Saber Forum

Ultra Sabers Discussion => Ultra Sabers General => Topic started by: Spirax on April 24, 2011, 03:59:13 AM



Title: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 24, 2011, 03:59:13 AM
Greetings all light saber enthusiasts,

Ever since I watched videos on YouTube with Ray Park showing some of his Bo staff techniques with a Darth Maul double lightsaber, I have been practicing those techniques at home for the good part of a year [very, very casually].

I've been practicing on 180cm chrome plated aluminium tubing, and 150cm thin PVC piping, I use the smaller 'staff' for new techniques, and other techniques that I'm more fluent with I use on my 180cm - in my own room, good thing its high ceiling. I use metric measurements because I'm an Australian living in Australia =], and this system of measurements is relative to the sun as opposed to an empirical king [imperial measurements], its just my own preference, no offence intended.

So, I'm planning to move on to buying my first lightsaber, and here's the information I have on it so far, and a few questions:

-Dark Standard Issue Battle Staff
-Guardian blue for both ends/blades/colours [<- its spelt correctly =o]
-X-long 36"
-Don't need to order batteries

Questions: (Read most of the FAQ section on the main website, and the corresponding YouTube video for the Dark Standard Issue Battle Staff)

-Confused about the blade option,"The blade is optional for DIY kits (Except on Maul kits the blades are included)", does this mean that I need to order 'extra' blades, or does the battle staff already come with two standard blades? If I need to order blades, which don't already come with the package, can someone point out the main differences in each blade type option? I.e. the mass of each blade, their material, lifetime, strength.

-Round/Pointed tips, not sure about how different each tip is, because I do not know what 'lead time' is, if someone could make the differentiation [the contrast] between each tip type.

-Use of the Blade Retention Screw Wrench, i.e. what screws/bolts it can unscrew/unbolt on the saber, and if it is necessary to replace things such as batteries/blades.

-I will be using this light saber to practice bo staff techniques on, sometimes at rotational speeds greater than 100RPM/1.7 cycles per second, and I don't mind if the blades get broken, I'll just buy more over ultrasabers.com

Enough of my jibber jabber, if you've read up to this point, thank you very much, I appreciate any and every comment or reply, good, neutral or bad  8)


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Ex Nihilus on April 24, 2011, 04:13:07 AM
The optional blade thing that you asked about is for if you buy the DIY hilt kit (there's a link to those on the Ultra Sabers main page). For ordering your staff, you WILL NOT need to order extra blades.

Ultra said that "lead time" is how long it takes to get you the order.

The blade retention screw is used to secure/remove the blade from the hilt. For single blade sabers it is not necessary to use it to access the batteries. Not sure about staffs though.

Hope that helps


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Warlock Umbra on April 24, 2011, 04:20:59 AM
Just to add one thing: from what i've heard the heavy blades are just about indestructible, so if you were to get those, I don't think you'd have to worry about breaking them.  8)


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Ex Nihilus on April 24, 2011, 04:30:34 AM
Yeah, that's true. If there's anything breaking, most people report the blade tips breaking or coming off... but those are easily replaceable.


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 24, 2011, 07:35:12 AM
Cheers for all the info.

I think all of my queries have been answered, so I'll add another question:

What do you rate this light saber out of 10? [69/10 is a possible answer =p]:

Dark Standard Issue Battle Staff
2x Guardian blue
X-Long 36"
UltraEdge Heavy Grade
Round tip
No batteries
Blade retention screw wrench

Total: USD$160 [Bahahaha Aussie dollar is stronger than US =p golden oppurtunity for me to buy things overseas  8)]

Dunno about shipping costs.

EDIT: Does this saber also come with sound? Guessing not since this saber isn't in the 'Sabers with Sound' category.

And also, I still need someone to point out the difference between round/pointed tips, I'm guessing there isn't much of a difference, still appreciate to know tho. ;D


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Gulcasa on April 24, 2011, 08:56:59 AM
They don't come with sound.. sound costs 150$ more, per saber ^^
Round blade tips have a round cap on the end of the blade
Pointes blade tips have a bullet shaped cap on the end of the blade

U would prefer the pointed one ;O


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 24, 2011, 10:15:57 AM
Dear me that is gobshmackingly expensive just for sound  :o, I'd thought you just needed a single IC to read whenever current goes from EMF to LED's, play sound 1, then vice versa, play sound 2  :-\, along with some caps fer smoother current, and a voltage regulator, in a compact PCB.

EDIT: Just remembered about different sounds during motion of saber, and other various electronic revisions, but still come on 150 big ones just for sound  :-\

Looks like I'll be getting that pointed tip then  8)


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Gulcasa on April 24, 2011, 10:34:42 AM
well.. the soundcard reader is very expensive..
(Like the petit crouton)
the sensors and thingy aren't that expensive ^^


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 24, 2011, 11:02:18 AM
HOLY MOLEY USD$81.50 for shipping omg  :o

This means my total cost becomes USD$247   :o

Is there some alternate way/shape or form to reduce this shipping cost?


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Gulcasa on April 24, 2011, 11:51:41 AM
HOLY MOLEY USD$81.50 for shipping omg  :o

This means my total cost becomes USD$247   :o

Is there some alternate way/shape or form to reduce this shipping cost?

Well.. my shipping costs were 74$.. >.<' I don't think there is alternate way.. because of that, I had to buy a cheaper saber ;_;'


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Ex Nihilus on April 24, 2011, 08:18:54 PM
Yeah, sadly shipping for you is going to be expensive.

The Standard Issue does not come with sound... however, you could probably custom install a sound board with an eco-board or something. I don't own a Standard Issue, but they look like they'd have plenty of room.

Also, your saber sounds really good! Even if you didn't want the staff, you'd have 2 awesome single sabers!


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Duff Man on April 24, 2011, 09:23:59 PM
Yeah, sadly shipping for you is going to be expensive.

The Standard Issue does not come with sound... however, you could probably custom install a sound board with an eco-board or something. I don't own a Standard Issue, but they look like they'd have plenty of room.

Also, your saber sounds really good! Even if you didn't want the staff, you'd have 2 awesome single sabers!
They are kinda tight inside but I am sure there are some people who have figured a way on here


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 25, 2011, 12:52:33 PM
Hmm,

I did say that this is a golden oppurtunity for us Aussies, cuz of da USD-> AUD exchange rates, if 1.00 AUD = 1.10 USD, Ultra may be 247 bucks richer =]

Now the plan for me is to buy the 10 dollar Ultra heavy edge, so I do believe I will have a total of 4 blades, which is Indeed very handy.

Please correct me if i'm wrong =]


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Darth Ryuyee on April 25, 2011, 01:16:36 PM
One UEHG cost Is 35 USD each the ten dollar charge is just to have both your stock blades be UEHG
http://www.ultrasabers.com/category_s/53.htm (http://www.ultrasabers.com/category_s/53.htm)


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Spirax on April 26, 2011, 01:09:00 PM
Looks like I'll be needing the UEHG, and also whats the difference between:

Dark Standard Issue Battle Staff USD149

and

Dark Standard Issue Battle Staff Initiate USD140?

Seems to be no difference at all, just 9 bucks and one less word  :o

EDIT: How do you carry/transport your staff? Is it with a long case, detaching both sabers, or a carrying sack, or something else?


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: navajas on April 26, 2011, 02:19:02 PM
Initiate blades are 24" long.


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: thejedimasternick on April 26, 2011, 03:05:05 PM
I would have to say the Initiate blades might be a better bet than the regular, 36 in blades. Just my own opinion though. I like voicing options when it comes to this sort of thing, just because you know, they will be your lightsabers. Your babies, so to speak. Ray's stuff is great and his bo staff techniques are pretty awesome, that is why I look at a lot of his stuff myself, but I have to admit, just because of how I am, I prefer a shorter blade. It makes it a lot easier to handle and use in a duel, and it doesnt get caught up as much on the ground or on obstacles. The Standard Issue hilt is about 12 in. With two that makes 24, of course, then add the 36 in blades and you come out with a saber that is about 8 feet tall. That is about 243 cm. It also makes it kind of troublesome when the middle of the saber is at about 4 feet, so you will have to pick up your arms a bit to not hit things off the ground. Of course, just my preference, but I think it is something handy to know when getting a staff. That is something I learned first hand. You could always ask for a blade length that is better for you that is not 24 or 36, just need to tell UltraSabers about it when you order.


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Master Nero Attoru on May 05, 2011, 12:02:44 PM
I'm gonna testify that the Ultraedge Heavygrade is pretty solid, I just got one for my saber and it retains all the wonderful looks of an Ultraedge while being heavy enough for just about any type of dueling.

About the saber itself, I think it's gonna turn out awesome.  My friend has a SRD standard issue battle staff and he loves it, so I'm sure yours will be amazing as well.  Only thing is, I believe he got the normal staff but with the standard 32" blades and it turned out perfectly, so unless you're pretty tall I'd recommend going that route.  Of course, it's up to you.


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Darkhorse V on May 06, 2011, 07:24:58 PM
I second the 32" blade motion.  They are not on the site anymore, but you can say that you'd like 32" blades in the 'comments' section of your order.  I have a prophecy staff (shorter hilts than what you are looking at) that I actually dual wield with, but as as staff it is GREAT.  Still a longer staff, but it looks great proportionally and I don't have to sacrifice style just to keep my blades from bouncing off the ground.  That extra 8" I gain when I put in 36" blades makes it pretty difficult to wield and I am 6'1" tall.  Again, go with your gut - but that is my experience. 

As far as the 24s (or "initiate" blades), they are for a specialized style or the under 5' crowd.  Doesn't sound like they are for you.


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: DarthDracus on May 15, 2011, 06:30:23 AM
I went with letting the force pick my first lightsaber for me :) i ordered the grab bag..  it was cheaper....bad idea??????? this isnt the only lightsaber im gonna buy but for the first one i thought the grab bag wasnt a bad idea....any thoughts??????

im new to this so if any one would be kind enough to fill me in on this i would be so gratefull :]


Title: Re: ##Buying my first light saber
Post by: Ex Nihilus on May 16, 2011, 05:50:06 AM
I went with letting the force pick my first lightsaber for me :) i ordered the grab bag..  it was cheaper....bad idea??????? this isnt the only lightsaber im gonna buy but for the first one i thought the grab bag wasnt a bad idea....any thoughts??????

im new to this so if any one would be kind enough to fill me in on this i would be so gratefull :]

That's a good way to go. In fact, I did the same thing!