21 replies to this topic

[Langley]

Last year we imposed certain restrictions on darts for Apoc. The intent was to require everyone to use slugs because that is what we generally use in New Jersey (for a variety of reasons, more on that later*); however, several out-of-towners who were traveling a long way to nerf at Apoc were unhappy about this, and we tried to meet them in the middle with a more loose set of guidelines for dart construction. This led to mixed results. In order to simplify things and remove any ambiguity, we are imposing the following rules this year:

All darts must be made using a 1/2" diameter 1/8" thick adhesive-backed felt bumper from McMaster-Carr, part#8771K12.
Darts may only be weighted using a single #8 or #6 washer, which must be entirely covered by the felt bumper.

You can also use the other available felt pad colors in that size, but green is generally accepted to hold together better than the others.

Unmodified stock darts are also permitted, but you're probably going to be horribly outclassed if you plan to use stock darts all day.

I recommend using Ryan's Dart Guide, and you may find additional useful info in my Dartsmithing Tips thread.

If you are unable to order the necessary parts from McMaster, please contact me via PM and I will provide you with an alternative source of materials. Only contact me about this if you have no way to order from McMaster (for example, if you live in Canada).

*Safety of course is a concern here, but that is only a part of the reason why we require the use of slugs in NJ. Slugs are also required because they level the playing field and allow us to use a wider variety of blasters without as much variation in range and performance. Nowhere is this more important than Apoc. Nerfers travel in from all over the country continent to attend, from regions with vastly different rules, gun restrictions, and styles of play. The sheer volume of people in attendance prevents us from being able to identify all potentially problematic blasters, and it is impossible to anticipate what people will bring because the majority of the Nerfers at Apoc are people we don't see more than once or twice a year. By requiring slugs, we reduce the effect of overpowered blasters, give people with under powered blasters a fighting chance, and make it safer to use found ammo. (As an aside, I had a giant scabby bruise on my forehead for two solid weeks last year because someone put unfamiliar ammo in their extravagantly overpowered big blast at another war). It also bears mentioning that slugs are less likely to put holes in my bunkers (or your skin).

In the end, this is really what it comes down to: There are a lot of different ways to win a round. Maybe you're a better shot, or a more aggressive player. Perhaps you are a good team leader, or you've modded your blaster to perfectly suit your style on the field. But of all the reasons to win, "My darts were heavier" is one of the lamest.

Feel free to ask questions, but understand that these rules are not negotiable.

[Langley]

A few more notes:

On silicone darts: I have yet to see a silicone based dart design that I would allow or encourage at Apoc. Assume that your silicone darts will not be permitted unless otherwise noted. Gumdrop heads are definitely out, and VANS will only be permitted if Kane made them himself and if certain design flaws have been addressed.

Anyone making high-quality darts to sell at Apoc is likely to do very well. If you plan to sell darts at the war and your darts are of better than average quality, please let me know. I would be happy to link you in this thread.

[SlightlySane813]

Are my darts that use a 3/8" felt nested inside the foam okay? I have been using these at past NJNO's (or what ever its called) that you have attended and they have held up well and have no exposed metal.

[Langley]

Are my darts that use a 3/8" felt nested inside the foam okay? I have been using these at past NJNO's (or what ever its called) that you have attended and they have held up well and have no exposed metal.

While I recall the darts you're talking about, and they haven't been a problem at NJNOs, I don't want to make any case-by-case exceptions. The darts you make might be perfectly fine, but I wouldn't want to allow everyone to make darts with 3/8" felts. After some of the stuff I saw last year, I would not trust the average attendees of apoc to make safe darts using 3/8 dots of felt.

[Buffdaddy]

Can I assume that silliness (missiles, oversized FBR stefans) is ok, as long as you're still using felt pads and appropriate weight? (Again, you can find those at McMaster)

[Langley]

Can I assume that silliness (missiles, oversized FBR stefans) is ok, as long as you're still using felt pads and appropriate weight? (Again, you can find those at McMaster)

If you're firing over-sized ammo that came with a stock blaster, or missiles purchased from Draconis, that's fine. You can use over-sized FBR if you want, but you can't put anything heavier on it than a single #8 washer. 'Bolo rounds' or anything else that goes completely outside of the spec of normal slugs will not be permitted.

[Shoopy]

Great idea Langley. Though, I already use Swift foam with #8 washers and 1/8" inch thick black felt pads, I feel this is a very smart move. The Southeastern nerfers know what they're doing establishing a standard dart, as should us Northeasterners. I hope EVERYONE follows though with this rule. It will make nerfering safer and more fun. Props to ya! Plus, if you don't follow the rules, well, let's just say Langley knows all.

[Greydon]

I have a question. If I can go I plan on using stock foam with #6 washers and felt tips in them. What is the weight restrictions on them with adhesives added to the mix?

[Langley]

I have a question. If I can go I plan on using stock foam with #6 washers and felt tips in them. What is the weight restrictions on them with adhesives added to the mix?

I don't recommend using stock foam to make slugs, but you can take a look at Ryan's dart guide for a rough idea of how much glue is acceptable. Filling the cavity of the stock foam with a substantial amount of hot glue is not kosher. Just use the minimum amount necessary to make a good connection.

[Daniel Beaver]

It's worth noting that adding an excessive amount of hot glue to a slug dart shifts it's center of gravity towards the rear, decreasing it's accuracy. So... make them right, don't cheat.

[Robin Hood]

Any good places to get FBR from? I heard McMaster's don't work good for PETG. Accepting any recommendations.

[taerKitty]

I've had good experience with b1gb3n's foam, which he sourced from Log Home. However I've heard that some people lately have had some bad form, the details of which escape me. Log Home doesn't list prices for bulk foam, but if you contact their customer service, they'll quote you a price for up to 2500'. When I asked, back two years ago, I believe they asked for approximately $200 + S&H.

[Robin Hood]

Jeez, that amount will give me darts until I'm like 80. Be walking around on a pump action cane or have a vulcan mounted on a hover round. Hey that sounds like some fun mods.

[Greydon]

Does length of stefans matter? or if I follow the rules pisted in making them I can go 1.25" instead of 1.5"

[evoion44]

Hey, I'm new and probably going to a couple of nerf wars, so I don't know the restrictions very well. From what I have read here, you don't have to weight your darts with a washer. Is this true?

[andtheherois]

Hey, I'm new and probably going to a couple of nerf wars, so I don't know the restrictions very well. From what I have read here, you don't have to weight your darts with a washer. Is this true?

Darts may only be weighted using a single #8 or #6 washer, which must be entirely covered by the felt bumper.

Reading helps.

[Langley]

Hey, I'm new and probably going to a couple of nerf wars, so I don't know the restrictions very well. From what I have read here, you don't have to weight your darts with a washer. Is this true?

I suppose you don't have to put any weight in your darts, but I'm not sure why you would want to do that. Otherwise, yeah, you have to use the prescribed washers. If you live in NJ you should make an effort to come to one of the prewars. You can get caught up before Apoc, and I'll have some dart making materials available if you would rather not order them from McMaster-Carr

[Guitarzan]

So in preparation for this war I ordered a batch of 1/8" thick, 1/2" diameter WHITE adhesive backed bumpers for slug making. (mcmaster.com of course) 1000 slugs later I'm realizing that the white ones aren't actually as thick as the green ones for some stupid frickin reason. Please please tell me it won't be a problem for me to use these at Apoc, or else I'm pretty much screwed.

[LT DAN ICE CREAM]

All darts must be made using a 1/2" diameter 1/8" thick adhesive-backed felt bumper from McMaster-Carr, part#8771K12.
Darts may only be weighted using a single #8 or #6 washer, which must be entirely covered by the felt bumper.

1/8" thick adhesive felt pads are the padding required, the part number listed here is just the green variant. The brown, white, and black are all okay according to this quote.

Also, I have ordered the brown, green, and white felt pads, and have noticed very little difference between the two. The green ones seem to be a little more durable, but still have a propensity to fall apart after extreme use.

Edited by LT. DAN ICE CREAM!!!, 02 August 2012 - 11:04 AM.

[Langley]

You can also use the other available felt pad colors in that size, but green is generally accepted to hold together better than the others.

White bumpers are fine, just try not to completely rip them apart when you pull them off the backing.

[The Nerfaholic]

Hey, I'm new and probably going to a couple of nerf wars, so I don't know the restrictions very well. From what I have read here, you don't have to weight your darts with a washer. Is this true?

Without a washer to weight the darts they will just fishtail and wont go 10 feet. You really need a size 6 washer in your darts.

[Langley]

Without a washer to weight the darts they will just fishtail and wont go 10 feet. You really need a size 6 washer in your darts.

You're a little late to the party dude, several people responded to this post, and then a few more talked to him in person at the war last week.