The X-Shot Pro S1 is not your average foam blaster. This is Zuru's first ever AEB - Automatic Electric Blaster - meaning the motor does the priming work for you. No manual cocking, no pumping between shots. You hold the trigger and it fires, continuously, at up to 160fps.

Priced at KSh 15,000 and available at Toyzoona in Nairobi, it's one of the most capable motorized dart guns on the market right now. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

How it works?

Inside the blaster is a spring-powered piston mechanism driven by an electric motor and gear system. When you pull the trigger, the gears compress the piston, release it, and fire - all in about half a second. This is what makes it genuinely fast. The roller scar guides each dart out of the barrel with a spinning motion, which is what gives it the improved accuracy compared to most blasters in this range.

You get two firing modes. Semi-automatic for single, controlled shots. Fully automatic for rapid-fire situations where accuracy matters less than volume. Both modes work off the same trigger - a short pull for semi, held for full auto.

What's in the box?

• 1 X-Shot Pro S1 Motorized Blaster
• 40 Air Pocket Technology half-darts
• 1 rechargeable battery (included - charges via USB)
• Adjustable shoulder rest

The battery being rechargeable and included is worth noting. Plenty of motorized blasters in this category need 4–6 AA batteries to run, which adds up fast. The Pro S1 comes with a built-in rechargeable pack. Just plug it in and you're ready.

Air Pocket darts vs standard darts

The 40 darts included are Zuru's Air Pocket Technology (APT) half-darts. They're shorter and lighter than full-size foam darts, which is how the blaster achieves higher speeds - less mass to push. They're compatible with other X-Shot blasters too, so if you already have X-Shot gear at home, these darts work across your collection.

Note: these are not compatible with Nerf darts. If you're switching from Nerf to X-Shot, or mixing both, you'll need separate dart stocks.

Who buys this in Kenya?

Mostly teens aged 14 to 17, though some parents buy it for younger kids who are already experienced with foam blasters. It's popular as a birthday gift, a school holiday activity toy, and for weekend compound battles. The rechargeable battery and the fully automatic mode are the two features people mention most when they come into the store.

Because of the 160fps firing speed, this isn't really a toy for younger children. The recommended age is 14+ for a reason - at that speed, a dart at close range stings. Fine for older kids playing responsibly outdoors, but it's worth keeping that in mind before gifting it to a 9-year-old.

Also, available at Toyzoona's three Nairobi locations - Runda Mall on Kiambu Road, and Broadwalk Mall on Ojijo Road. Order online and get same-day delivery across Nairobi.