DartZone Pro MK 1.2 and MK 2.1 - Review, Testing, and Comparison

[@jimpowers4463]

I've been waiting on you review of these two blasters. I have watched others talk about them, but seeing as you are the only KZbin nerfer that I have actually had a substantive conversation with and therefore knowing where our thought on something align and diverge. Your reviews hold the most weight with me. Thank you for all you do, your silliness and antics have picked me up on some dark days. Hope to Nerf with you again soon.

[@boatingaccident2882]

The Max Stryker is sooooo good, and still a bit overlooked in the hobby I feel. I've modded mine to the moon and it rules.

[@aavaataar9618]

I also really enjoyed handling the 2.1! As someone with noodle arms, I appreciate the very light prime. I also agree on the appearance being an improvement. I'm interested to see if you'll run into any of the feeding issues people ran into at the FPT/DZPT finals with the 1.2. It was a pretty consistent problem for all of us that weekend (my friend on the winning team had a catastrophic jam during quarterfinals, so bad that he couldn't fix the blaster for the next round and had to get a replacement), but the review models that were sent out seem to have been more mixed on the matter - some jammed *worse* than we saw at the tournament, but a couple of reviewers have had no issues with it. From what I've gathered, when plinking on a range, the blaster is pretty great (though it still often catches halfway through moving the pusher). It seems to be when used in a competitive setting that any issues have shown up, so I'm looking forward to seeing your thoughts after using it at your next war! Hopefully, *hopefully*, the blasters we used at finals will just all have been lemons, because I genuinely do want Dart Zone to keep showing why we fell in love with them a couple years ago. Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic.

[@Thesnakerox]

What I heard was that the DZPT finals used a sort of pre-production model of the Mk 1.2, and after that Dart Zone went back to the drawing board and made some improvements to the production model. That's possibly why, for example, Walcom had basically zero issues with his.

[@aavaataar9618]

@@Thesnakerox I heard that as well, but the turnaround time from the tournament to now, when the top 8 teams have just received our blasters, is *really* fast for a production change to have taken place. I'll definitely take mine to a couple events soon to see how it holds up.

[@viciousviolet3783]

The reason for the speed loaders not working is because it’s now mag fed. I assume they just figured that people will only use the mags. Ow and if you cut the notches it will work. Check out tungsten’s video

[@notnuffnerf]

Ahh can't wait to try these myself! Good review as always, Captain!

[@seraphimcaduto]

I love my mk1 too! The extra heft is just reassuring but I’d love to upgrade/tweak it so I could get a little more out of it. I always thought that there was more performance in the design that could be had. I’ll likely end up picking up the 1.2, but you can pry my 2.0 from my cold dead fingers. Another great review as always!

[@1Scimetar]

If I remember right, the fix for the unwanted stock collapse on the DZP MK1.0 was to drop a chunk of PVC into the stock. That should keep it at the desired length.

[@jerfsjourneys]

Hey Cap, I've seen on a different video about this blaster that the tournament edition specifically was going to be available at a lower price point than previous online only dart zone pro blasters. Have you heard anything about this?

[@alexandermacphearson4379]

Love the video Can’t wait to see what upgrades/craziness comes about with these new toys.

[@johnshepherd6925]

My thoughts on the clip not being cross compatible - Right from the start they're selling a 4 pack of magazines for the 2.1. If you already have a mk. 2 you're much less likely to buy that 4 pack because you already have a few ways of loading if the clip was compatible. OR it was like you said, a bad oversight 🤣😂🤣🔫 Also I'll be ordering the 2.1 tomorrow. Very excited 😁

[@derkaiser9881]

I think it's partially an oversight, and partially because what's the likelihood that someone doesn't have a spare mag, but does have a spare speed loader for a completely different blaster? As it is, they work fine enough that if someone tossed me a speed loader because I was out of mags I'd be fine. Though like all things in the hobby someone's gonna come up with a really clever way to get it working regardless, but I do agree it's a strange oversight.

[@johnshepherd6925]

I got the 2.1. Its absolutely beautiful 😁🔫 Very fun to shoot 😁

[@BlasterbenchFoam]

I can’t wait to get my hands on these blasters! Thanks for the video Cap

[@BenthewildchildE750]

Captain do you know of any red dot optics with a circular design with the dot is instead of a square.

[@Warrior_Saint88]

I so want the MK2.1 but so expensive and so very hard to find in stores, only sold online. The only pistol that I was able to pick up on sale for 20 dollars for Christmas was the Dartzone Max Outlaw.

[@skye1491]

Awesome video Capin! I agree it's odd that the MK2.1 isn't cross compatible with the 2s speed loaders, but I do love they made the muzzle able to shoot rival, mega, and ultra darts! Highly recommend you plink with that it's fun! I was also surprised the new Nexus hits 200fps

[@adamalvarez4528]

What new nexus?

[@skye1491]

@@adamalvarez4528 the 1.2 is the newest version of the Nexus pro

[@CaptainXavier]

Yeah, 200fps is impressive. The MK 1.2 is not a "Nexus." At least...I don't think it is. The DZP MK 1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, and 3 don't have names (as far as I know). The Nexus, Aeon, and Stryker are a whole different line. Sort of a "civilian" vs "competetive" line. At least that is how I understand it.

[@skye1491]

@@CaptainXavier good point that is very true, I just sorta call it that because how similar the design is the the original. But you're absolutely right. Also definitely check out how the MK2.1 can shoot mega, ultra, &rival I find it fun, tho haven't been able to test at events yet, hopefully soonish

[@devv_8]

The performance increase is due to the darts the new bamboo darts are 25% lighter.

[@808hilotravels]

16:36 That's a lot of power behind it.

[@andygordon2055]

really looking forward to see what you think of the Deuce, and if you have any fixes for the cylinder/rotation problems

[@ReboundReacharound]

Silly Butts has a video covering this.

[@andygordon2055]

@@ReboundReacharound I'm aware, but I dont feel that is a complete fix. Ive done it to mine, and it still doesnt work perfectly.

[@srloins6613]

I can not wait to see this, as well. Tried the Silly butts solution, which helped but did not solve the issue.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Excellent review sir! Bangarang!

[@TheDarKris]

Maybe they'll make a 2.2 pistol that is compatible with the old speed loaders. Maybe

[@siontoh8392]

The priming slop if probably due to the telescoping tube for the full length darts.

[@TGA_BAY_BAY]

Sorry if you’ve answered this: Where did you get the tentacle stock? Would be an interesting stock for a modern-esk Davy Johns themed load out.

[@Burasta]

If I remember right it was sent and shown in a fanmail video. Not sure which one.

[@rexregum2793]

@@Burasta it was from jareds epic nerf war although it might have been one of the things mixed in with fanmail

[@CaptainXavier]

It was given to me at West vs Zombies 2, I believe. As far as I know it is not available anywhere. Thus why I keep teasing you all with it. :P

[@TGA_BAY_BAY]

@@CaptainXavier 👍🏻

[@Telemachus2814]

I _believe_ the Aeon could technically qualify as a "Pistol" in a legal sense (at least in real steel) due to the short barrel and the lack of a stock/brace. So it would either qualify as a pistol or be a PCC. Either way, it fit in the pistol round in my opinion. You do, of course, have the ultimate in reasons for putting it in the pistol round, and that reason is "Cause I wanna" also known as the "Cause I can" defense.

[@Telemachus2814]

@@tyler9463 I had that same thought actually! :)

[@Motionnerf]

If you get the deuce upgrade the rotation spring , sillybutts tried it and it fixed its rotation issues

[@combustablelemon14]

I hope we get an all orange skin for the 2.1 I bought my mk 2 just before they announced the orange model, and I'm not trying to jump the gun this time too

[@js8108-x4x]

Omg is that a kraken stock??! Dope man

[@daniwalmsley611]

There's a difference between supporting legacy versions and encouraging the use of them. By retaining full lemgth dart capability it lets people transition forward but by not including full lengths in the box it encourages new hobbyists to buy the half darts. One day half darts will just be known as darts and it shall be a glorious day

[@SlowQQSlow]

Did u try testing performance with and without the barrel on the pistol? Some say performance increased.with the barrel.

[@CaptainXavier]

I did not, no. It appeared to be purely cosmetic so I didn't both for this initial review. I will if/when I do a more detailed review.

[@m00k61]

Woah what's that orange stock you put on the 1.2?

[@KerrG21]

Wait so it is backwards compatible with the mk1.1 mags? Might buy this for a war

[@jpegjared]

I wish the max Stryker was sold in Canada it’s one of my most sought after blasters

[@emperorkiva8063]

Yeah but can they take a k26?

[@joshuahamann1284]

I think its weird that the new pro mk 1.2 does not have a buffer tube. That is a minus to me.

[@AwkwardQuokka]

I've heard the muzzle can fire mega and rival. Have you given that a try?

[@CaptainXavier]

Nope, planning to cover that in later vids.

[@paul022887]

Im pretty happy with the MK2.1 as a upgrade to my MK2. My Mk2 barely makes it 15 feet no matter what dart I use. I have a new barrel and Ill try some new orings/teflon tape to improve the seal soon. Maybe I can find a replacement spring to try. Most of that slop was DZ method to shoot both full length and half length darts. Probably better options, but it works.

[@lesliechua5535]

Some MK2 are bad, especially those earlier batches. U can try changing the plunger o ring to 28 x 2mm to get better seal.

[@Stevenwave-]

Sounds like you got a lemon unfortunately.

[@lesliechua5535]

@@Stevenwave- he should change the plunger o ring to 28 x 2 mm.

[@paul022887]

@@lesliechua5535 That is good to know! Thanks Ill find one before I rip it open!

[@Jack-lo8dz]

You can also get replacement parts for the mk2 from Dart zone. Cost $5 usd for parts and what ever it costs for shipping to your location.

[@PiscesGames54]

I can give you my 1.1, im having catching issues with it plus i have a caliburn and nerf is like a secondary hobby to me so im ok with giving it to you,

[@CaptainXavier]

Well...that would be awesome!

[@PiscesGames54]

@@CaptainXavier can i just email you and we figure it out from there?

[@andrewh.8363]

This video has been out for a while so this might be a shot in the dark, but has anyone found a low-power option for the 2.1? I go to a LARP where the FPS cap is 130 and I want to use the 2.1 for its style and magazines, but can’t warrant the purchase without any way to drop the power down to a more reasonable level

[@CaptainXavier]

There are almost certainly weaker springs for it. But I don't know of any specifically.

[@hebonky]

I like how the stock on the 1.2 seems to turn into an ar buffer tube

[@CaptainXavier]

It is a AR style buffer tube. Same goes for the 1.0, 1.1, Nexus, and Stryker. They can all take standard AR stocks.

[@hebonky]

@@CaptainXavier Well that's nice.

[@CaptainXavier]

@@hebonky right! They all come with fairly flimsy stocks but they have the potential to accept really nice ones.

[@crazygamerkasten9748]

the reason mesh eyepro is not as common is because an airsoft bb might shatter and send splinters into your eyes. they are perfectly fine for nerf though.

[@LCancel]

Are you using the original green bamboos or the newer yellowy bamboos that came with the new blasters? The new darts are lighter than normal which causes a higher initial velocity but samey ranges and worse accuracy.

[@CaptainXavier]

The ones they came with. In all the blasters so, level playing field.

[@ghostdog0424]

Where can I find the carry handle for the Striker?

[@CaptainXavier]

frantzfoamworks.com/collections/all-products/products/the-max-stryker-upgrade-kit

[@the_paleopro]

Dunno about you but I'd freak out if I heard a puma in my backyard. Although saying that, I am Australian, so the scariest thing that makes an eerie noise is an emu.

[@EdwardCoplinBatman]

Is the Stryker actually more powerful than the nexus? I didn't realize that was the case.

[@CaptainXavier]

Mine clear is.

[@dl5857]

Battle cats music?

[@ibbyseed]

Does anyone know if the mk 1.1 is still being made and for sale? I see the 1.2 on sites but cant find the 1.1

[@CaptainXavier]

I don't believe it is. That is generally how iterations work. When the new one comes out the previous version goes away.

[@ibbyseed]

@@CaptainXavier thank you.

[@thefngchanel6113]

Has anyone come out with upgrades for the adventure force spectrum

[@CaptainXavier]

Yes

[@benlam419]

We nice forward by getting rid of the obsolete. No more full length magwells.

[@RoxyBricks]

Commenting to boost the algorithms!

[@johnmurcott1273]

So the pistol is too big and the long gun is too big?

[@CaptainXavier]

Too big for what?

[@troythetinkerer]

What was with that Tentacle Stock!?😲

[@CaptainXavier]

What tentacle stock? ;P

[@jaysondomingo1583]

Any jamming issues on the 1.2?

[@CaptainXavier]

Did you see any in the video? Did I mention any in the video? ;)

[@jaysondomingo1583]

@@CaptainXavier that is good, there is a video mentioning that they occur, maybe that guy received a bad copy.

[@mitchhifi9192]

I wish there was a version with no full length compatibility, the slop or take up as some call it just feels absolutely abysmal. Leads to rougher priming and I just wish there was a stand alone short dart version would be amazing

[@CaptainXavier]

The 1.2 does not have "the slop." Alternatively, the Tomcat with mag adapter is pretty close.

[@nathaneltitane]

the quick reload kod was actually done by thatoldnerfguy and it woooorks! so yeah, no real engineering reason why not to

[@ShadowDaPk]

24:20 More seriously, could you not just cut the two grooves for the speed loaders into the 2.1?

[@CaptainXavier]

You could certainly try...

[@CAPTTIGHT230]

How to you get one??

[@CaptainXavier]

DZ sent it to me.

[@CAPTTIGHT230]

I hope you can buy em soon

[@Burasta]

Slop free! Hooray!

[@Tbug20]

Seeing you prime the Aeon so easily scares me.

[@beoeve]

I mean hey that top prime one would class as a pistol in real steel. No stock, short barrel.

[@rexregum2793]

How do you design those bottle targets

[@CaptainXavier]

Which ones? The ones that are just painted power aide bottles on strings? Or the ones that are Nerf bottle targets on hinges?

[@rexregum2793]

@@CaptainXavier the hinged ones

[@CaptainXavier]

@@rexregum2793 I screwed hinges to the bottom of some bottle targets and then screwed them to the frame.

[@StSparky]

You’re not a schmuck. I’d like you to use the Jurassic World blaster. Thank you.

[@nerdtvch5]

I might acturally pass on the 1.2, i've been seeing too many issues with it, and it isn't taking talons very well, kinda like the Mk 3 was having trouble. I do have the mk 2.1, it's great but... I just prefer my hammershot, plus mine hits pretty hard, so I'm happy.

[@adriansue8955]

Dart Zone needs to start coming up with some better names than just numbers. These are going to get confusing they more they add...

[@derkaiser9881]

I kinda disagree. If someone tells you about a fictional blaster like the DZP 3.7 you'll understand it's a flywheel blaster and the 7th iteration. The only real problem is when they get past 3.9, but that's 10 iterations of blasters before then. Really, it's not a bad system at all. Reminds me a lot of graphics card or CPU naming schemes.

[@adriansue8955]

@@derkaiser9881 1.2 2.1 2 3 3.1 that's nice that you aren't dyslexic, not everyone is so lucky

[@isaacfarr6328]

Nico Octo-stock

[@mohamedameen4375]

أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِن مَّتَّعْنَاهُمْ سِنِينَ (٢٠٥) ثُمَّ جَاءَهُم مَّا كَانُوا يُوعَدُونَ (٢٠٦) مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يُمَتَّعُونَ (٢٠٧) الشعراء Then have you considered if We gave them enjoyment for years, And then there came to them that which they were promised? They would not be availed by the enjoyment with which they were provided. (Quran 26 :205-207)

[@adriansue8955]

"these 3 screws and then 1 more" I am amused by your unique way of saying there are 4 screws

[@CaptainXavier]

Should have been 4 and 1 more...4 on the outside and then one more underneath. But yeah...odd phrasing.

[@joeythemattressstealer158]

Watching this while hiding in a closet with my nexus pro

[@mxrtal.0808]

It hurts me to see people dry fire

[@one4all885]

I like red better.

[@ragon.35]

Epic

[@frankschultz3567]

I know 50 cal balls a thing now try ear plugs lol

[@CaptainXavier]

I already have...

[@joeythemattressstealer158]

Oooo a V1nce copy

[@ragon.35]

I just use this pfp i don't make v1nce based videos dippoop

[@cathycarroll2914]

E

[@wojteksmetek2444]

1

[@joeythemattressstealer158]

3rd comment