Distinctions - NERF’s Pro Legion Gelfire blaster is a very effective take on the gel blaster trend, with stronger Gelfire rounds than many competitors. With stronger rounds, NERF adds in a much more aggressive firing mechanism to capitalize, giving the consumer a blaster that shoots fast and accurate. Gelfire rounds are also handily not able to be over-hydrated, allowing for a much looser timetable for set up and use than many under-engineered peers. Non-users tired of collateral damage will be grateful for included quality of life features like a safety switch and a removable hopper with cap.

Criticisms - Top-loading with a hopper prevents sighting, which is particularly unhelpful in a pistol that does not have a pronounced barrel to use as a point of reference. Using slam-fire ‘potential’ to justify possible ten-round-per-second firing rate feels disingenuous considering the reliance on perfect timing and rhythm on cocking, loading and shooting that most users will not be able to achieve.

Distinctions - NERF Pro Legion is a solid piece of hardware. Weighty and thick plastic with very little flex give good feel, with the large pistol-grip giving room for more adult users, while also feeling good in the hands of smaller users. Gelfire projectiles are solid, but balance a level of volatility that allows for rounds consistently bursting on target. Protective glasses are also decent quality with a comfortable bridge and temples.

Criticisms - The provided hopper is the weakest part of the build, malleable plastic can get damaged quite easily with a direct drop, with deformations being hard to correct. Jamming with rounds is possible, despite better tolerances than other peers. Printing and plastic coloration is on the poorer end of things, with greasy look and flat Gelfire decal with vulnerability to scratching.

Distinctions - Vivid colors and meaty build have a futuristic aesthetic appeal that is accentuated by the vivid neon colors of the blaster’s palette and Gelfire rounds.

Criticisms - Most NERF and NERF equivalent products deliberately use bright or neon colors to emphasize that the blaster is a toy, but also do run the gamut of using the most garish and uncomplimentary contrasting colors. This particular blaster is a strong example of that trend, with a palette of a washed-out slate that evokes a ‘90s copier, a textured grey, neon orange, and an apple red. None of the colors particularly gel well collectively, but this may be the intention. Regardless, the NERF Pro Legion Gelfire Blaster is not particularly visually appealing, and does not reflect or contrast well with the rest of the NERF brand’s palette.

Distinctions - With some disassembly, the NERF Pro Legion Gelfire blaster can be broken into its plastic components and recycled.

Criticisms - There are points to address before the larger one; first, the build is entirely plastic with obvious drawbacks to its creation and subsequent disposal. The inclusion of some smaller metal pieces like screws and spring internals makes simple recycling impossible. Secondly, additional accessories risk being redundant with already owned accessories. The largest gripe, however, is with the actual Gelfire rounds. Hasbro and NERF have danced around the composition in requests for information, as well as disclosures in releases to others, but Gelfire particulate is not explicitly biodegradable. While Hasbro has said that the residue does not present a ‘meaningful’ environmental impact at regular usage concentrations, that does not mean they are in the clear. Without extra round storage and additional round purchase quantities starting at a minimum of three thousand, there will be excess, and there will be rounds that end up concentrated elsewhere with disposal. With peers using biodegradable rounds at the expense of range, NERF’s better performance is a choice that comes with a cost.

Distinctions - The Legion is one of the strongest shots for a reasonable price, and the provided accessories do facilitate the whole experience without the need for additional products, other than some that might be appreciated for their quality of life improvements.

Criticisms - With environmental concerns and a less-than-appealing color scheme, all capped off with an inability to sight the blaster, waiting for a newer iteration of the NERF Pro Legion Gelfire might be advisable to avoid some of the first generation pitfalls. Those looking for a more kid-friendly blaster will likely also find the strong shooting to be problematic, as the NERF Pro Legion Gelfire can leave welts or small blemishes on the skin.