AT but the Elite Version might change my opinion. I love the rampage but mine locks up after each shot is fired. For a Semi Auto Nerfer, this my change my mind.

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  3. I'm just hoping this sets the stage for an elite Longstrike. That would really make my day.

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  4. I agree with the comfort thing. I also greatly prefer the AT over the Raider. Even with its greater capacity and stock, the raider is so outclassed in performance that I think it's only worth buying for the drum, stock and for parts.

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  5. Should I get the Elite AT or the Rampage? I already have the 25 drum and the 12 clip. So what's all you guys opinion?

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    1. The alpha trooper. Why? It's cheaper, mag well is in a comfortable spot unlike the rampage. The rampage with a 25+ capacity drum makes it unevenly balanced. Alpha trooper all the way. It is still your purchase though.

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  6. I think AT is better. Its range is further, its more compact, the slamfire is better. GET THE AlphaTrooper!

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  7. Alpha Trooper is hideous and awkward to hold and handle. Performance wise they are similar. Rampage is the superior weapon

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  8. Firing the rampage feels better, but the elite alpha feels better in general. The rampage can't boast that it comes with a stock, and its centered drum is actually a reason to use the alpha instead of it.

    Breakdown (primaries as of December 2013)

    1. Rapidstrike -medium weight, insane rate of fire, excellent range
    2. Stryfe - lightweight, extremely versatile, great rate of fire, excellent range
    3. Rayven - lightweight, compact, great rate of fire, excellent rage
    4. Alpha Trooper - lightweight, slam fire, good range
    5. Rampage - lightweight but not as comfortable, slam fire, good range
    6. Hailfire - heavy and awkward to hold, great rate of fire, excellent range
    7. Retaliator - lightweight, compact, good range

    Secondaries:
    1. Strongarm - 6 darts, very ergonomic, good range
    2. Hammershot/Sweet Revenge - 5 darts, one-handed prime, good range
    3. Spectre - 5 darts, good range
    4. Triad - extremely compact with good range and 3 darts

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    1. I'd agree on most of your points. Gotta ask why the Firestrike didn't make the cut in your list of Secondaries?

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    2. My Triad can shoot way further then my alpha.. something is legendary at my place, or you're wrong. However, the triad is about the same as my hail-fire, if not a little further.

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    3. I recommend using the Rhino-Fire or the Vulcan for nerf war

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  9. Its kinda upto opinion - i personally like the foregrip and the rigid structure of the rampage and i dont mind the unbalanced drum especially because of centered 25 round drum- i prefer the sturdy rampage over the slimmer alpha which just feels smaller and the shotgun grip is just not my cup of tea - in the end its what you as the buyer prefer. I would suggest trying them both but for me its definetely the rampage :)

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  10. I have bought an alpha trooper CS-12 and I must say, it's very good. It's light, powerful and unlikely to jam. And with a stock and scope it looks pretty good too.

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    1. Just put an OMW Stage 1 Kit in mine... and it's a fearsome beast! Loved it when it was stock, too!

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  11. the rampage is better bcz of the 25 bulet mag....

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  12. there are weird safety locks on the alpha trooper that in order to put the magazine in the gun you need to slide the jam door open and have the pump action cock all the way back you should take them out

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    1. You don't need to open the jam door to load a clip :P And pumping the slide before loading isn't to do with a lock- if you don't do that first the sliding breech is in its forward position preventing the clip from fitting. Removing locks doesn't change that, it's just how these blasters work.

      Removing the locks isn't a bad idea mind but not for the reasons you mention

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