ZWQ S400 Zebra (Red Hare) Bullpup Blaster Review

ZWQ S400 Zebra (Red Hare) Bullpup Blaster Review

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If you’ve been following the foam-flinging world recently, you’ve probably seen the name ZWQ S400 Zebra—also known as the Red Hare—pop up everywhere. And honestly? The hype is deserved.

ZWQ has already made a name for itself with the S200S Viper, but the S400 takes things to an entirely new level: bigger plunger volume, smoother priming, better ergonomics, and performance potential that borders on ridiculous.

After hands-on testing and digging through early field impressions, here’s a full breakdown of what makes the ZWQ S400 Zebra Bullpup Blaster one of the most exciting releases of 2025.

zwq s400 zebra blaster in orange color

First Impressions: Compact but Serious

The S400 is a bullpup-style, manual spring-powered blaster, and it feels immediately different from a traditional long-barrel platform. At just 53.5 cm long, it’s surprisingly short for something capable of sniper-tier performance.

Pick it up, and you’ll notice three things right away:

  • It’s solid — PC shell, nylon furniture, and metal internals mean zero squeaks.
  • It has weight, but not fatigue-inducing weight — great for long games.
  • It feels premium — bearing-assisted priming, raised Picatinny rail, and clean fit/finish.

The design leans slightly “Lynx-inspired,” but it still has its own character—especially with ZWQ’s bold color options (orange, grey, white, translucent, etc.).

Why the Bullpup Design Matters

Bullpup blasters place the plunger tube behind the grip, letting manufacturers use a longer barrel and bigger air volume without extending the overall length.

The S400 uses this layout brilliantly:

  • 130cc plunger volume (huge for the size)
  • 45cm metal barrel included
  • Large compression space tucked neatly into the stock

That’s how it hits such high FPS without being a shoulder-destroying, oversized cannon.

It’s maneuverable like a carbine, but performs like a long-distance blaster.

Build Quality & Internals: Metal Where It Matters

Let’s be real: many budget and mid-range springers look good on the outside but fall apart internally.
The Zebra is not one of them.

What you get inside:

  • Full-metal internals
  • Metal threaded barrel interface
  • Bearing-assisted priming block (super smooth)
  • Tight air seal (early testers called it “perfect”)
  • Nylon support pieces for snug barrel alignment
  • AEG-compatible pistol grip mounting
  • Quick-takedown layout for fast spring swaps

Nothing feels flimsy. Nothing rattles. Nothing binds.

This is built like a performance platform—not a toy.

Ergonomics & Handling: Surprisingly Comfortable

Despite being compact, the S400 is thoughtfully designed for comfort:

✔ Raised Picatinny Top Rail

Great for players who wear thicker goggles or face masks. No awkward chin-to-stock aiming.

✔ Ambidextrous Safety & Mag Release

Lefties rejoice—ZWQ didn’t forget about you.

✔ Rubber Buttpad

Soft, stable, and easy to shoulder (though some players wish it were 2 cm longer).

✔ Extremely Smooth Priming

The bearing system makes the pump or bolt stroke absurdly easy. Even a 2.0 spring feels manageable.

✔ Multiple Sling Points

Rear slot, mid-body point, and a large cut-out loop give you options.

✔ Optional Pump or Bolt-Action

Choose the style that fits your loadout.

zwq s400 zebra foam dart blaster details

Magazine Compatibility

Out of the box:

  • Compatible with ZWQ proprietary wide & thin mags
  • Not compatible with Worker/Unicorn Talon mags without internal shaving (for now)

However—good news—Talon magwell adapters are already in development by third parties, so compatibility upgrades are coming.

Performance Testing: Big Numbers from a Small Blaster

Here’s the performance data from field tests and the official spec sheet:

FPS With Included Barrel

Spring Approx. FPS
1.2 stock spring ~62–65 FPS
1.5 spring ~190 FPS
1.6 spring ~225 FPS (229–246 in testing)
2.0 spring ~300–320 FPS (up to 313 in tests)

This is where the S400 separates itself from most bullpup foam blasters. Hitting 200+ FPS feels effortless, and climbing beyond 300 FPS turns it into a legitimate sniper-class platform.

Accuracy is also impressive. Hitting targets at 20+ meters consistently isn’t a challenge once your optic is zeroed.

Maintenance: A Modder’s Dream

Spring swaps and internal servicing normally require full disassembly.
Not here.

The S400 features true quick-takedown access:

  1. Remove top grub screw
  2. Slide away the metal guide bar
  3. Remove two screws
  4. Push the front pin out
  5. Lift the priming assembly
  6. Swap your spring in seconds

This level of accessibility is rare—and a massive win for modders and tuners.

Customization & Attachments

This blaster was built to be personalized.

You can upgrade or change:

  • Pistol grip (AEG-style)
  • Foregrip
  • Side rails
  • Barrels (standard or Worker-compatible)
  • Magwell insert
  • Optics
  • Cosmetic nameplates
  • Muzzle devices

And with third-party support growing, expect printable parts, buttpad extensions, and magwell mods soon.


Pros & Cons

✔ Pros

  • Extremely compact for its power
  • Huge 130cc plunger volume
  • Smooth priming with bearing system
  • Durable PC + metal build
  • Quick-maintenance design
  • Very accurate beyond 20m
  • Fully ambidextrous controls
  • tons of customization potential
  • Great for both pump and bolt-action fans

✘ Cons

  • Stock buttpad may feel short for taller players
  • Talon magazine compatibility requires modding or an adapter
  • High springs require some strength, despite smooth priming
zwq s400 zebra transparent nerf blaster

Who Is the ZWQ S400 Zebra For?

This blaster is perfect if you are:

  • A modder wanting a flexible, high-potential platform
  • A sniper-class player who wants small size but huge power
  • A CQB player needing maneuverability with the option to push high FPS
  • A collector looking for a modern, stylish bullpup blaster

It’s less ideal if you only play in low-FPS fields or want a simple blaster with no upgrade plans.


Final Verdict: A Top Contender for Best Bullpup Blaster of 2025

The ZWQ S400 Zebra / Red Hare is one of the most impressive foam blasters released in recent years. It’s compact, powerful, incredibly smooth to operate, and purpose-built for customization.

If you want a blaster that can grow with your skill level—from casual backyard plinking to high-FPS competitive games—the S400 delivers outstanding value.

Smooth. Strong. Smartly designed.
This is a bullpup done right.

Read more:

Ultimate Guide: How to 3D Print a Nerf Blaster in 5 Easy Steps

How Much Do Nerf Darts Weigh?

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