A Launcher, originally called a Shooter (Japanese: シューター, Shooter), is a device that is usually used in conjunction with Ripcords to launch a Beyblade top. Instead of using a winder, like traditional shooters do, the BeyLauncher uses a string. Its design incorporates two indents on either side to help grip the shooter. The BeyLauncher can be seen as an upgrade to the HMS String Shooter; however, unlike the HMS String Shooter, which had to be wound around an axis manually, the BeyLauncher automatically retracts its string after being released.
Types of Beylaunchers[]
Light Launcher[]
This is the standard right spin shooter/launcher. The winder/rip cord is inserted in the back end, and to attach the Beyblade, you put both prongs of the launcher into the slots beside the Face, and then twist to lock it into place. It uses the exact same ten year old technology as the EZShooter, which has drawn criticism from much of the community, but this decision could be due to the Wheels being entirely metal this time around, as opposed to the plastic/metal ARs from the HMS generation.
BeyLauncher[]
Beylauncher (Storm Pegasis 105 RF)
Instead of using a winder, like traditional shooters do, the BeyLauncher uses a string. The BeyLauncher can be seen as an upgrade to the HMS String Shooter; however, unlike the HMS String Shooter, which had to be wound around an axis manually, the BeyLauncher automatically retracts its string after being released. Generally, the BeyLauncher should be chosen over the MFB Shooter for its increased power when the handle is released after launching, but the BeyLauncher is unfortunately prone to breakages due to its bad design. This has become a topic of much debate among the Beyblade community, some suggesting that the handle be changed into a rubber cylinder or ball, and the prongs to metal.
BeyLauncher L[]
Beylauncher L (Lightning L-Drago 100 HF)
The BeyLauncher was actually originally released as the BeyLauncher L, a left spin version of the launcher, with L Drago 105 F. It has a larger, more intricately designed, comfortable handle than the right spin BeyLauncher, and also several notches on the indents of the shooter to assist in gripping it.
BeyLauncher LR[]
The BeyLauncher LR was originally released with Gravity Perseus AD145WD. It has the same handle as the BeyLauncher L and similar notches on the indents of the shooter to assist in gripping it. The most notable feature of the BeyLauncher LR is the capability to launch Beyblades in either left or right spin without changing launchers. The BeyLauncher LR has two sets of prongs on the top and bottom of the launcher that determine the spin direction. The prongs that are not being used are covered by a cap that can be removed and set on each set of prongs to change the spin direction (The string cannot be pulled if the cap is not set on one side).
Beypointer[]
The Beypointer can be attached to the shooter, and it is used to keep track of your points. Every Blader begins with 1000 points. After each battle, the two players connect their Beypointers and each will lose/gain 10 points depending on if they won or lost. The Beypointer can also be connected to machines like the Bey Ta 1 and a Nintendo DS console through a Beypoint Reader, and it will keep track of all the points that are gained throughout those games. It is unclear how TAKARA-TOMY will prevent cheating using these because you could easily purchase two of them and connect them to get an infinite amount of points, and special Passwords were revealed at official events that can give a player from 100 to 500 points each. The Beypointer will not have much use outside of Japan however because the WBBA (World BeyBlade Association) is only active in Japan at the moment.
Complaints about the BeyLauncher[]
The BeyLauncher has a fatally flawed design. Here is a run down of the problems:
- Handle: The BeyLauncher handle can break or be pulled off under normal use.
- String: The BeyLauncher string can come loose or break under normal use.
- Prongs: The BeyLauncher prongs can break under normal use.
Takara Tomy's instructional to using a Beylauncher properly.
Generally, the BeyLauncher is chosen over the MFB Shooter for its increased power when the handle is released after launching, but doing so often results in breakages due to the impact of the handle hitting the BeyLauncher. TAKARA-TOMY has recommended that the BeyLauncher be held as pictured here, but this is extremely inefficient. And contradictorily, photos of TAKARA-TOMY employees have been posted on the official WBBA Circle showing them holding the handle in one of the "incorrect" ways. There is absolutely no way to achieve the full potential of the BeyLauncher using their suggested method, and even if you pull all the way to the end of the string without letting go, as they suggest, you run the risk of breaking the string.
Possible solutions to these problems include, rubber cylinder or ball for a handle, as opposed to the current "T" design which flies around too much after it is released, often causing it to whip the user in the arm/hand. And for the prongs, they could be replaced with metal prongs, though the feasibility of this is questionable.
BeyLauncher Suspension[]
Beylauncher Suspension
BeyLauncher Suspension As a solution to the handle breakage issue in the BeyLauncher design, Takara-Tomy released an accessory called the BeyLauncher Suspension. This device attaches to the pre-existing handle of the BeyLauncher and contains a spring inside of it, as well as a re-designed ergonomic handle. This spring allowed the user to pull the launcher at full strength without releasing the handle since it would alleviate the stress from the internal launcher mechanism.
To gain maximum power with the BeyLauncher Suspension, grip the handle naturally (not too firm, but firm enough to not accidentally let go). Then pull the cord back very quickly until it runs out and you feel the tension of the spring expanding. At that point just stop, but do not let go. Accidentally letting the cord go with the Suspension attached results in a weaker shot.
For users with prior experience with the BeyLauncher this is a technique that will require some adjustment. There will be an initial inhibition to pull too hard for fear of breaking the internal mechanisms or string. Current usage has shown no issues with internal launcher damage, so don't be afraid to pull hard. Also, if you are having trouble, don't hesitate to try different launcher positions with the grip, some users have altered their previous setup with the addition of the Suspension for greater performance/comfort.
It is important to note that this accessory ONLY addresses the string and handle breakage but NOT the prong breakage issues. For players who use the BeyLauncher as their primary launcher this is a MUST buy accessory.
Another product that helps to reduce breakage in the handle has been released called Launcher Rubbers. They are essentially rubber attachments that go on the handle. Aside from helping to grip the handle, the rubber slows down the handle as it retracts, reducing the impact of the handle against the BeyLauncher and reducing the frequency of breakages.
Makeshift Solution for Handle Problem[]
Prior to the release of the Beylauncher Suspension some players devised a makeshift way of reducing the stress to the launcher. Simply attach an elastic around your wrist and the BeyLauncher handle, and the retraction that normally occurs will be minimized, and will basically stay in place until you move your hand back into position to launch again.
Hasbro's String Launcher[]
To both facilitate the grip around the handle and reinforce the latter, Hasbro's version features a longer plastic handle. However, the string is still the same length as TAKARA-TOMY's version: exactly 50 cm. That string is made of the same stronger material that the latest Beylaunchers got. While these changes offer a longer longetivity for this item, it may still break and the string can stop retracting eventually.
Digital Power Launcher Pegasis/L-Drago Ver.[]
Digital Power launcher (Pegasus version)
The Digital Power Launchers feature a built-in shooter, and hence do not require any attachments to operate. It is electronic, and therefore requires 2 x AAA batteries to power the display. They come in two versions: Digital Power Launcher Pegasis Version, and Digital Power Launcher L Drago Version. There is no difference between the two except for the colour and stickers.
Currently the largest Launcher for MFB available, the Digital Power Launchers feature a built-in Beypointer, which is compatible with other stand-alone Beypointers. The Launcher also functions as an RPM counter: by changing the mode and then pulling the Ripcord, the strength of the launch can be measured. However, the internal apparatus which measures the RPM generated by the launch actually increases the friction inside the Launcher, and hence, decreases the overall power of the launch.
An additional feature of the Digital Power Launchers is the ability to launch both Right and Left Spin Metal Fight Beyblades. By changing the prongs attached to the Launcher and inserting the Ripcord into the alternative designated opening, one is able to launch in both Spin Directions. However, it is not possible to launch Right Spin Beyblades in Left Spin direction, and vice-versa.
Note: The Ripcord included with the Digital Power Launchers is not compatible with any other MFB Launchers.
Zero-G[]
Zero-G Compact Launcher[]
The Zero-G Compact Launcher is the latest iteration of Light Launchers. It features an overall sturdier design in both its construction and mechanical aspects. It also incorporate the functions of the Tool: the Face driver on top, which also serves to lock the Launcher in place on the Zero-G Launcher Grip, and the Bottom gear key on the side.
Despite its improvements over previous Light Launchers, the Zero-G Compact Launcher is similarly unsuited to the system it was designed for. Just as the Light Laucher 2 could handle the earlier Hybrid-Wheel System relatively well, but hardly the Maximum Series / 4D System, the Compact Launcher handles the 4D System relatively well, but its gear eventually breaks from repeated uses under the pressure exerted by the heavy Synchrom System.
Zero-G Compact Launcher L[]
The Zero-G Compact Launcher L is a stylized version of the Compact Launcher, designed for left-spinning Beyblades. It was only released with BBG-16 Starter Dark Knight Dragooon LW160BSF. It is the sole Launcher designed for left-spinning Beyblades under the BBG product line, and thus the only one compatible with the Zero-G Launcher Grip.
Gallery[]
