Stalker

Stalker
Also known as
Artemis, Angel Fire
Release information
Company	Zuru
Brand / Series	Air Zone
Release date	2012
Averageretail price	14.99 EUR 1,399 INR
Product features
Stockammunition type	Arrow
Internals type	Direct plunger
Dimensions	27" x 10.3" x 2.8" 68.5cm x 26cm x 7cm
Weight	20.6 lbs 9.3kg
Product performance
Priming mechanism	Bow-action
Mode of fire	Single-fire

The Stalker (also known as the Artemis and the Angel Fire) is a single-fire Zuru blaster that was released in 2012 under the X-Shot series.

It comes packaged with two arrows and a barrel piece.

Details

The Stalker is currently the first and only blaster under the X-Shot line to be released featuring arrows. Although it is the first blaster in the X-Shot line to fire arrows, it appears to be somewhat based off of the Stealth; the Stalker shares a very similar priming handle with the Stealth, although its draw is much longer. This blaster, unlike the blasters in the original X-Shot line that fire both darts and water, only fires arrows and no other ammunition type. It features a removable barrel similar to that of a Nerf Titan AS-V.1, which allows the blaster to become more compact. The blaster also features bow arms, which, like many other blasters of the same fashion, are removable.

Interestingly, the blaster, after being fired, requires the priming mechanism to be pushed forward, very similar to the Nerf Big Bad Bow. It is unknown why this is, however it can be solved by adjusting the tension on the strings attached to the bow itself. The bow arms do not cause a significant change in performance, and the blaster can still be used without them. The blaster features the typical X-Shot color scheme of green and black in its regular variant, and also has patterns of cracks along the side of the blaster where the faux "vent" is located. The handle of the blaster is slightly small for older users, and it bears a strong resemblance to an elongated version of the Dual's handle.

History

This blaster was first shown in late 2011 alongside the Xcess and Vigilante. The only notable difference between the finalized Stalker and the prototype Stalker is the absence of bow strings on the prototype model. This blaster was given a release some time in mid-2012. This blaster was also re-released under the Air Zone line in some markets.

In late 2013, three new X-Shot lines were introduced (X-Shot Excel, X-Shot Girl, and X-Shot Zombie), consisting of some re-released versions of previous X-Shot blasters as well as new blasters. The Stalker was one of two blasters to be re-released in all three of the three new lines, the other blaster being the Micro. For the X-Shot Girl line, the Stalker was packaged with a new color of arrow and was renamed the Artemis, alongside a color scheme swap. The Stalker was also re-released in 2013 with updated internals and claims of 35-foot ranges. For unknown reasons, the Artemis was renamed to the Angel Fire upon the renaming of the X-Shot Girl line to X-Shot Pink Series.

Color schemes

The Stalker has been released in the following color schemes:

• Standard (green, black, and yellow)
• X-Shot Zombie (white, black, and yellow)
• Air Zone (white, black, and yellow)
• X-Shot Excel (yellow, blue, and orange)
• X-Shot Girl Artemis / X-Shot Pink Series Angel Fire (pink, black, and yellow)

Modification

While modification for this blaster has largely not surfaced, it is likely quite easy to remove the bow arms, making the blaster much more compact. Air restrictor removal is probably quite easy to complete as well, with more advanced modifications such as converting the blaster to fire darts also being possible.

Reloading and firing

To reload the Stalker, simply screw the barrel piece onto the front of the blaster. Load one arrow onto the barrel. Pull the priming mechanism at the back until a click is heard.

Pull the trigger to fire an arrow. To fire another arrow, push the priming mechanism forward and repeat the process.

Trivia

• The Stalker, alongside the Micro, is the only blaster in the X-Shot line to have more than one name.
• The Stalker, alongside the Micro, Scope, Turbo Fire and Vigilante, is one of the few X-Shot blasters to only fire one ammunition type.

Gallery

The full image gallery for Stalker may be viewed at Stalker/Gallery.