Rico Industries NFL Laser Tag

The Verdict

Let’s be honest about what this is: it’s not a mil-sim training tool, and it’s not trying to be. The Rico Industries NFL Laser Tag set is backyard entertainment with a professional license slapped on it — and that’s exactly why it works.

I’ve tested three different laser tag systems this year, and this one wins on sheer simplicity. No smartphone pairing, no charging docks, no firmware updates. You put in batteries, pull the trigger, and the infrared beam does its thing. That’s it.

What You Actually Get

The standard set comes with two blasters, two chest sensors, and two NFL team decals of your choice. The blasters are molded in team colors — I picked up the Cowboys and Steelers versions — and the logos are printed directly into the plastic, not stuck on as an afterthought. After a month of backyard abuse, including one unfortunate incident involving a sprinkler, the branding hasn’t faded or peeled.

Build quality is respectable for the price point. The ABS plastic body has a reassuring heft without being heavy — roughly 1.2 pounds per blaster. The trigger has a satisfying tactile click, and the barrel-mounted IR emitter is recessed enough that it won’t shatter on impact.

Performance and Real-World Gameplay

Here’s where this set surprises. The infrared sensors on the chest rigs have a claimed 100-foot range, and in my testing, I got consistent hits at 80-90 feet in open daylight. That’s genuinely impressive for consumer-grade gear. The vibration feedback on a hit is strong — you’ll feel it through a sweatshirt, which is more than I can say for some competing sets that rely on weak buzzers.

The 240 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars reflect what real buyers are saying. One verified purchaser noted, “My 8-year-old and 10-year-old played for three straight hours without arguing about who got hit — the vibration feedback is unambiguous.” That’s the core strength here: when you get tagged, you know it, and there’s no room for dispute.

Where It Falls Short

The battery situation is the real annoyance. Each blaster requires 3 AAA batteries, and the chest sensors need 2 more. That’s 10 AAAs for a two-player set, and the sensors don’t have auto-off — they drain even when idle. Budget for rechargeable batteries upfront, or you’ll be buying disposables every few sessions.

The lack of a visual hit indicator is a genuine design gap. If you’re playing in a group with multiple players, you can’t always tell who’s out unless they call it. The vibration is strong, but in a chaotic firefight, it’s easy to miss. This is a design choice that favors simplicity over clarity, and it’s worth knowing before you buy.

Also worth noting: the chest sensors are one-size-fits-all with an adjustable strap. They fit my 8-year-old fine, but a larger adult might find them snug over bulky winter clothing.

Who Should Buy This

This is squarely aimed at families with kids aged 6-12 who want instant, no-fuss gameplay. It’s also a solid choice for casual adult gatherings — the NFL branding makes it a great conversation starter at tailgates or watch parties. If you’re looking for competitive, tournament-grade laser tag with hit tracking and scoring, you’ll want to spend significantly more on a system like Laserforce.

FAQ

How many players can use this set? The standard set supports two players. You can buy additional blasters and sensors separately to expand, but each player needs their own chest sensor — they don’t share.

Does it work indoors? Yes, but with caveats. IR beams bounce off walls and mirrors, which can cause false hits in tight spaces. Outdoor play is where it shines.

Is it safe for young children? The IR beam is eye-safe (Class 1 laser), and the vibration feedback is gentle enough for young kids. The blaster requires a solid trigger pull, which might be tough for children under 5.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a reliable, brand-licensed laser tag set that works out of the box, survives backyard abuse, and keeps kids active without screens.

Skip it if: You need multi-player support out of the box, want visual hit indicators, or expect mil-spec durability.

The Rico Industries NFL Laser Tag set earns its 4.8-star rating honestly. It’s not the most feature-rich option, but it nails the fundamentals: reliable performance, durable construction, and genuine NFL authenticity. At its price point, it’s the best value in the category — just factor in rechargeable batteries from day one.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.