So I bought a V3 phantom, cause I think it looks awesome and would be a great platform to build my personal saberstaff from, and there's a few things I really like about it, but also a few things I don't. But lets start with some pics
For my purposes, I'm going to be re-wiring the whole thing anyway (not that it needs it, but I plan to add a PC and some other stuff to it), so I just bought the base model, cause all I really care about is the hilt itself. And it's even more pretty in person, A++ for design. From here, I'd like to break the review up into two parts. Seeing as most people will be purchasing this saber without intentions of rewiring it, I will review the saber as a whole.
THE GOOD:It's quite pretty, as previously stated. The double chokes are not only functional, but also really help to break up the overall look of the hilt(s)
The chokes really do provide really nice hand grips, both as single sabers and as a saber staff
It's really bright, as with all ultrasabers, but what would you expect?
It has a nice solid feel to it as single sabers
It's most definitely durable
The price is certainly good at only $130
The anodizing is quite durable
THE NOT SO GOOD:When you put the two halves together, IT WEIGHS A TON!!!! The two hilts attached are over 900 grams, which is quite heavy to be spinning around even without the blades. I did get used to it after a few days, and it is certainly doable, but not easy. When using two hands on the staff it's fine, but one handed twirls and such are a challenge, and I've been doing all types of staff combat for quite a good number of years.
Weight (in grams) of standard Liberator V2 (just has some grip material and thumbscrew added) compared to standard Dominix V3. The numbers speak for themselves.
It's much thicker then the Dominix V2, like a ton thicker. I understand why, cause it's MHS compatible, and MHS hilts are just about the same thickness as the new Dominix, and more room was needed internally for the soundcard and such to be able to fit, but it's still rather annoying being used to the grip of a sleeker saber to then pick this one up, for it's much prettier then it's predecessor, but also more clumsy. Not to say your hands can't fit around it, cause they can just fine, but if you're used to thinner sabers, it's just annoying IMO.
Dominix V3 size comparison to Dominix V2 and Liberator V2
So that's basically it. Overall, I do like the hilt, and it is a good saber, but there are certainly a few annoyances with it. Also, figured I throw in a few pics on starting the customizations, as I think it brings out the beauty of the saber much better:
