Suggestion Box/Wishlist: what do we want from Ultrasabers?

[Darth Logos]

Kind of a small one but a dark Manticore hi and low pommels added please? The low pommel would look good on the Dark Prophecy am I right? We have the emitter already so why not add the pommels?

Actually, the low pommel is just a Menace pommel with lines.

[Lord Canterbury]

He means Black Anodized versions of Manticore High and (especially) Manticore Low since they have offered the Black Anodized Manticore Emitter.

I've requested this many times as well - it would be GREAT to finally have a readily available low profile Black pommel.

It's hit or miss whether they will sell you a Dark Menace Pommel separately . . . I've asked twice and been denied both times, but somebody recently said they were successful when they asked.  It's been a while, maybe they've loosened that a bit.

But still, yes, a low profile Black Anodized pommel in the DIY section, please!

No need for a new design - we'll gleefully take Anodized Manticore Lows! 

[BlindJedi]

Anakins from ATC is effectively the Prophecy.

I would just like a more accurate and up to date version

Plo Koon's is Windu's from TPM. Could easily be done with tweaks to a Menace emitter for the pommel.

I like that idea, now I just need to figure out how to create the right pommel.

Onoconda Farr was a Rodian senator, not a Jedi.

My bad, I was going over names from the Clone Wars series, and it sounded like a Jedi.

Yoda's saber is a little on the....ridiculously undersized side. However, if up-scaled properly, I think it would be an awesome hilt.
Same thing with Sidious'. We discussed the possibility not long ago. It would be picture accurate, but possible.

I had a Yoda saber from Hasbro as a kid, and if they used that version as a rough template, it could look really cool, and all of the electronics would be able to fit inside.  The Hasbro version had two C batteries inside it, so I think Diamond would fit.
As for Darth Sidious , I have never seen his saber in action figure form, or any other form for that matter.  I'm unaware as to what it looks like, being blind and all.

Dooku's has been suggested to death. I don't think the Mantis did terribly well in sales, and therefore US isn't rushing to release another "curved" hilt.

Well, then it is possible.  Again I have to point to the Hasbro version from the 90s as a template, even though it may not be accurate, it still feels right.  It's more like the Mantis than anything else.

Luminara's is identical to Plo's.

Well, then I'll just have to get a couple Electrum Winds.

Ventress' offer the same difficulties as Dooku's, just at the opposite end.

These could be made with a few alterations, as long as the spirit of the saber remains intact.

Shaak Ti's is effectively the Shock.

What's the difference?

Vos' is not terribly dissimilar from the Guardian.
[/quote/
What's the difference?

Which of Ezra's sabers are you suggesting. Personally I prefer his less gimmicky green saber.

Can't it be both.

And again...Tano's curved hilts fall into the hazards of a curved hilt, NTM their flat katana like cross-section.

I guesse I just have to be happy with her other two sabers then.

[ithekro]

Plo Koon's lightsaber would effectively be an Archon hilt with a Manticore emitter and more or less a Menace emitter as the pommel.  You might need to come up with a way to block the end to make it look more real, but that emitter's with windows would be fine for the sound to get out.

[Darth Logos]

Plo Koon's lightsaber would effectively be an Archon hilt with a Manticore emitter and more or less a Menace emitter as the pommel.  You might need to come up with a way to block the end to make it look more real, but that emitter's with windows would be fine for the sound to get out.

Manticore emitter? Riiiiiigggghhhhttttt




Covering the bottom would simply require a new pommel design. Something flat like the CO or Flex pommel. You wouldn't even need the Menace emitter to be vented.

I would just like a more accurate and up to date version

True, the Proph is past due for a V4 upgrade, but one simple thing that too many over look, and that is that US are combat saber specialists, not replica. That is why they maintain the same basic interior design. Do you want it to be resilient in battle or look accurate but break if you shake it too hard? It has been my experience that the more elaborate hilts don't function as well in duels. Even my beloved Scorp loses its claw after too many shocks. Some Loctite might help, but I have since acquired other hilts that I prefer to duel with.

My bad, I was going over names from the Clone Wars series, and it sounded like a Jedi.

Well.....according to modern sources, the Force flows through everyone, so anyone could be a Jedi.

I had a Yoda saber from Hasbro as a kid, and if they used that version as a rough template, it could look really cool, and all of the electronics would be able to fit inside.  The Hasbro version had two C batteries inside it, so I think Diamond would fit.

All the guts may just barely fit, but then you wouldn't have enough room for the blade to properly seat.

You need:
- about 3-4" for speaker, batteries/board, Buckpuck, and wires
- at least 1.5-2" for the switch and wires
- at least 2-3" for the MLS and wires
- and at least 2.5-3" for a good blade seat
= 9 - 12"

Coincidentally , the average length of an US is 9" - 12". I listed wires thrice because you always have to have enough to extend all the components out of the hilt (in V-series) or body (in premiums).

As for Darth Sidious , I have never seen his saber in action figure form, or any other form for that matter.  I'm unaware as to what it looks like, being blind and all.

Hold up. If you're blind, then how do you know that the Prophecy isn't an accurate reproduction of Anakin's ATC hilt? As for Sidious' hilt, the only place I've seen make one is Master Replica, and they are by no means combat ready.

Well, then it is possible.  Again I have to point to the Hasbro version from the 90s as a template, even though it may not be accurate, it still feels right.  It's more like the Mantis than anything else.

1) The Hasbro hilt was undoubtedly a clam-shell design (2 molded halves that are fastened together). Another smith uses that method, and his seams are very noticeable.
2) Dooku's hilt was first seen in 2002.
3) I think you missed my quotes around the word curved. The Mantis is more angled than curved. I've only seen one smith that offers a truly curved hilt. He wants $600 for one on the low end, and his wait times are re-donk-ulous.

Well, then I'll just have to get a couple Electrum Winds.

Now I'm getting confused by your intent. I thought you of a mind to collect a variety of sabers of well known characters. True Luminara's is virtually identical to Plo's, but the Electrum Wind is a replica of Mace Windu's saber from ATC and ROTS. And it is unmistakably unique to him. Although an EW staff would look truly wicked.

These could be made with a few alterations, as long as the spirit of the saber remains intact.

The biggest thing to overcome in a Vetress replica is the fact that her hilts have become traditionally square across the cross-section instead usual tubular design of a saber. The same thing with Tano's SWR hilts. I'm not sure if US wants to take the clam-shell route.

What's the difference?

The Shock LE has more color on the body and no greeblies. But I find it highly coincidental that considering its design that Shock and Shaak are homophones.

What's the difference?

Vos'                                                                                                                                              Kenobi's


Not identical, but have similar design stylings.

Can't it be both?

It could. Despite loathing his first saber, I am intrigued by the thought of US producing that model to see what they come up with.

I guess I just have to be happy with her other two sabers then.

Not necessarily content. Lord C. raised a point about getting black AV switches, and now we have black AV switches.

He means Black Anodized versions of Manticore High and (especially) Manticore Low since they have offered the Black Anodized Manticore Emitter.

I know. I haven't handled a HP yet, but it looks like a Raven pommel with a groove cut into it. I noticed the Raven is the basis for a couple other pommel designs: Bane & Bellicose.

[James Casey]

Vos' 'sabre (which is my favourite design, and which I might sell a kidney to afford if US ever make one) very much reminds me of the Dominix/Aeon v2 - the section below the collar of the Aeon is practically like-for-like with the lower half of Vos' hilt.

The upper half of the Vos hilt is more ornate, with cutout sections revealing a black 'core' and two buttons rather than one, but they're similar in style, if not absolutely in form.

blindjedi, Mace had a different hilt in TPM than he did in the second and third prequel films - much less ornate, basically, and completely lacking in gold plating. An Electrum Wind is a very good match for Mace's hilt in the second and third films, but nothing like the one he had in the first.

On a side note, the comics established that Mace was actually carrying Eeth Koth's hilt in TPM; It was part of a Jedi ritual called the Concordance of Fealty in which Jedi would exchange hilts for a time to deepen their understanding of one another. I imagine if we all got together at a con sometime then we'd be doing something similar: "Oh wow, is that a Scorpion?" "You have a Menace! Can I see it?"

[Darth Logos]

On a side note, the comics established that Mace was actually carrying Eeth Koth's hilt in TPM; It was part of a Jedi ritual called the Concordance of Fealty in which Jedi would exchange hilts for a time to deepen their understanding of one another. I imagine if we all got together at a con sometime then we'd be doing something similar: "Oh wow, is that a Scorpion?" "You have a Menace! Can I see it?"

Why...on earth (or any other various planet)...would a Jedi be without their lightsaber? And then some crackpot story teller spins a comic arc that poorly explaining the situation. <shakes head>

I think that whoever geared Sam up, accidentally grabbed the wrong hilt, and it was always supposed to be this one:

[James Casey]

You and I have over 40 between us Luke carried two lightsabres, Vader has three in the space of three films, and Anakin had two in the prequels. Obi-Wan had two as well. Windu could carry a broken stick and still be the most lethal person on any given planet; Using someone else's lightsabre is unlikely to be either here nor there.

I suspect, really, that what 'sabre Windu carried wasn't thought relevant in TPM (it's only visible in one scene that I'm aware of) and it was only decided to give him a new fancified version it once he was going to be more of a focus in II.

[Prowl 1701]

I want metallic Red, Blue, and Black button options

[Rapine]

That reminds me of corn on the cob. 

[Darth Logos]

You and I have over 40 between us

Obsessed collectors vs Jedi. Not the same thing.

Luke carried two lightsabres,

Jar Kai kinda needs two sabers to work.

Vader has three in the space of three films,

I think that was more of a prop identity crisis. They all pretty much look like the same stinkin' saber.

and Anakin had two in the prequels.

Kinda had to, as it got brokened in ATC.

Obi-Wan had two as well.

Yeah......I was very disappointed that TCW did not fill in that blank. And I always questioned: Why, beyond physiological reasons (mainly growing), would you make a saber so grossly different from the one you lost (for whatever reason) if the lesson from that crappy episode of TCW is "to envision the perfect saber when you imagine holding it"?

Windu could carry a broken stick and still be the most lethal person on any given planet; Using someone else's lightsabre is unlikely to be either here nor there.

No doubts. He doesn't even need the stick. I always loved that scene in the CW miniseries. Just him against the droids. Loses saber; not a problem. He still has his fists and the Force. Nuff said.

I suspect, really, that what 'sabre Windu carried wasn't thought relevant in TPM (it's only visible in one scene that I'm aware of) and it was only decided to give him a new fancified version it once he was going to be more of a focus in II.

Something like that. Nobody but the fans pay attention to the little junk in the background that "don't matter." BS, it ALL matters.

That reminds me of corn on the cob. 

Weirdo.

[BlindJedi]

Plo Koon's lightsaber would effectively be an Archon hilt with a Manticore emitter and more or less a Menace emitter as the pommel.  You might need to come up with a way to block the end to make it look more real, but that emitter's with windows would be fine for the sound to get out.

I'll keep this in mind, maybe a blade plug could fill the hole in the Menace emitter.

Hold up. If you're blind, then how do you know that the Prophecy isn't an accurate reproduction of Anakin's ATC hilt?

I have been getting descriptions of the Prophecy from YouTube, and another thread I created years ago.
Below is the description I got from another user for the Prophecy.
The Prophecy is passingly similar to Anakin's first or second sabers or Vader's saber; however, it is far from an exact replica of any movie saber.  I've heard it described as Ultrasabers' first attempt at a saber in those styles, when their machining capability was still limited; whether that is actually true, I don't know.  At any rate, it is reminiscent of the sabers mentioned, but much simpler.  On the plus side, this simplicity probably makes it more comfortable to wield than the movie sabers.
The saber uses two diameters, which I'll refer to in the description as "thinner" and "thicker".  The emitter starts as "thinner" and the body ends as "thicker".  I don't have a Prophecy (yet!) so I can't tell you exactly what diameters these are, but the description mentions 1.45 inches as the width at its widest point.  Overall length is is 11 inches, and the saber is available either as all silver or all black.
So, we start with a 45-degree slant on the emitter.  Below this is a thicker section.  On the back of the long side of the emitter are two brass knobs; these are the retaining screws for the blade, rather than the typical recessed setscrew.  One of these is in the thicker section, one is above that; it's actually located where the slant starts on the opposite side.  On the next section, which is again thinner, there are two small circular windows on the left side (looking at the activation-switch side, which is opposite the long side of the emitter).  Interestingly, there are no matching windows on the right side.  This section is a bit over two inches long, and would be a comfortable place for an upper hand.  Next another thicker section, which is where the activation button is.  Below that is a thinner section, about an inch long.  Finally, the rest of the hilt is a thicker section.  This has six longitudinal grooves in it; between two of them on the right side is a Covertec knob in the same color as the rest of the hilt.  Finally, the pommel is a simple knurled disc, recessed slightly into the hilt.  The Prophecy is MHS-compatible, so you could use other pommels, but I don't know if there are any that don't work because of the way it's recessed.
One more thing to note about the Prophecy is that it's a v3.  Therefore, it can have Emerald or sound, but not both.
For the record, there is no actual Ultrasaber version of Anakin's first saber.  The Prophecy does have some strong similarities, and you could make it into a close facsimile without too much effort, but it wouldn't be a perfect replica, or even as close as the Ultrasabers Graflex and Chosen One are to their respective movie versions.

Now I'm getting confused by your intent. I thought you of a mind to collect a variety of sabers of well known characters. True Luminara's is virtually identical to Plo's, but the Electrum Wind is a replica of Mace Windu's saber from ATC and ROTS. And it is unmistakably unique to him. Although an EW staff would look truly wicked.

Sorry, I confused my sabers again, I meant the Archon V2.1.

[Zren Tobas]

Its not too too bad but smoother areas on the Mantis? Like the decorative collar and the bottom grip? I tried one in person, fell in love with it, but the collar was just a bit too sharp on some of the edges for me. unless it was just me? Or does anyone else experience this as well?

[Isola815]

Yeah......I was very disappointed that TCW did not fill in that blank. And I always questioned: Why, beyond physiological reasons (mainly growing), would you make a saber so grossly different from the one you lost (for whatever reason) if the lesson from that crappy episode of TCW is "to envision the perfect saber when you imagine holding it"?

I've always thought this had a lot to do with time. Between Episode 1 and Episode 2, Kenobi had 9 years to make a new saber. Obviously it didn't take him that long, but he had enough time to slowly and carefully recreate the saber that destroyed a Sith warrior. After Episode 2, he probably had two weeks to get his s*** together because a war had started and he was a General who was required on the front lines. I think "function over form" won out on his second design.

Its not too too bad but smoother areas on the Mantis? Like the decorative collar and the bottom grip? I tried one in person, fell in love with it, but the collar was just a bit too sharp on some of the edges for me. unless it was just me? Or does anyone else experience this as well?

Do you mean the top ring under the emitter with the chevrons on it? If so, then no. I didn't think that at all. There were no sharp edges on the Mantis and was comfortable to hold everywhere.

[JdiKnhtJMH]

So I had an idea for a contest and I'm not sure how well it would go. I know US does raffles often, but what if next time they do something different - a custom saber contest. Maybe every member gets one entry, or, Every order over, say, 100 dollars, you could submit one of your customized saber pictures for the contest, and at the end of the contest Ultrasabers could pick the best however many and hand out prizes? It'd really be a great chance for some of the creative people in the community to show off their work on some already amazing sabers, and maybe to give others some cool ideas.