Kids, nowadays are getting smarter and faster in terms of technology.
With how easy and cheap it is getting a device, it is likely that the kids in your household have gotten their hands on an Android or iOS smartphone too. Especially considering that according to a survey, it was found that 31% of kids aged 8-10 and 69% kids aged 11-14 had a smartphone back in 2010!
So in order to keep them engaged somewhere else, in a much healthier manner, you could consider getting them a Nerf Bow and Arrow Set.
This could turn out to be a great alternative to keep kids away from keeping their eyes glued to a screen all day long.
In this list, we will mainly focus on the 11 Best Nerf Bows and Arrows in 2021. Due to the fact that there are a lot of companies that make toys like this but, there quality as well as reliability is not something that we can vouch for in the long term.
For all of you that do not know about Nerf, it is both a soft material that is used in making toys as well as a company, owned by Hasbro that specializes in making toys. They have been in this field for over 51 years, so you can stay rest assured that they know what they are doing.
Before we jump into the list however, we have put together a small What to Look For, for all of you who do not know much about Nerf Bows and Arrows as well as for everyone who wants to get a little extra information on them.
Best Overall — Dude Perfect Signature Nerf Bow
“The Dude Perfect Signature bow comes from a brand that is well known. It can shoot with accuracy and power and has proven to be durable for a lot of users too.“
Best Inexpensive — Nerf Mega Thunder Bow Blaster
“You do not have to spend a big amount to get a bow that is a good product. The Nerf Mega Thunder Bow gives its users premium quality and fun, for a very fair price.“
Best Bow with the Most Nerfs — Nerf N-Strike Strato Bow
“With the Nerf N Strike, you get 15 darts out of the box. This feature ends up being pretty handy, especially because of how kids want faster playtimes nowadays.“
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Nerf Bow and Arrow Set
Safety
We understand that safety will be at the top of your priority list, as it should be.
Getting a kid something that they can use to propel objects 100’s of yards is not a nice thought to have but, you don’t need to worry about that when it comes to Nerf Bows and Arrows. Because these toys come with darts that are made up of soft materials and do not have pointy ends. Some of the darts do have ends that help them stick on the other side, but that is it.
A little caution would still need to be given so that the child does not shoot directly in someone’s face or uses the Bow to harm him/herself or someone else.
Appropriate Age
Nerf makes Bows and Arrows for kids of all ages. Some have complex mechanisms while some are relatively simpler. Every set has its own prescribed age given to it and we would suggest, you take that into consideration during your buying process.
Because some sets come with certain features that are attractive to only certain ages. Such as lights and colors. Though other than that, some are easier to load and can be loaded at once with a few different arrows. Which tend to be the best if you are buying the set for a younger kid. As they generally find it hard and frustrating to load the Bow again and again.
Design
Nerf, over the years, has introduced a lot of different variations. Mostly though, in one way or another, they do follow conventional Bow designs.
The main Bow is made up of a lightweight but durable plastic and it has a strap attached to it. This gives these bows a lot of mobility and hence makes them a lot more enjoyable for the kids. Some Bows also come with dedicated grips but this changes with the model.
As for the shape, Nerf has made some changes to this too. Some come in bigger form factors while some come in totally different structures, such as a gun or a crossbow. But at the end of the day, they do follow the same principles.
Though one of the common Design theme that you get throughout the Nerf collection is their use of Bright Colors. This helps to make the toys attractive for the younger audience.
Accessories
As for the Accessories, the more expensive set you buy, the more perks you get.
These can include but are not limited to:
- A Practice Target that you can either paste or put up against a wall.
- A Quiver that can hold arrows which makes it easier for the child to carry the set around and play with it.
- LED lights. This like the bright color theme, makes the Bows more attractive to look at and to use.
Firing Range
This is one of the important factors of a bow. How far can it shoot?
Well this mainly depends on the size of the bow that you get. The larger they are, the more power they would be able to generate with their strings.
Younger kids might not be as interested in this spec of the bow but you would need to get one that can shoot far if you are getting this for a kid who is older.
One consideration over here though is that, if a bow has a longer firing distance, it will have a larger footprint too. Which means it would be hard for the kids to use inside. So keep in mind if the child will have a place to shoot outdoors before going for a, probably, more expensive and bigger bow.
Price
As for the price, you will find different variations for that. Even in this list, you will see that the Nerf Bows and Arrow Sets come in widely different price ranges.
This does depend on a few factors, but again are not limited to:
- The Build quality of the Bow
- The Type of Material being used for the Bow and Arrow
- The Accessories that are offered with the Set
11 Best Nerf Bow and Arrows in 2022
| Name | Size | Shooting Distance | Recommended Age |
| Dude Perfect Signature Nerf Bow | 42 inches (1.07 meters) | 105 feet (32 meters) | 10+ |
| Nerf Mega Thunder Bow Blaster | 2.99 x 31.50 x 16.50 inches | 100 feet (30.5 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf N-Strike Strato Bow | 26.5 x 12.5 x 1 inches | 85 feet (26 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow | 2 x 25 x 12 inches | 75 feet (22.6 meters) | 6+ |
| Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow | 2.5 x 29.8 x 12.2 inches | 75 feet (22.6 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow | 2.6 x 25.9 x 13.2 inches | 80 feet (24 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf Rebelle Epic Action Bow | 1.7 x 17.9 x 8.5 inches | 80 feet (24 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Lightening Bow | 2 x 24 x 10.9 Inches | 85 feet (26 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf Rebelle Tribute Bow | 20 x 12 x 2 inches | 85 feet (26 meters) | 8+ |
| Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow | 2.5 x 16.5 x 12 inches | 60 feet (18.2 meters) | 8+ |
1. Dude Perfect Signature Nerf Bow
One of the most popular Nerf Bow and Arrow set as of yet.
The Dude Perfect branding really shot this set up for success. Because of how popular they are, you can be sure that whoever you get this set for, is going to love it. And maybe, pull a trick shot or two.
This Bow set also is one of the biggest offered by Nerf as of now. Coming in at 42 inches (1.07 meters), this bow has the ability to shoot arrows up to a distance of around 105 feet (32 meters). Which does give a great opportunity for anyone that uses it to actually practice their archery skills. To further facilitate this, this set also comes with a Practice Target.
As for the Bow’s body, it measures up around 5lbs in weight. Which does translate to the bow being a little heavy but that further provides stability when shooting and makes the bow more durable overall.
All of these factors make the Dude Perfect Signature Bow a must have but the recommended age for this set is kids above 10. Which is due to its big size, comparatively heavier weight and a stiffer sting for shooting larger distances. You can get a size comparison from the video below.
This bow is one of the biggest that you will find on the market. . And as he points out, ‘the focus for this bow has been on the simplicity of its design.’
Something that older generations of this bow have lacked.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 10+ |
| Firing Distance: 105 feet (32 meters) |
| Weight: 5lbs |
| Bow Size: 42 inches (1.07 meters) |
| Pros |
| Largest Bow by Nerf |
| Durable |
| A Good set for Practice. Because of the accuracy and the power that this bow provides, this bow ends up being a good practice bow. |
| Cons |
| Big Size |
| Heavier |
| Cannot be used Indoors |
| Expensive |
2. Nerf Mega Thunder Bow Blaster
The Mega Thunder is a slightly more accessible bow with a recommended starting age of 8 and above.
This Bow and Arrow set comes with 10 projectiles to start with. And to make things easier for the kids, the Bow comes with the ability to load 5 darts at the same time. Which means you won’t have to wait anymore to cast quick shots. And as an added feature, Nerf gave the Mega Thunder, Whistler Darts. Which help with the overall experience as you hear the darts fly by as you shoot.
The Bow also includes an easier to pull back string which makes using the Bow not a big hassle or an effort.
One of the drawbacks for this Bow though is that it is a pretty big Bow with the ability to shoot a dart for 100 yards. Which means that kids would have to play outside to be safe.
With this bow, because of the unconventional design, you can use this bow at different angles too. Though as Brstieren points out on reddit the string is not as tough.
“The drawstring can be one of the drawbacks as with repeated use it can break”
Brstieren on Reddit
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 100 feet (30.5 meters) |
| Weight: 3.0lbs |
| Pros |
| 5 Darts can be loaded. This helps the bow be really fast to shoot |
| Whistler Darts. This helps the product stand out from its competitors |
| Durable |
| Flexing Bow Arms help with the durability of the product. |
| Real Bow Action |
| Cons |
| Big Size |
| Heavier |
| Cannot be used In-Doors |
3. Nerf N-Strike Strato Bow
The N-Strike Strato is a Bow for kids of all ages above 8. If you’re looking to just have fun or to have a proper practice session, the Strato will do the job for you.
This Bow comes with the most out of the box Darts, 15, and if you think those are not enough, you can go for some more too, separately.
With an easy to load and easy to release mechanism, you won’t be wasting much time placing the Darts in the Bow but rather seeing them shoot off up to 86 feet in the air!
And to top it all of, you can release and hold the 15 darts at the same time. Meaning, you won’t have to stop to reload after each round.
This N-Strike hence is a good Bow to buy in regards to its Easy to Use mechanisms, Durability and its quick Firing Darts.
Many users of this product have found it to be very easy toy to use. Though other users have also pointed out how the big size of the bow can be tough to use for younger kids. This can be a problem for you but keep in mind, other competitors also do come in the same size.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 85 feet (26 meters) |
| Weight: 1.48lbs |
| Pros |
| Durable |
| 15 Darts out of the Bow |
| Bow can hold 15 Darts at the same time. This helps make the bow really fast and quick. |
| Cons |
| Not for the Younger Kids |
4. Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow
The Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow is Nerf’s attempt on connecting with their female audience out there. The Heartbreaker is offered in a bunch of styles and all of them follow a feminine pattern.
The Heartbreaker comes with a Light Body, Small Frame and a Sturdy Design. Which helps give this Set long term longevity as well as mobility.
And in order to give the girls the same experience as the boys, Nerf offers this bow with a Real Bow Action. Which means you can actually practice archery with this Bow. You will need to decide however if you want to get more darts with this set or not. As originally, you only get 5 of them, which you can store on the Bow for easy relaoding.
Though because you can shoot up to 75 feet, even though this is not one of the larger Bows, you still will need to take the Heartbreaker outside in order to use it safely.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 6+ |
| Firing Distance: 75 feet (22.6 meters) |
| Weight: 1.23lbs |
| Pros |
| Sturdy |
| Dart Holder on Bow |
| Real Bow Action |
| Cons |
| Only 5 Darts |
| As JirachiWishmaker on reddit points out “we probably wouldn’t be getting our money’s worth anyway” |
5. Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow
The Rebelle Agent Bow really sticks true to its name. Nerf, in order to deliver what they promise, it gives you the ability to not only send secret messages with your arrows but also the decoder that you can use to read them.
This Bow, as it is for agents, also comes equipped with a laser sight to make your shots Accurate each time you let go.
The Arrows that come with this are soft-tipped and with the Bow’s weight of only 1.63lbs, you have a really great choice for kids 8 or above. The soft-tipped arrows also help the Bow’s usability in-doors even though you can shoot up 75 yards.
Also Read: Best Mini Pool Tables for Your Kids
You will need to get 2 AA Batteries, separately, in order for the laser sight to work and you might need to get extra arrows as out of the box, you only get 3.
With this bow, your experience will be similar to other reddit users and can be summarized in the words:
“I got one of these the other day and after some learning curve and practice am absolutely in love.”
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 75 feet (22.6 meters) |
| Weight: 1.63lbs |
| Pros |
| Latex String makes it more Durable |
| Quiver on Bow |
| Laser Sight |
| Secret Messages |
| Cons |
| Only 3 Darts |
| AA Batteries not included |
6. Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow
This Bow in the Rebelle series by Nerf is a little different but follows the same cool features as the Rebelle Agent. The Secrets and Spies comes with a revolving Quiver that can hold up to 6 arrows, at the same time, as well as load those arrows for you to cast. So that you can shoot your arrows in quick successions one after another.
To increase accuracy, this Bow also comes with a sight attached. And when that is coupled with its Real Bow Action, you can have proper practice sessions with the Rebelle Secrets and Spies.
Though keep in mind, this isn’t the most compact of Bows out there. And with the fact that it can shoot its Whistle darts up to 90 yards, this Bow is not one for the indoors.
In order to have an insight into the build-up of this bow, check out this official YouTube channel called Nerf Rubelle Official.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 90 feet (27 meters) |
| Weight: 2.7lbs |
| Pros |
| Durable |
| Revolving Quiver on Bow. This helps put this bow apart from its competitors in terms of design |
| Sight on Bow |
| Real Bow Action |
| Cons |
| Comparatively Heavy |
| Expensive |
7. Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow
The Flipside Bow was made to break the conventional barriers to Nerf Archery. With a unique design and not one, but two Quivers on the Bow, you can be sure to be quick with this one.
The Flipside Bow offers you the chance to load up 10 darts at one time, 5 in each quiver. And once one quiver is empty, you can switch to the next!
This Bow though, is on the heavier and bigger side. This means some kids might find it harder to use. And with the Bow’s ability to shoot up to 80 yards, you would need to be careful, if using it indoors.
In order to enhance your aim with this toy, here is a tip by a fellow reddit user:
“I’ve managed to get a decent bead by opening both eyes and using the double image to “see through” the upper arm.”
Hardly_Ideal on Reddit
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 80 feet (24 meters) |
| Weight: 2.36lbs |
| Pros |
| Plenty of Darts |
| 2 Quivers on Bow |
| Cons |
| Reliability Issues |
8. Nerf Rebelle Epic Action Bow
In at eight, we have one of the Bows from the Rebelle line up. Nerf over the years has launched a few of these from time to time.
The Epic Action Bow is one for the younger audience. Coming at only 0.078lbs, it is one of the lightest bows that Nerf offers. This makes it ideal for younger kids as they won’t need to carry around something heavy.
In order to make it more portable, this Rebelle comes in a compact size and shape. And to give a realistic experience, Nerf offers this with a Real Bow Action. Which will help the kids get an actual experience.
One of the downsides to this product is the number of darts that are offered with it; the number being only 3. So even though to help the kids, the Bow has a separate compartment to hold the darts. It might end up being frustrating for some of the kids.
In comparison, the Epic Action bow is slimmer which ends up helping with the handling of this bow.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 80 feet (24.8 meters) |
| Weight: 0.078lbs |
| Pros |
| Lightweight |
| Easy to Load |
| Real Bow Action. This can help you improve your real life shape and form in terms of Archery |
| Cons |
| Comes with only 3 Darts |
| Not as Durable |
9. Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega Lightening Bow
The Elite Mega Lightning Bow is a fairly simple Straight forward Bow that packs a punch. With its powerful string, you can throw your darts up to a distance of 85 feet. So it is advised to use this Bow outside.
Out of the box, you get 4 Darts, which is a bummer as some kids might find that number to be pretty low. But if you do decide to get more, this Bow can be the ultimate toy bow for your kids.
You can use the Elite Mega to not only have fun but also to better your aim, thanks to its built-in targeting site. And with increased mobility thanks to the 2 Dart Holder on the Bow itself, you can run around anywhere, Read, Aim and Shoot.
According to Coop772, this nerf blaster provides a great grip as well as a satisfying audible click when you load the ammo clamp. Both these details help set the product apart from its competitors as you get accuracy a premium experience with this product.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 85 feet (26 meters) |
| Weight: 1.27lbs |
| Pros |
| Durable |
| Sight on Bow. Helps make the Bowing experience more real |
| Real Bow Action |
| Cons |
| Only 4 Darts |
10. Nerf Rebelle Tribute Bow
If you are looking for a budget friendly option that will not be compromising on anything major, the Rebelle Tribute Bow is a great option to go for.
With its unique design, Nerf tried to cater for both the left handed and the right handed users equally and so no matter what the hand the user ends up using, you will for sure be comfortable.
Unlike some of the other options on this list, this Bow offers you Arrows rather than Darts. Which means you get a realistic experience of Archery, especially with its Real Bow Action design.
Though you might have to get your kids to go outside to play with Bow for safety reasons as the Bow can throw Arrows up to 85 feet.
According to WalcomS7,
“If you want to get better accuracy out of this bow, you will need to aim slightly to the left and lower than where you aim to hit.”
WalcomS7 on YouTube
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 85 feet (26 meters) |
| Weight:1.28lbs |
| Pros |
| Fast Loading |
| Inexpensive |
| Real Bow Action |
| Cons |
| Only Two Arrows |
11. Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow
The Zombie Strike, unlike the Signature Dude Perfect Bow, is relatively simpler and easier to use.
This Bow comes as a Crossbow and so kids don’t need to use as much of their own strength in reloading. This set can also be used indoors due to its compact size.
Another advantage that Crossbow design has is that it is lighter, weighing in at only 1.93 lbs. Which makes it easier for kids to carry it around. This is why, the recommended age for this set is 8 and above.
This Crossfire Bow comes with another trick up its sleeve. Which is that, with an arrow launcher, this Bow also has a water gun. Which the kids might use to make a mess around the house but, you still get two toys for the price of one.
You might need to buy extra darts with this toy though as you only get 4 out of the box. Which is one of the drawbacks of this device as this can be frustrating for the kids that play with it.
When compared to its competitors though, this product does have a slightly smaller handle. Because of this, the overall ease of using this toy is on the lower side.
| Specs |
| Recommended Age: 8+ |
| Firing Distance: 60 feet (18.2 meters) |
| Weight: 1.93lbs |
| Pros |
| Water Gun and Bow |
| inexpensive |
| Can be used In-Doors |
| Cons |
| Only 4 Darts |
| Trigger can Stick sometimes |
FAQs
As the Bow and Arrow set allow the kids to have a physical activity and not be on the internet, the set provides a few advantages.
Such as:
1. Playing with the set increases a child’s Hand Eye Coordination
2. Makes the Child more active
3. Helps the Child exercise
4. Increases the Child’s ability to concentrate
5. Helps the Child be more Patient
6. Helps the Child build up Confidence
Yes, the Nerf Arrows can hurt in certain circumstances. Even though they are made from a soft material, if someone releases an arrow straight at another person in close proximity, there is a chance that the arrow will hurt. But this can be avoided by keeping an eye on the child and teaching them how to use the set properly.
This depends on which Nerf Set you are getting. If the Set that you go for has a compact body and is small, then yes. This is because the larger the Bow is, the further it will be able to shoot the arrows. This makes using the larger Bows inside a house dangerous.
These Sets for the most part are Durable. The Arrows are made up of a soft material that do get worn out after a while but stay alright.
The strings on the Bow though, do end up getting worn out and sometimes even break if used harshly.
The Set is safe in the sense that it is made up of materials that are soft. But still, if not used with caution can end up not being safe. So for younger kids, guidance would be necessary.
