By: Jeremy Alden
Are you looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine? Are you looking for something that is a little different from the Nerf blaster gameplay?
If so, you’ll probably want something from the Nerf Sports line of products that will help you get active while enjoying some of your favorite sports in the process.
While the Nerf Sports series offers a host of different sports products, among them are a few Nerf Vortex options worth mentioning. Take, for example, Nerf Sports Vortex.
But even in this individual line, which is the best Nerf Sports Vortex football?
Let’s take a look at our favorite product and give you some other suggestions to help you make the most out of the Nerf Vortex series of products.
Best Nerf Vortex Footballs - My Top Picks

- LONG-DISTANCE FOOTBALL: Throw long passes with the Nerf Vortex Aero Howler -- the classic long-distance foam football!
- HOWLS AS IT FLIES: It makes a howling sound when it flies through the air – you not only see how far it’s going, you also get the thrill of hearing it as it soars across the entire distance!
- FLIGHT-OPTIMIZING TAIL AND HAND GRIP: The Vortex Aero Howler has a tail designed that optimizes flight to send it flying far, and the hand grip helps you get a firm hold on the ball

- Pocket-sized foam football
- Tail helps it fly farther when thrown
- Practice passing or start a game
- Includes 1 foam ball

- Get in the game with the Nerf Sports Pocket Vortex Aero Howler ball.
- It howls as it flies through the air letting everyone know the ball is on the way. The long-distance tail is designed for far-flinging shots so take aim and go long.
- The foam ball is sized for portability making it easy to drop it in a backpack and take it along to start up a game almost anywhere and anytime Nerf
Let’s be clear: the Nerf Vortex line is very limited.
With only one major football in production and many other products having been phased out of the market, it’s quite hard to find the best football for everyone.
The 4 Best Nerf Vortex Footballs

1. Nerf Vortex Aero Howler Classic
Nothing beats the classic - The Nerf Vortex Aero Classic is the OG, the original Aero Howler with the built in whistle.
The classic was the start of the phase of putting whistles into the football so that they "howl" as they fly through the air.
I had the classic as a kid and now my kids have it. Hands down it's the best.
- LONG-DISTANCE FOOTBALL: Throw long passes with the Nerf Vortex Aero Howler -- the classic long-distance foam football!
- HOWLS AS IT FLIES: It makes a howling sound when it flies through the air – you not only see how far it’s going, you also get the thrill of hearing it as it soars across the entire distance!
- FLIGHT-OPTIMIZING TAIL AND HAND GRIP: The Vortex Aero Howler has a tail designed that optimizes flight to send it flying far, and the hand grip helps you get a firm hold on the ball
- FLIGHT OPTIMIZING TAIL AND HAND GRIP: The Vortex Aero Howler has a tail designed that it optimizes flight to send it flying straight and far through the air, and the hand grip helps you get a firm hold on the ball
2. Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler
The Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler is a smaller football that is designed to offer a better grip for all players, no matter their age or size.
Rather than opting for the traditional football design, the Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler features a smaller football body at the end of a tailfin.
This tailfin is designed to improve aerodynamics and help the ball achieve greater stability as it travels through the air, something that is often cited as a downside for other Nerf football products.
The best part, however, lies in the fact that this product “howls” as it travels through the air.
This is achieved through a small hole in the football’s body that functions similarly to the Nerf Mega dart. With plenty of fun designs and styles to choose from, the Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler is the go-to football for all Nerf players.
You can read my full-depth review on the Vortex Howler here.
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3. The Nerf Sports Pocket Aero Flyer
The Nerf Sports Pocket Aero Flyer is a smaller version of the Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler. This gives much younger players a chance to join in on the fun if they find the original ball to be too much to grip and throw.
Even for older players, this smaller body gives them the ability to throw it higher and farther.
That being said, this product is a bit harder to get your hands on and does not come with the same howling feature as the ball above.
- Pocket-sized foam football
- Tail helps it fly farther when thrown
- Practice passing or start a game
- Includes 1 foam ball
4. Nerf Sports Vortex Howler Accelerator
The Nerf Sports Vortex Howler Accelerator is not a ball, but a product designed to improve your use of the Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler.
Designed much like a ball-thrower for your pet, the Nerf Sports Vortex Howler Accelerator features a small notch at the top of a long stick with a handle where you can rest your Nerf Sports Vortex Aero Howler. Once the ball is in place, simply throw your arm back with the tool in hand, and whip it forward to launch the ball into the air.
This gives you much more distance and allows you to see just how great the howling feature of the ball is. If you play with your kids frequently, having one of these on hand can be exciting for everyone.
- Designed for distance
- The fun, easy way to boost every throw
- Includes 2 Vortex Howler Accelerator launchers
- Comes with 1 mini Vortex Aero Howler ball
- Includes 2 Vortex Howler Accelerator launchers and 1 mini Vortex Aero Howler ball
There’s Never a Bad Time to Bring Out Your Favorite Nerf Vortex Football
Whether you agree with our initial choice of football or find yourself more entranced with one of the other options on this list, the Nerf Vortex football is perfect for any season and any reason.
From playing in the pool to getting outside for some fresh air and sun, you can bring a Nerf Vortex football to any game and immediately change the mood.
If you’re looking for the perfect Nerf Vortex ball or accessory, the review and guide above will help you find the best fit for your needs.

Jeremy A
Dart Dudes
About the Author
Jeremy is the founder of Dart Dudes, the leading resource for parents looking to pick up a Nerf toy for a child. He grew up with his four brothers and two sisters where there was always a Nerf war taking place.
With a focus on safety, Jeremy has helped thousands of parents help chose the right Nerf toy for their kids or grandkids. He lives in California with his wife and family. Learn more about me. - You can email me jeremy@dartdudes.com