ROB Poole never had a Nerf Blaster as a child but he is more than making up for it.

The 32-year-old has collected and modified 40 of the iconic fluoro toy guns and is part of a growing online Nerf community.

His love of Nerf blasters began after a colleague received one as a Secret Santa gift at an office Christmas party two years ago.

His curiosity grew into a full-blown hobby, and now Mr Poole is an active blogger, reviewer and Nerf war participant in suburban parks.

The Sunnybank man's choice of hobby has raised more than a few eyebrows when it comes up in conversation.

“Usually the response is, ‘Oh really?’ If they don’t believe me I show them the groups on Facebook, all of the blogs and the whole online community all about the Nerf guns,” he said.

But Nerf blaster wars are becoming increasingly popular, with groups of fanatics organising monthly meetings in parks where Nerf fans test out their safely modified toys.

Mr Poole said the popularity of Nerf wars was mainly because of online gaming trends.

“One of the reasons is because of video games. The highest-selling games at the moment are first person shooters and then people want to do that in real life.”

Brisbane Nerf Group holds the events with up to 30 enthusiasts playing Skirmish-like games.

Mr Poole said the wars attracted fathers and sons, were competitive and provided a good afternoon of exercise.

For details search Brisbane Nerf Group on Facebook.