My New Initiate V3

[DirtyJersey]

My Initiate V3 came today, and i must say that I am absolutely impressed with this hilt style. The first stand out feature of this hilt is, that compared to the Initiate V2, this saber has a fuller hilt to grip onto. The button has been placed higher up on the hilt which gives plenty of room for a low grip, plus there are 2 choke points above and below the switch which give more options on how you can grip the saber.

Choke Points Close Up


Low Grip


Low Choke Grip


High Choke Grip


The overall length of this saber, with blade is 38 and 1/2 inches. The Hilt itself is 9 and 3/4 inches. The emitter is 2 inches deep to the LED.

Full length saber lit up.


Hilt Close Up


Emitter Close Up.
I really love the look of this emitter. It reminds me of a precision machined piston head when viewed from the side.


Emitter Reverse Side. When you turn the emitter over you'll notice that there is only one set screw hole on this version, and it is placed higher up on the emitter. I really like the placement of this set screw as opposed to earlier versions which were placed low on the emitter and held the blade close to the end.



The size difference between the V2 and V3 is small but substantially noticeable when held. The V2 seems to only offer 2 types of grip, high or low, while the V3 offers at least 3 points of grip.

Initiate V3 vs Dark Initiate V2 LE


The size difference between the Initiate V3 and the Aeon LE is substantial, but not overwhelmingly noticeable when held. Both hilts offer a good range for grip styles.

Initiate V3 vs Aeon LE


Here is a look at some of the parts of the Initiate V3

First off, the Initiate V3 has a wider diameter then it's predecessor the V2. The difference is easily seen when comparing pommel sizes against the Initiate V2 or or Aeon V2


Looking down into the battery compartment there is about a half inch of empty space which would have been taken up if I had sound installed.


The battery pack itself holds 4 AAA batteries and is secured with a small velcro strap which takes up the extra diameter inside the hilt and prevents rattling, or sliding up and down during spinning.


Overall, I give this new Initiate V3 a 10 out of 10. This hilt is as functional as it is beautiful. There is absolutely nothing I would change about this hilt, it is perfect just as it is. I highly recommend this saber to anyone and everyone.

[Zren Tobas]

Nice hilt. I'm getting the Dominix V3 LE with the works next month. Blazing Red Heavy Grade blade, Obsidian with red lighted button and li-ion batteries, and normal vented pommel. I agree the new V3 has the best looking emitter. Has a pre-quel era style look to it. And the Adegan Silver looks amazing on your hilt too.Hope to see more Non sound sabers made for sound later on. Really looking forward to a Standard Issue with sound.

[shyguy3000]

Nice Pictures, Very Helpful especially the ones where you show the possible different ways in holding the saber.

[DirtyJersey]

Nice hilt. I'm getting the Dominix V3 LE with the works next month. Blazing Red Heavy Grade blade, Obsidian with red lighted button and li-ion batteries, and normal vented pommel. I agree the new V3 has the best looking emitter. Has a pre-quel era style look to it. And the Adegan Silver looks amazing on your hilt too.Hope to see more Non sound sabers made for sound later on. Really looking forward to a Standard Issue with sound.

I was thinking of getting the Dominix V3 set up mostly like you described except with mid grade blade and Dark Catalyst pommel.

[DirtyJersey]

Nice Pictures, Very Helpful especially the ones where you show the possible different ways in holding the saber.

Thanks Shyguy, I try to think through every possible shot before I go on to posting. The written info usually comes from the pictures I take, so it's important to me to make sure I cover every possibility.

[Qui-Tom Helms]

Nice review as usual.  Any reason why getting the regular Initiate V3 as opposed to the LE model?

[DirtyJersey]

Nice review as usual.  Any reason why getting the regular Initiate V3 as opposed to the LE model?

I actually ordered this before the LE model was released.

[Zren Tobas]

@Jersey. Nice. The Dominix V3 would look good with a Catalyst pommel. But I more like the original pommel. I thought about a Mid Grade blade again but when I get my bro his sounded saber we will be fighting alot. xp Don't want the Mid Grade blades to be ruined or anything. I will tell you how the new Dominix V3 is in person when I get it either later this month or early next month. =]

[Master Nero Attoru]

@Jersey. Nice. The Dominix V3 would look good with a Catalyst pommel. But I more like the original pommel. I thought about a Mid Grade blade again but when I get my bro his sounded saber we will be fighting alot. xp Don't want the Mid Grade blades to be ruined or anything. I will tell you how the new Dominix V3 is in person when I get it either later this month or early next month. =]

The midgrade blade is super durable, it holds up to a LOT of dueling.  I haven't broken one yet.  Personally, I think they're a little better weighted too.  Just my two cents.

Great review Jersey, can't wait to get my own V3 - gonna go for the Dark version though.

[Vex]

Great review! So much so I will be ordering a Dark Initiate V3 LE  AS led within the next two weeks, I'm going to match Lee Filter it with my Dark Initiate V2 LE for dual wielding ! That saber looks great , and thanks fir showing the different grips!

[Manroon]

Awesome review, makes me want one of these for myself. Easy... easy.... you just got the Bellicose... can't buy another one yet... lol

Anyways, point for you on the most detailed review. Putting in the bits about the grip options was great, I always forget about things like that when I'm showing off or reviewing a saber, and it's a darned important feature!

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

Looks good.

Just ordered an AS saber for my buddy.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Looks good.

Just ordered an AS saber for my buddy.

You sound like a pretty good buddy!  Haha I've been contemplating getting my brother a saber for Christmas.  I totally would drop the money to get one, but I'm not sure he would be QUITE as into it as I am (actually I know he won't be lol).

[imperialknight23]

damn beat me to the punch, and i thought i was gonna be the first to review it.  i waited just long enough and the day before payday the LEs came out.  so i got a Dark Initiate V3 LE comin.  That actually looks really sweet with AS in a Silver hilt.  very continuous.  i gotta get me a silver hilt one of these days, other than my prophecy.

[Kham-Ryn Kurios]

You sound like a pretty good buddy!  Haha I've been contemplating getting my brother a saber for Christmas.  I totally would drop the money to get one, but I'm not sure he would be QUITE as into it as I am (actually I know he won't be lol).

He's my best man and my wife got something special for her Maid of honor.