In my 3+ years of collecting US, and of all the hilts I have, the basic saber lines (Apprentice, Sentinel, Initiate, Aeonix) are still my favorite saber for one simple reason. You can let your imagination run wild and not feel bad about doing it, like some do when you mess with cannon/higher end hilts. In my world no hilt is of limits unless it's nickel plated. No matter if it's weathering, leathering, paint, or even battle damage, they can truly be your own design. My personal favorite is the Initiate... Small, nimble, and smooth these sabers are excellent one handed and duel weild sabers, with the right pommel they can also be a very controllable two handed saber depending on your hand size. Each one has it's pro's and con's so let's dive in.
All measurements are with basic stunt/stock pommels (w/o pommel they are all about the same size):
Initiate V3- Released in 2011, length 9.75", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
The ultimate spinner, this one handed wonder is the most basic design and has IMO the best placed and shaped choke points of all the models with the longest switch area of 2.5"(the area between the two choke points). The drawbacks are no windows, and the grip on the main body needs your help as the rings are very skinny and far apart.
The V4- Released in 2014, length 9.75", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
Great spinning saber about the same as an Apprentice V4, more boxed choke points than the curved of the V3 and only 1 5/8" of switch area. The addition of windows and widened grip rings makes the LE version look amazing. The drawback of spinning this saber quickly is that sometimes my hand slips up to the windows. With the addition of the Dark Shock pommel you can get a great controlled two handed grip as it adds 1.7" and some girth at the bottom.
The V5 (3rd place raffle prize)- Released SOON, length 10.875", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
This saber is gorgeous for a basic model form pommel to emitter. I had to trim the claws out of the top choke point as this was a major design flaw IMO. The grip is the best yet, as the grenade style doesn't need o-rings or leather. Now that the claws are fixed it is also a great spinner as your hand doesn't slide up hilt and it looks amazing. The Dark Catalyst pommel makes it a much more functional two handed saber as the fins of the standard pommel are not the most practical and the cat pommel takes about 3/8" off the saber. So with a little work this thing is a sexy little beast.
These are all well suited for whatever your preference from looking good on display to spinning to dueling to cosplay. If you don't have one you should probably get one to get the whole US experience. And if your not a spinner, you will be once you have one. They are cheap and fun, plus a great way to get into customizing.
I always use 30-32" blades.