"Eleri" tests the EF5

Alright folks.  I've tested every wire and switch on this thing.  The LTX EF5 is arguably the most solid blaster I've built for the Lazer Tag brand of blasters. Not only am I incredibly confident with it, but the MLTA's most seasoned sniper also approves.

His internet handle is Eleri at'Xalien and he's been reaching out and hitting the shots no-one else can since we started organizing laser tag games in 2006. He's been a loyal friend for well over a decade, so when I decided to sit a game out during our last Fight Night and he asked if he could take the EF5 out for a spin, it was a no-brainer.  Who else would I want to have put their stamp of approval on this blaster that's spent almost a year in R&D?

May 11th, 2009

Eleri's history with custom-built long range laser tag blasters is as old as the Midwest Laser Tag Association itself (originally the Omaha Laser Challenge Association) in 2006.   He was the first to field the Lazer Tag Team Ops blasters up against our then-active Laser Challenge gear.  Utilizing the long-range of the Tag Master Blaster, Eleri quickly made a name for himself as a reliable and efficient sniper.

Stealing the flag

He's also proven himself to be much more than just a hired gun.  Eleri has excellent leadership skills and strategies to guide his team to victory.  There's a reason he and I are hardly on the same team anymore these days... most folks forbid it.  Many times, his opponent's strategy will include "Find Eleri" as a major component to the plan's success.  Even when his team has fallen or he's by himself, his stealth and marksmanship make him a dangerous player to face off against.  Simply outnumbering him is not a strategy that generally works well.

Did I mention he's my go-to guy for field modifications and repairs?  Eleri is always prepared with a tool kit nearby to fix a damaged blaster, or even do a quick modification before or in-between games.  Many times,  when our Armory is at it's peak for usage  it's critical for us to have all of our blasters working properly.  Without his help in maintaining the armory or fixing blasters minutes before a game, folks would have to sit out and wait for a blaster to be available to use in the next round.  

During our 2nd Fight Night, when he borrowed the LTX EF5, I couldn't have been more proud of his happy diagnosis.  No issues, great performance, let's play again.  The reload action was smooth and quick for him as he lit up opponents across the map.  Even with just a simple Red Dot sight, the accuracy and power provided by it's custom-fabricated lens arrangement was literally lighting everyone up.  Comfort-wise, the LightningStorm Stock on it works fantastic and the smaller design of the blaster in general helps the user retain the agility and freedom that someone with a Shotblast-equipped LTX.  Essentially, everything I designed this blaster to be, Eleri liked.  I'm a fan of the fact that he's a fan of this blaster.

Next up is a video review of the finalized LTX EF5 as well as a look at my next project!