Saber Forum

Ultra Sabers Discussion => Ultra Sabers Reviews => Topic started by: Sciggs on October 15, 2013, 07:37:33 PM



Title: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 15, 2013, 07:37:33 PM
Let me preface this by saying, holy crap! I had to jump through so many hoops to get these. Emory was great, very prompt, but everyone else apparently had their Cheerios peed in. PayPal screwed up my payment, I had to call thirty people and email more (helpless responses to my emails), finally got that fixed and of course my shipping was over a (government) holiday weekend, then I find out (I guess I should have known before) that FedEx doesn't deliver to P.O. boxes... FINALLY, my two very first Ultrasabers are here!

First, the saber I got for my girlfriend: I got a Dark Shock in AB with blue A/V switch and VA FoC (I also just loaded the Sister of Shadows sound font-- wicked!)

This is a solid saber. I was actually pretty surprised at how smooth the grooves are, I was afraid they would make it hurt a little to spin but it's extremely comfortable. My GF says she loves it, and it's perfect for her two hand fighting style. It's machined very well, it's already got a few nicks but out of the box it was flawless. Beautiful! The Obsidian sound is much clearer than I thought it would be too, and boy is it bright... I opened the box in the middle of the day in the brightly lit living room, and I've got to say I looove the UltraEdge blades (though granted I only have cooler spectrum colors to compare). So far, we've already had a few decently high-impact battles with my extra set of Heavy Grade blades and (except for where I accidentally scratched it) it is functioning like a champ. So far, no problems at all with blade tips coming off or retention screws un-screwing.

Craftsmanship:10/10
Electronics:10/10
Durability:10/10
Overall: 10/10

Next, my own saber, the Manticore! I got it in CG with an AB FoC and a green A/V switch with an added Covertec wheel. (I also loaded the Black Star font... love it.)

Man, this saber is beautiful! At first when I took it out of the box, I was concerned about a bit of rattling but the blade had just come a little loose from shipping. I also added a covertec wheel, and though it kind of takes away from my natural grip (my own fault, I should have placed it somewhere different), it's not really a problem because I normally use one hand anyway. In fact, even if I use two hands this saber is perfect because my hands are small. Since only the grip is anodized black, I can't at all see any of the nicks I've put in it so far, it still looks so clean and pristine. The Consular Green is so vibrant, I've just been turning off all the lights in my house so I can turn it on to light the way! (weird, I know). I had one small problem with this saber though, when I opened it up to connect it to the Obsidian program, I noticed that the female mini USB port was a little bent, and I had to actually take a pair of pliers and bend it out enough for me to get the USB in there at all. But, after I did that everything worked just fine, and it functions just as (if not more) beautifully as the Dark Shock. I can't wait to add my own touches to this saber! (I actually built my own saber before out of pieces from Home Depot, but there is no way it compares to this quality... but that is another discussion entirely).

Craftsmanship: 10/10
Electronics: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10

Both of these sabers were a tad bigger than I thought they would be in person, but that's probably just because I stare at smaller pictures of them online.

Ultrasabers Customer Service: 10/10 -- very prompt and helpful with all my questions

I am already saving up for my next set of sabers! (FO Dominix and maybe a BR Dominix (I can't remember what the staff is called off the top of my head)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Racona Nova on October 15, 2013, 08:18:04 PM
Two questions about your review (I probably want to buy a Manticore next):

1. Which blade length do you get when mounting it? My Aeon v3 have about 33", I think, so is the socket higher (i.e. will the blade be shorter than in the Aeon v3), lower or equal?

2. Where have you put the Covertec Wheel?


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 15, 2013, 08:26:37 PM
1. Well, I got 32" blades but that is only because I'm short, and for my personal comfort. The blade actually sits probably about 3" inside the emitter. In fact, the blade housing inside the emitter is way too long for the blade plug, it's noticeably deeper than my shock (but I don't have an Aeon to compare). I'd say you lose a solid three inches of the blade length. Hope that answers your question

2. I put the Covertec wheel 180 degrees from the A/V switch, on the bottom of the grip near the pommel. I'm right handed, so my right hand is on top near the choke point (fine) but my fingers on my left hand keep hitting the covertec wheel. I almost would recommend getting the wheel 90 degrees from the switch on the RIGHT side (when looking AT the switch) if you are right handed and tend to hold it like a baseball bat (like I do).


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Racona Nova on October 15, 2013, 08:35:38 PM
Well, that really helps, thanks for your quick reply ^^


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: James Casey on October 15, 2013, 09:06:27 PM
Congrats on your new 'sabres!

Hopefully you'll share some pics soon, but they sound fantastic :)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 15, 2013, 11:50:20 PM
Thanks! I will upload pictures as soon as I figure out how :)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 16, 2013, 01:21:37 AM
Some pics! Hopefully I posted these correctly...

First up, an unlit photo, with the Manticore on the left and the Dark Shock on the right. Beautiful, right? I know!
(http://<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/cscoglietti/media/Lightsabersunlit_zps4800da99.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag146/cscoglietti/Lightsabersunlit_zps4800da99.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Lightsabersunlit_zps4800da99.jpg"/></a>)

Second, a nice picture with both of them lit, it's sooo bright! More pictures to come, I'll probably post them in the gallery section, but right now it's a pain so I only have two.
(http://<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/cscoglietti/media/Lightsaberslit_zpsb001a5f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag146/cscoglietti/Lightsaberslit_zpsb001a5f2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Lightsaberslit_zpsb001a5f2.jpg"/></a>)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 16, 2013, 01:22:35 AM
Crap! Maybe this way...

(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag146/cscoglietti/Lightsabersunlit_zps4800da99.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/cscoglietti/media/Lightsabersunlit_zps4800da99.jpg.html)

(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag146/cscoglietti/Lightsaberslit_zpsb001a5f2.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/cscoglietti/media/Lightsaberslit_zpsb001a5f2.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Prowl 1701 on October 16, 2013, 04:06:09 AM
Those pics look fantastic! I've always wanted to see a Manticore in CG so have a point for that!  It's also nice to see  someone that shares my love for the low profile pommel on the Manticore too.  Nice review!  ;D


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 16, 2013, 11:56:50 AM
Thanks Prowl! I have to say, the CG makes it POP... it looks very sleek with that color, I tried the Manticore pommel on my shock, but the AB just doesn't have the same effect through those windows. Plus, your review helped me decide on a Manticore anyway (CG was always my first choice of blade though)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Spike311 on October 16, 2013, 11:26:29 PM
Very nice sabers!!! I own the Manticore and want the Shock (SE) very badly.

I give you a point for being in the "Manticore Family". :)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Zren Tobas on October 17, 2013, 03:13:51 AM
Nice sabers. Both look good. Love the blue though.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 17, 2013, 03:39:44 AM
Very nice sabers!!! I own the Manticore and want the Shock (SE) very badly.

I give you a point for being in the "Manticore Family". :)

Have you held a Shock? It's surprisingly comfortable to hold definitely get one. I like it. It feels nice and solid in my hands


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: GoggleMac on October 24, 2013, 08:38:38 AM
Both the Manticore and Shock are on my want list. I am thinking of the Manticore in GB and Shock in CG though.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 24, 2013, 12:58:08 PM
There's a picture of a Manticore in GB on here somewhere, the guy doesn't have great quality blade pictures but you can tell it still looks awesome. Honestly the emitter windows will go great with any color. I absolutely love it.  At first when I got them the Shock was easier for me to hold, so I liked playing with it better, but now that I've found a good grip position on my Manticore, it is definitely my favorite again. Suuper comfortable.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Stephen on October 25, 2013, 06:14:56 AM
These look great!  The Manticore is one of my favorites (to look at, I don't have one).  But the Dark Shock looks really cool.  I don't remember seeing any other than the one on the sale site.  I find that a lot of sabers people post pictures of look better in the user pictures than they do on the Ultra Sabers site.  That is definitely the case with the Dark Shock.  I hope the two of you enjoy your duals!

Prowl 1701, count me in for the low profile Manticore pommel fan club.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 25, 2013, 01:25:50 PM
I agree about the Dark Shock, when I ordered it I was thinking "okay, just a cool simple saber," and then I actually got it and I was blown away. The pictures on the site don't do these sabers justice.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Raptor Shaddai on October 26, 2013, 01:07:24 AM
Another light side point for a Maticore owner.

I have to admit, I really like mine.  I got the full length UEMG blade (not the 40" though) & I like the blanace, but I am 5' 10" with large hands & it fits well, & in VA with BH FoC.  It is quite interesting & it sure is bright.  I recently purchased a MLS unit in AS with BR FoC & installed it.  Using some Lee Filters & some US discs you can make some really cool color combinations.  But, the green variants look really good especially with the windows in the emitter (thus another reason I gave you a point).  I have the high profile pommel, but I got a guardian pommel with the MLS unit & the guardian pommel adds a little wieght that I like & gives the Manticore a real MEAN look.  Excellent review, enjoy your new addiction!


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Spike311 on October 26, 2013, 01:37:30 AM
Have you held a Shock? It's surprisingly comfortable to hold definitely get one. I like it. It feels nice and solid in my hands

I have not yet held a Shock, Sciggs. So far, my only US is the Manticore in GB/AS FoC which I dearly love. The Shock SE, all alum, is more than likely going to be my next US. Most likely in AB. I know I would also love AS as a main color choice as well. Good thing for me I have plenty of time to decide. I love the Prophecy hilt too. I love ALL the US hilts!

I'm gladly going to go bankrupt in my pursuit of all sabers US.


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Darth Ryga on October 26, 2013, 01:39:53 AM
I agree about the Dark Shock, when I ordered it I was thinking "okay, just a cool simple saber," and then I actually got it and I was blown away. The pictures on the site don't do these sabers justice.


I absolutely loved my Dark Shock so much, I ended up ordering another one! Now, I can dual wield them or staff it up  ;D

Since these shots, I have changed the covertec wheels out for silver ones. I like the look even more.

Wish I had a better camera, because they look even more awesome  :D

(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o783/Ryga13/3A16214E-7F1E-44F4-9696-AA2128A840A1-13235-0000166590DFD569_zps60439223.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/Ryga13/media/3A16214E-7F1E-44F4-9696-AA2128A840A1-13235-0000166590DFD569_zps60439223.jpg.html)

(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o783/Ryga13/E3FDA131-AF13-4B21-98C9-B1C267C58A9B-13235-0000168108EDC043_zps5d23ad36.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/Ryga13/media/E3FDA131-AF13-4B21-98C9-B1C267C58A9B-13235-0000168108EDC043_zps5d23ad36.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Sciggs on October 26, 2013, 01:11:49 PM
Manticore and Dark Shock love all around...

That is a beautiful staff, Darth Ryga

And Spike, I'm going bankrupt over this too and don't regret a thing. I'm looking in the couch for change...


Title: Re: Finally! Review of my first Manticore and Dark Shock!
Post by: Kal-El on November 10, 2013, 04:04:17 AM
Manticore and Dark Shock love all around...

That is a beautiful staff, Darth Ryga

And Spike, I'm going bankrupt over this too and don't regret a thing. I'm looking in the couch for change...
Glad to know I'm not the only one...the couch, the car, outside in the garage...I'm probably going to quit smoking just to just by my consular, and manticore nevermind the wife and kids sabers. Why does US have to be so awesome?