Saber Forum

So you think you've got guts? Are you willing to prove it? Then take my Random Hilt Challenge and see what The Force wills for you.

What is it? Well it's like ordering a Grab Bag, except you're going to know what you order (but you're not going to choose it), and it's going to have sound. Oh, AND it's going to be selected from US hilts you're not in the least bit interested in. So how does that work?

You draw at random: 1. An Ultra Sabers hilt design, 2. the color for the blade, and 3. if you equip with FOC or not. You MUST record a video of you doing this, unedited, unclipped (so everyone knows you haven't pieced videos together), showing the results you draw to the camera so everyone can read them.*

I did this for my raffle entry to get something chosen completely by choice. I want to buy something that I personally consider to be average, to give Ultra Sabers a chance to prove me wrong and show me how awesome it really is.

This idea came to me because my Apprentice LE (one I'd never considered because I didn't like how it looked on the site) was a grab bag and it totally blew me away with how good it was when I saw it in person. So I figured why not give them another chance to do that?

Just to show you I really did it - here is my video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd7YQWHCEPI

Rules and procedure are as follows:

1. Select 10 SOUND EQUIPPED hilts you DO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN BUYING. No favorites, no wish list items. ONLY hilts you have written off, never taken a second look at, or outright loathe. Write them each on a slip of paper. Fold or crumple up the 10 entries and put them in a bowl or a hat or whatever you are going to draw from.

TEN sabers. No more, no less. 10 is the number I did, so 10 is the number everyone else will do.

Tip: go through each of the designs and make sure none of the ones you selected are on back order.

THESE HILTS MUST BE WITHIN YOUR PRICE RANGE. There is no backing out of this challenge. What you draw you MUST order. So make sure whatever hilt you choose, you will also be able to afford if you wind up drawing a forum color, and FOC. Also factor in price of Lite/V3/V4 sound. You can pick whatever sound level you want, but make sure you factor it in. For example you can't get a Lite cross-guard, so don't put a cross-guard down if you can't afford the V3/V4 sound or the extra two LEDS for the side blades.

2. Write down EVERY blade color including forum colors** (don't include AS with color discs. If you choose color discs that's kind of cheating anyway). Put them in a second hat/container/cup to draw from. CROSS-GUARDS MUST BE MADE WITH ALL THREE BLADES THE SAME COLOR.

3. Write "Flash on Clash - YES" and "Flash on Clash - NO" on two slips of paper and put them in a third drawing container.

4. Roll TWO dice, or use an online random dice roller (if you get an 11 or a 12 re-roll) if you get a 10 or under, pull entries out one by one. When you get to the number you rolled - OPEN IT AND SHOW IT TO THE CAMERA SO IT CAN BE READ.

5. Roll FOUR dice, or use an online random dice roller (if you get an 21-24 re-roll) if you get a 20 or under, pull entries out one by one. When you get to the number you rolled - OPEN IT AND SHOW IT TO THE CAMERA SO IT CAN BE READ.

6. IF YOU DREW A NON TRI CREE COLOR - randomly draw one of the two FOC slips out - OPEN IT AND SHOW IT TO THE CAMERA SO IT CAN BE READ.



-------- I used this online dice roller https://www.random.org/dice/ --------


7. You may then spec out your hilt with carte blanche on every other option. But TRY to pick aesthetic options you normally wouldn't choose.

- Blade length
- Blade type
- Switch type
- Switch color (black or silver to suit hilt/blade color)
- Switch illumination (and illumination color to suit hilt/color) or none
- Lite, V3 or V4 sound
- Recharge port or none
- No charger, standard charger or deluxe charger
- Buck Puck or Resistor
- Retention wrench (if wanted)
- Blade plug style (if any)
- Saber stand or none
- Covertech wheel (if not standard) and color
- Covertech clip
- USB cable or none

Other possible options you may also choose yourself without drawing randomly (but again, TRY and pick the options you normally wouldn't):

- Claw Size
- With/without claw/emitter type
- Pommel type
- Nickle finish or standard
- Windows or None
- Any other hilt specific choices that are in drop down menus


8. ORDER THE SABER YOU JUST CREATED. No backing out.

9. Upload your video to youtube - link or embed it in a post in this thread and feel free to include the Spec list from your e-mail confirmation of your order.

10. When your Isola Challenge hilt arrives you MUST do a Video or Photo review (Make a thread in the review section, and then link it in this thread) so we can see proof that you bought it AND so we can see what you think about it once you get it in your hands. You can give it a few days to grow on you before you do your review if you want/need.


*Someone suggested this could be easy for people to cheat because the person could simply "redo" the video over and over again until they got what they wanted. This is true, but if someone wants to spend THAT much time on random choices hoping that the 1 setup they want out of 4,000 possible combinations appears for them, let them. They are only cheating themselves out of having some fun, and Karma will deal them a swift kick in the pants anyway.

** Just to help you out so you don't have to look them up: Guardian Blue, Tri Guardian Blue, Arctic Blue, Tri Arctic Blue, Consular Green, Tri Consular Green, Adegan Silver, Tri Adegan Silver, Blazing Red, Tri Blazing Red, Fire Orange, Tri Fire Orange, Violet Amethyst, Sunrider's Destiny, Pyrestone Orange, Sentinel Yellow, Emerald Green, Dark Violet Amethyst, Hot Pink, Bane's Heart


So who's brave enough to follow in my foot steps? Who's willing to see what the force wills for them in a bigger gamble than a stunt grab bag? Who's going to go big, and who's going to go home?  ;) 8)


Note: This can be for ANY order, not just for a raffle entry. I want people to stay within their budget whilst following the rules outlined above.

*EDIT* My order has been placed and I changed the blade type from my video to be one I wouldn't normally order either. Requested Bane's Heart in order comments.

RequisitionCharge   Requisition Charge

SOUND-CrimsonScorpion   Crimson Scorpion with Obsidian Premium Sound
[Blade LED Color:Violet Amethyst]
[Flash on Clash:Flash Silver]
[Battery Configuration:Li-Ion Setup with BuckPuck (Batteries & XTAR VC2 Plus Charger Included)]
[Recharge Port:No Recharge Port]
[Blade Length:32" Length]
[Blade Option:Heavy Grade]
[Crimson Scorpion Claw Option:With Claw]
[Sound:Obsidian USB V4 Sound! [V4]]
[Switch Type:White Illuminated Silver AV Switch]
[Blade Tip:Round Tip]
[Include Retention Screw Wrench:No Thanks]
[Include Blade Plug:No Thanks]
[Include Saber Stand:No Thanks]
[Include MINI USB Cable:No Thanks]
[Include Covertec Clip:No Thanks]

A dice only question.   Does it have to be regular dice, or would gaming dice be allowed for randomness.

Mean the first roll, instead of two dice, use a single ten sided die would get you 1 to 10 with no need to reroll.

For the second roll a single twenty sided die will do, 1 to 20 with no need to reroll.

The last one could be heads or tails on a coin (heads FOC, tails No FOC)...or even-odd on any die with Even being FOC and Odd being No FOC.

As long as it's the same end result of drawing one out of ten, one out of twenty, and one out of two, then that's fine :) I just put down the steps I took with what I had on hand as I am interstate and in a Hotel this week. So I only had what I could scrape together from the nightstand and the local internet.

Isola is keeping it interesting. But I just placed my order!

This is really well laid out, Isola. Nice work on this with all the specifics. 👍

I am going to put together my list of 10, and I hereby ACCEPT your challenge. I'll be back here a bit later with my Isola Random Hilt Challenge hilt "candidates" and my video. 😉

Point slam dunk!

Doesn't have to be for the raffle, Brother! Can be for your next order ;)



YAAAASSSSSSSSSSS

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/59156192_zpse4he5on9.jpg)

*edit*

Shoot!! So, I should have thought this out better. I couldn't even find close to 10 hilts that I dislike or have written off, and I was really excited to do this, too!! :-\  I look forward to seeing who else might accept this challenge.

Aww, damn :(

I actually assumed the problem was going to be that there weren't 10 Ultrasabers you didn't already own.  ;)

(I kid!)


Actually, the funny thing about the challenge and the fact that Isola ended up with a Crimson Scorpion . . . that's exactly what I won as a 1st place prize in my first Raffle . . . and at the time, I thought I would HATE the Crimson hilts . . . but I found they actually look really nice in person.  

MUCH different than in online pics.

So these sabers, in general, do have a big way of changing your mind in person.

I've actually thought, to be honest, I would rather get something as a Raffle prize I thought I wouldn't like, because it could be a really pleasant surprise, versus something off my WishList I will eventually get anyway, because the chances it will be configured how I want are slim.


Winning anything is a great feeling, getting something you THOUGHT you wouldn't like, but end up digging, is a double down on the awesome.  

And that, in essence, is the point of my "grab bag on steroids" idea :)

I even said in my order comments "Impress me." Because while I'm not closing my mind to it... I'm also really not looking forward to getting this hilt hahahaha but after throwing $540 (Aus) at this SOB, I really, REALLY want to be wrong lol

Yeah, sorry, I wanted to just edit out that part of my post but was too late. Things move fast around here.

Yeah, that's a good point and I know you were kidding  😂 😅😅

I actually really loathe the Omen, I'm not sure about the Aeon, decided I'm not fond of the Monarch or the Reaper. So there were at least 4 I could give a chance with this fun idea, just wished I'd figured this out before hand.

I do agree with you about getting one like that through the raffle. That happened with the Standard Issue I received, and now I respect it more than ever. My wife loves it, so in my case maybe that changed my point of view. There are far fewer now that I feel any kind of strong dislike for.

@Isola - Thanks just the same, though, and I hope to see others try this.

I've no doubt we're both going to love our Crimson Scorpions. The more I think about yours with Bane's Heart, the more I think that's going to blow you away.  

I'm not sure if anyone else is quite as mental as me  :D :D but we shall see!

Uh, mental?! Nah, I'd call it adventurous and open minded, and they're missing out if they don't go for it.

It's all adventure and open-mindedness until someone has to order a Ronald McDonald lightsaber and battle Grimace  :D ;D :D ;D

👌 😂😂😂😂😁

I'd so do this, but I can't afford sabers with sound right now, much less flash on clash.  :(


So, just do it with 10 hilts you don't own.  Pick the 10 you're least likely to order next and do it.

I have a question for our esteemed friend Isola815.  I love random chance and I may eventually do this, especially if I do it right and hit a 10% off sale, or something like that.  Anywho, say your hilt you really don't want is available in multiple colors.  Do you put slips of paper with the hilt in each color, or do you just put the design in there and pick the color?  For example, the Mantis is on the high end of hilts I really don't want, so I could put that in there.  However, if I put all four colors in there, that means there are four slips of paper dedicated to that design. (yes, I know the Azure Mantis is out of stock, but this is just an example) Should I just put the design in there?

Interesting.  I'll have to think about this a bit.

I would suggest an extra draw... another cup with color options, so each hilt is only in there once, and if it has color options, you draw for that.

I double dog dare you to look at ALL the pics of what this guy did and then look right into the camera of your device and tell me you don't find that to be the least bit attractive:


http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=19179


(The pics of what I am referring to start with Reply #7.)


I actually love the Dark Omen w/ the Thundercat emitter, but also plan to do something similar to this as well.

Isola had specific variations on hilts for his list, even down to some that were CE or SE specifically.

I have enough higher end hilts that don't excite me that I don't have to worry about entering every variation on, for example, an Initiate V3.

If I do this, I think I'll just pick one color option per hilt I've got on my "least tempting" list, or do the color subdraw as suggested by Corwyn.

For the record my list currently is:

Electrum Wind
Mantis
Renegade
Malice
War Glaive
Raven
Monarch
Liberator
Standard Issue
Dominix V3

Hey, if I end up hating whatever it is, I'll still be able to customize and tinker with it, right?   ;)

The 80s child in me does want an Omen.  The saber tinkerer in me wants one too, but to strip down and use for parts of other builds.

Now why would anyone want to invade your space without bearing a straight jacket !?  lol  This moment in time belongs only to you. haha   :P

And before you get too saucy... don't forget that after a divinely influenced inspiration  ::)  my New Year's Resolution saber is the EXACT saber that you have drawn/created with the same features except for the claw.  ;D  

But fortunately the EH healed me of the Scorpion's sting.  And seriously this large Crimson bad boy is so impressively Shmexy.  What other kind of rating and functional capabilities could you possibly be wanting ?!  :D

point worthy... and entertain us with another outstanding video review   ;)

Yeah, I saw that, but I only watched part of the video and I didn't have time to post to that effect, as I had to leave for work.  I guess, in the spirit of the challenge, the best thing would be to put down the finish I'd never seriously consider ordering, as I can easily come up with 10.

When I do it, here's my list:

Crimson Mantis
Malice
War Glaive
Monarch
Manticore CE
Crimson Scorpion
Catalyst
Bane
Overlord
Bellicose or Fulcrum, as the Bellicose is out of stock at present.

Those are the hilts I'd choose from.  None are hilts I'd consider buying under normal circumstances.  I have a Lost Gray, but I never liked the Fulcrum as well.  However, I'd consider it an alternate as it's closer to something I'd buy than the Bellicose, which is currently out of stock.  As you can see, I'm not a fan of claws.  The only reason the Reaper and Raven aren't on the list is due to stock issues.

Also, all hilts are available in Obsidian Lite, which works not only on a budget level, but it's my least desirable sound setup too.  Switches, claw options, etc. will depend on budget.  I get paid tomorrow, but I will have to save some money back for two weeks or a month from now, as that Crimson Mantis is about $300 with FoC.

Been thinking about this.  I can't do it now, but perhaps another Raffle in the future.

Looked at this with the basic criteria being, if I won the Lottery, what 10 hilts would I never buy for myself despite having essentially unlimited funds?

I filtered for Sabers with Premium Sound and sorted by Name so the list is Alphabetical and does not reflect any sort of degree of indifference or dislike.

Keep in mind, as we know, this list is totally Subjective and reflects my thoughts as I type this.  I know there is probably at least a couple on here that people will be like "Come on!  You're padding your list with things you like just in case!"

But that's not the case.  There is one that I used to want at first, but now have no plans for no matter what.  There is one that I have never wanted, but will admit to softening my stance on it, so that could fall off the list in the future.  The other 8 I've never personally cared for and have never even thought about ordering.

Oh - one more thing - I only considered one type per Model.  So I didn't say something like Crimson Reaper & Azure Reaper as they are the same model, just different colors.

So the list for me is . . .


1 - Archon v2.1

2 - Bellicose

3 - Catalyst

4 - Chosen One  (Used to want it, now I don't)

5 - Liberator

6 - Lost Gray

7 - Malice

8 - Monarch  (Actually softening on this somewhat)

9 - Overlord

10 - Shock

My actual short list is SHORT with 2-3 left in the current US line I'd happily consider purchasing.  There are ones I wouldn't consider but committing a budget to this is a struggle for me think about. :)

Here's my present list of what I wouldn't want... only if purchasing the saber.  Feel free to send any unwanted/discard sabers my way.  Have stopped entering any raffle as am consistently unlucky multi times in any year.  No particular order except for the top 3... plus in all colors and other options for that saber.  :)


1 - Fulcrum

2 - Malice

3- Mantis

4 - Raven

5 - Standard Issue

6 - Arbiter  - one piece version

7- Bellicose

8 - Monarch

9 - Reaper

10 - Graflex  - I reserve the right to change my mind and exchange with the Flamberge

The hilt HAS TO BE IN STOCK to go on the list for two reasons

1. You're not drawing from ten if you can't order one
2. If you DO order one, but then it's on backorder for 6 months you're going to get very cranky, and I'm not taking the blame for that.


IF you dislike EVERY version/color variation of the same hilt and ALL VERSION ARE IN STOCK you can do one of three things

1. Write them all down - like I did with both Scorpions. Yes it means larger odds of getting one of those hilts, but that really IS the point of this challenge. It's not about playing it safe. It's about nutting up or shutting up  8)

OR

2. Choose your least favorite version(s) only.

OR

3. You get carte blanche on every other choice for your hilt. Choose whatever one you want out of the different versions of the hilt you wound up drawing.


As far as I'm concerned, if it has a separate link on the store page and it's not a drop down menu option for color choice of hilt, then to me that is a different hilt. It might be the same design, but it's not the same hilt. But I can't enforce it, so it's up to you guys to decide how brave you are.


THERE ARE NO OTHER SUB DRAWS. FLASH ON CLASH IS THE ONLY BONUS ROUND.

What about this as an option...

Say someone doesn't care for a particular model of any of the colors it comes in - we'll say the Reaper as an example.  How about they put the Reaper down as one of their 10, and IF that's what is rolled, well - there's 3 Reaper colors, so roll a d6 and 1-2 is black, 3-4 crimson, 5-6 azure, and that's what ya get stuck with.

This is, of course, assuming that the person in question can still fill their list without using multiples of the same model with different colors.

Eh?  Plenty more randomness...

Oops, double post.

Well to me, the best option would be seeing as you get to pick all the other options... to pick a hilt color that compliments the blade color you wound up with. This is of course for the people who aren't going to treat each version as a separate saber.

+1 for Dauntless, as I've only just realised (or remembered, at least) you can sort the page by something other than price :-[

*

I was amused to note that there were only 12 distinct hilt types I'd not already owned in some form over the last 4 years. I'd have to do some narrowing down based on stock and deciding whether, for example, the Arbiter and Dark Arbiter are distinct hilts or not, but a provisional 10

Any Omen
Arbiter or Dark Arbiter
Archon v2.1
Archon v3
Chosen One
Graflex
Malice
Raven
Scorpion or Crimson Scorpion
War Glaive or Dark War Glaive

Honestly, some of those I'd be okay with (either Arbiter, say) so I'm not sure how successful this would be for me! It's really only the Archons, War Glaives, Chosen One and Graflex I've completely written off - the Raven, Malice, Omens, Arbiters and Scorpions have all at least featured on the 'maybe, someday, possibly' list :D

Okay, my list is such...

1) Omen (because god no why?)

2) Electrum Wind

3) Menace

4) Reaper

5) Warglaive

6) Bane

7) Monarch

8 ) Lost Gray*

9) Fulcrum*

10) Emperor's Hand (yeah, I'm that guy)

* I actually really like the design of the Lost Gray and Fulcrum sabers, but they have a 1.6" width/thickness.  And I have small hands.  And my Scorpion is already 1.5" and it's just about too much to actually be able to swing the thing around and have fun with it.  So no...no Fulcrums or Lost Grays for this guy.  

Well, now, that is an intriguing idea. I'm trying to keep in the spirit of this idea and not use it just to have a reason to buy another saber that I want, but I'll put some more thought into it and report back here in a bit.


Alright, sir.... ask and ye receive...  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FuVBwNRi9o

Pretty good pics and pretty convincing that it could be an amazing saber without the emitter. Was never a fan of Thundercat so obviously that's a huge part of it, but the hilt with other MHS parts does intrigue me a bit. Too bad they're out of stock.  Maybe later, and if it's after July then at least I won't own all the hilts by then.  ;D

On a sidenote, I just took a practice run on this just to see how it goes, and I ended up with:

Lost Gray with Tri-Cree Fire Orange LED

What a dangerous game this is...

Ya no kidding, that's why I'm not playing.

Me likey ... me wants it!  ;D

I'm amazed no one has taken the opportunty to say it yet



(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/images_zpsjzvgmobe.jpg)

Ha ha ha that's what went through my mind.

AND. . . . that's all I wanted.  :)

I get not everyone digs Thundercats . . . but if you ever got one of these as a 1st or 2nd place Raffle Prize, you would have a gorgeous MHS & MLS saber Body with Sound to work with.

So, point made, everyone take the Omen off your list!!!

(Kidding, of course.)



Now - here's how we take this entire idea of Isola's to the NEXT LEVEL:

Figure out what you are willing to spend, I'll throw $350 out there.

Tell US "Send me a requisition charge for $350, I'll pay it, here's a list of 10 hilts, pick one and do a Build with that Budget and send it to me without letting me know anything about it."

Boom.  Instant "Isola Grab Bag".

I also like this!

Woah! livin on the edge there LC! I likes it!

I thought that too. But this way you know what's coming and you have to bring yourself to click all the buttons, make the payment and then panic anout what a stupid thing you've done while you wait for it to turn up  :D

Also this way puts a bit less pressure on US. If we leave it up to them it's a bit more work for them making our choices for us. Plus they may just do "what they think is cool" instead of a random combo that no one might ever be brave enough to do unless it's done in a game of chance.

There's no guarantee you'd like what US might randomly put together for you.  But likely they'd put some work into making it awesome.  But hey that's a win in my books.

I don't see it replacing the Isola Challenge, it's another idea inspired by Aussie madness ;D

And wine!

Glad you nudged me on that one, Lord Canterbury, because it definitely has caught my interest. I shall watch for the return of this one with great interest  ;D



That could be quite the matzo ball out there if someone doesn't like the outcome. I think it should stay with the individual, that way they made the choice to go random and Ultra Sabers wasn't involved, because they probably don't want the liability, albeit I'm sure it'd be something they'd like to participate in, in a perfect world.

---

So..........................

I followed SFD's nudging and decided to make a list that included hilts I was least likely to order next, and thus...

I have officially done the ISOLA RANDOM HILT CHALLENGE! I am ONE with the FORCE, and the FORCE is with me, and all is as the FORCE wills it.   ::)

Pretty good rush, committing fully to the process and willing to accept whatever the outcome may be.  8)

The ten sabers on my list were:

1. Archon v3.1
2. Aeon V4
3. Monarch
4. Dark Standard Issue
5. Dark Monarch
6. Overlord
7. Flamberge SE
8. Flamberge CE
9. Azure Menace
10. Bane

...and here's video part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQCgVAqeF98

...and here's video part 2 (SPOILER ALERT):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCmTp0cwVoM



Did I feel the will of the Force? I so did, and it was an awesome experience. Thank you, Isola, for taking the first plunge! My name is Lord Bladewraith, and I survived the Isola Random Hilt Challenge! You can, too, everyone!

**SPOILER ALERT**
Click here to see the will of the Force for LB: LB's Isola Random Hilt Challenge (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/isola_random_hilt_challenge_05apr17_zpspqbeywi1.png)

I'll post pictures and a review as soon after I get it as possible.  8)

Congrats to you, Bladewraith, and kudos on the cojones it took to pull the trigger on the challenge.  Point to you!

I'm still on the fence about it - I really love the idea, LOVE the randomness of it, and have actually rolled a few up out of pure curiosity just to see what could wash up at my feet.  Either way I have a few months to think on it - I won't be throwing cash at another saber of any sort until at least the Summer Raffle, if not later.

"Cojones"  ;D  :D 

Thanks, Mask. In fact, I was really caught me off guard. I was anticipating that I would draw one of my least favorite hilts like the Overlord or Aeon V4, so well, it's pretty surprising which one I ended up with, alright. I feel like that's what will happen to most, that the one they least expect might emerge in the drawing. It shall be interesting to see if others have the cojones to follow suit.  8)

Interesting that you managed to get the exact color that hilt screams for.

WOOOOOOO! That was really awesome to come back to after a long day of electrical theory!

But am I missing something? Because it looked like you rolled a three... but you opened the first piece of paper out of the bowl. There were still 9 others in there by the look?

Either way you still did a random hilt  ;D But I think you may have drawn  a 1 and then a 15. Or is my brain just fried from being stuck in a classroom all day?

Congrats on your new saber, and thank you for taking my challenge :) Point to you!

WHO IS NEXT?!

Right?! Out of 20 colors I drew and discarded 14 before opening the 15th one as determined by the dice roll and ended up with that particular color. It's so funky to think how many other colors I could've ended up with. It could've been Bane's Heart or Fire Orange, just to name a couple. No one could be more shocked than me holding that little piece of paper in my hands with the words "Consular Green" on it! 😅


Nice.  ;D Glad you saw this now, but you are so right. I drew a 3 and then a 15. I messed up. Dang it. I rewatched the video and saw the same thing you did, I opened the first one instead of the third one.  I think I'm the one who had a fried brain, Isola. At least it's still random and that I then correctly drew the 15 out of the blade color bowl. Did you notice, though, that I then added another random element of not getting to choose my flash on clash color and accepting the outcome of a dice roll on that, too. I had six colors to choose from, rolled a 3 and DID draw three from the bowl and read the third one, so maybe that can make up for the goof-up on the first drawing, eh.  ;)

Thanks, man. 👊

Yeah I saw both the videos :)

I dont have the money right now but I have a few I could put in but no dice :P I'll see if my phone has a dice app or something. I know of a few I'd never consider getting myself. Too bad because this sounds like a lot of fun :P

I think Lord B needs to do a new video, same 10 hilts, just pick the third one so we can see what he would have ended up with - no need to order, I'm just curious as to what the Force would have chosen for you ;)

Won't be the same third one now though :p

Yeah I'm gonna do a video later uh, my time just to see what I would've ended up with as well :P Got ten hilts down I honestly don't really care to have so

Might be the Archon again, in which case it's clearly meant to be :)

Anyone can just "do a video" but this thread is for following through with the challenge. Can I please request you keep this thread with videos of actual challenge entries and post it somewhere else? I don't want to sound like a complete d-bag, but the whole point of this thread is to actually DO this challenge from start to finish.

It just feels like a bit of an off topic hijack to post non entry videos in here when you don't actually NEED to make a video to satiate your curiosity.



Hahaha wouldn't that be GREAT!  ;D twice in a row

Here is my list of Ten.

Bellicose

Overlord

Bane

Catalyst

Dark Arbiter

Arbiter

Dark Catalyst

Monarch

Dark Monarch

Malice

I will make the video and post the results. I will use it for the next raffle I enter.

Now THAT is an interesting list  :)

Do the video just before you place the order so that you don't allow yourself time to either back out, or get used to the idea of it before you get it. You gotta jump on the order immediately! :)

Deal!!

Agreed.  It's feels a bit off topic, because it is. This is a CHALLENGE not a WHAT IF. Please do the challenge otherwise this just becomes a thread listing "hilts that you've dismissed" vs. "hilts that you've dismissed and have the guts to order and let impress you".  Please correct me if I'm wrong, Isola, but I'm sure the former was never the intent.




Interesting proposition, and I want this to be as compliant as possible with the challenge.  ::)  If I do another video, and stop on the third draw instead of the first draw, and the hilt is different, do I change my order to that hilt, keeping the same blade color and FoC color, since those were drawn exactly as I rolled the dice? What is the will of the Force telling the Jedi Council?

Isola... But that might mean that this thread has a short life span instead of members getting excited about a group discussion and possible future participation.  LB's video reply did disappoint me as I assumed that he was going for it.  There aren't many members that can financially do this as an impulsive spur of the moment challenge.  Perhaps that is why Raffles are so enticing and fun to participate in for an opportunity to receive a mysterious saber.  :)

For me... I have never thought of doing this before and have almost had to give myself permission to even consider randomly choosing an uber at the time unknown and possibly quite costly loaded grab bag.  As much as I can appreciate the adventure of the obscure... as you know our dollar is about the same and we are paying so much more for any saber plus the shipping and customs fee.  If I got any of my top 5 me no likey... I might want to destroy all video evidence and start again.  :-\

So all those who get a better bang for the buck... if you can, open up your wallets and respond to this worthy and entertaining challenge.  And the original rules and guidelines aren't that difficult to understand and follow for all you rule benders and high options persons... who really don't want to accept what the Force has chosen in your best interests.  ;D

point for our crazy endearing Aussie friend... who can take any saber and make it unrecognizable  ;)

Hey there, D7. What video reply are you referring to? I did go for it. I'm the only who actually has gone for it after Isola.  At first I wasn't going to because I wanted to be true to the rules and have 10 that I really disliked and at first I only had 3-4, a couple of which were out of stock anyway, so I thought I wouldn't be able to really comply, even though I was ALL up for it, but SFD suggested I complete my list with hilts that are low priority for me to purchase (thank you SFD for the idea), hilts that I had put off til later and why, so I came back and did just that.

Here's what I ordered (again, SPOILER ALERT for anyone who hasn't watched my Isola Random Hilt Challenge):

LB's Isola Random Hilt Challenge (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/isola_random_hilt_challenge_05apr17_zpspqbeywi1.png)

I disagree on the lifespan, and I don't think he ever conveyed that it was a spur of the moment challenge. There are those who have said will do it when they're ready. Plus there is no spend requirement just that it has sound. That opens it up quite a bit.

Hi LB.  So sorry for implying that you didn't participate.  I think that you had made another earlier video about perhaps an LED color and indicated not sure if accepting the challenge.  I went back a page and found your recent participation videos but part one does not open for me.  Was a tad confused by some members saying you should go back and redraw or something to that effect.  :-\

Anyways... I think that you could have done so much worse even though the Archon v.3 was in your #1 spot.  And you should be able to MHS replace the emitter.  Haz and others have modified out some really sweet sabers using all the Archon main parts.  A CG blade with a SY FoC should look fantastic for this saber.  Both you and Isola have been recipients of the wisdom and kindness of the Force.  :)

point well deserved for sure  :)

Indeed. It wasn't for curiosity's sake. It was for people to (as I said in a previous post) - Nut up, or shut up.

Mask has done a couple of random draws just to test the waters and didn't need to post a video.

Step 8 of the challenge is to order the saber - BEFORE POSTING YOUR VIDEO in step 9. Which pretty much means while you wait for your youtube video to upload you order your saber.

Don't worry about a redraw. If you change the hilt it will make more work for US. Mistakes happen, we're only human and you were visibly sweating from the nerves. You still did a random draw, and The Force helped to guide you :)


If the thread dies, then it dies. But I'd rather it die because people are too scared to do this, rather than have it turn into a little "what if" game.

I'm actually not sure where you're from, so I'm not sure about your customs fees. But after conversion my saber and shipping cost me $540 (Australian dollars). So yeah, the risk is there. But that's the point  8)

This doesn't need to be for the Spring Raffle. It's simply how I did my entry. This can be for any order at any time weather it be raffle time, sale time, or just for a normal everyday purchase from US.

Ah, thanks, D7, and no problem. My goof was that I rolled a 3 and should've drawn 3 pieces and opened the 3rd one, but I accidentally opened the 1st one instead. Still random, just less random than it could've been. :-\  That's what they meant by re-drawing. I won't be re-drawing because I've already ordered and I think overall the Force has spoken anyway  ;)  Also, I think I did well to add more randomness by drawing for the FoC color when I didn't have to.

Yep, I'm quite familiar with the MHS options as I have the Archon 2.1 already, so now I will definitely have to mix it up big time with that one so I have two unique sabers in my collection. Cool thing is that I can put the Archon 2.1 emitter/neck on my Archon 3.1 anytime I want to duel with it and give a whole emitter a home on my Archon 2.1  8)

I take your feedback very seriously, D7, and really appreciate it, too, so thanks for the encouraging words, friend  :)

Bah! Step 8! I should've left the ordering process out of my video... next time, because I do wanna do this again sometime down the road. I'll consider other hilts that I might be hesitant on to replace the Archon 3.1 on my list to get it back at 10. Thanks for your words of encouragement, buddy. This was a great experience, and you're a highly valued member of this forum. I'm going to trust that the outcome was the will of the Force and meant to be just like it is.  8)

It doesn't matter that you had your ordering process/selections in there. I did the same to chose the extra options. The point is more that while your video uploads you make payment so your challenge is complete when you post :D

I too trust that it was as The Force wills it.

I like that. More efficient.

Meanwhile... only 5 more days!  8)

Looks like at that point you'll have to drag this thread back from the dead for your review link. Because mine will of course take longer to get here after the 11th lol

Unless of course someone else nuts up before the end of the raffle and uses this as a raffle entry instead of just a regular order  8)

That's actually pretty cool. I'll see about this in the future.

I don't remember if I have said anything in this thread yet or not, but I am definitely going to do this challenge after I have gotten a few more sabers. But sadly, there is really only a few sabers (with variations) that I don't care for, so I will probably end up getting one that I will have to customize.

You can add the ones you like least to your list. That's what I did.

OR, you might get it and think "HOLY SH**! I WAS SO WRONG!!" and leave it just how it arrives ;)

(https://i.imgflip.com/1mwdet.jpg)

👆 😁

Well, if Freeman says it, it must be so.

But yeah, I am kinda thinking that I'd end up getting an Omen (seeing as I'd be putting three different Omen entries in), and the only thing I'd want that for is the hilt. I don't like the emitter. But hopefully when I do do it, I am completely and utterly surprised with the hilt's amazingness.

+1 for an awesome idea with an opportunity for a "Premium Grab Bag" Saber, for having the guts to do it, and for making me laugh at your Ronald McDonald joke! Cheers!

 I'm in for the next raffle.  I'll post up a recording of my rolls and stuff soon.  It will make waiting for the next raffle all the more crazy.  On the other hand, it has to be my next purchase, so it will make my clicky finger stay away from that evil add to cart button.

Cool.  Glad to hear it, Leefer. The will of the Force calls to YOU! I would wait, though, and do the drawing and video when you're ready to purchase. As I Isola suggested earlier in this thread, then you won't have a chance to change your mind.  :D  ;)  ;D

Yep! Like LB said. You gotta do it all at the same time. Step 8 is placing the order  ;D

It's here, it's here! I officially decree I have completed the Isola Random Hilt Challenge! Here is my IRHC hilt, the Archon 3.1 with Consular Green and Sentinel Yellow FoC:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5244_zpsygashbt7.jpg)

My two biggest reasons for putting off this hilt were 1) the blade wouldn't be bright enough for me because of the skinny neck on the emitter, 2) the blade wouldn't be sturdy enough for dueling. I found these two issues were really just inflated concerns of mine, and that the strengths of this hilt are appealing enough that the weaknesses don't matter as much as I had assumed they would. Without this challenge I would never have purchased the Archon 3.1. I'm glad I did now.

Here's a video review of it and my impressions of this hilt, which, along with 9 other hilts, I had dismissed as a no-go. I drew this one in the challenge and have now had a chance to examine first hand as a new Archon 3.1 owner... in a word - it's good  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXNedQobCYw

More Pictures!

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5243_zpsyrnkaixo.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5239_zps1pjyyhuy.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5240_zpscqppdmys.jpg)

One of the "concerns" I had was the narrow neck of the Emitter through which light had to travel to get illuminate the blade:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/B9F593B5-1499-43CE-AA3F-274652D3C444_zpsnwtb2vur.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/6BCA590F-790F-4CB7-8BC7-1EAD8B173BA7_zpso5l7bw3o.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/4EA35D2F-1366-43D7-994D-D04E9CA0CF32_zpsoxaspsnf.jpg)

There is a blade film inside the neck of the emitter to reflect light like it does inside a polycarbonate blade:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/48165985-4298-4F07-ADB4-C12D62A6130E_zpsh9ajjnit.jpg)

I didn't feel like this was as big of an issue as I had let myself believe, and there are too many other strengths in this hilt to more than compensate. One of the ways this hilt redeemed itself for me, being thus removed from the proverbial back burner, was the MHS compatible emitter. Check this out:

Archon 3. 1 emitter on the Emperor's Hand hilt - pretty good, right?

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5246_zpshwaijquy.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5247_zpstwowunmk.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5248_zpskacmhjrq.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5249_zpsoqw44lf7.jpg)

Archon 3.1 emitter on the Consular hilt - also very unique. I recently acquired a polished aluminum shroud for my Consular to use in place of my nickel finish shroud, for better MHS swappage options:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5252_zpsnabcf0gs.jpg)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/IMG_5253_zpsspkjorop.jpg)

This challenge was a very good experience - I loved it and want to thank Isola for paving the way with his example to go for it. I trusted in the Force, and it did not let me down. I received a hilt that really mostly dismissed my previous concerns of durability and blade brightness. Sure the latter is a weakness for this hilt, but the gold neck emitter more than makes up for and makes it worth having a blade that is slightly less bright. I mean, there's just nowhere to put the LED anywhere but where it is AND remain a hilt that can withstand medium dueling. I dueled with my son for a half hour last night, clashing my Archon 3.1 blade with his Archon 2.1 blade hard enough to trigger flash on clash, and though there was a small amount of vibration through that skinny neck, it is stronger than it looks. I'm proud to have this saber in my collection, and can't wait to see what unlikely hilt the Force wills for me next.

I challenge others to follow through on this challenge like Isola and myself did and show the Force that you trust its will for you. As Yoda said, "The Force is my ally, and a powerful ally it is."  I've no doubt that it is an ally with Ultra Sabers, too, and will not disappoint. MTFBWY

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/computingguy/UltraSabers/9A0B1F8A-B287-4E55-94B1-7E69102C8AC5_zpswareazjn.jpg)

EYYYYYYYY!!!

Nice work LB! I'm really glad to see that you loved the saber you wound up with from the challenge  ;D

Thank you so much for taking part and for posting your video and pictures. My saber is currently in transit and I should hopefully have it by this time next week to show everyone :)

Congrats on your new saber! Points coming at you for a while for participating in, and completing the Isola Random Hilt Challenge  8)

Thanks, dude.   ;)  Points back atcha. Can't wait to hear your impressions, too.

When Kai-Yen put an Archon 3.1 emitter on his EH I loved it, I think it makes for a beautiful lightsaber and same goes for your combination LB.

Even though a blue blade isn't my bag - I'd consider it with a guarded switch and the std pommel (like you have) for a nice obi-wan inspired hilt.

Always love that gold covertec wheel (you know it!)

Congrats and +1 points to you, LB.

Thanks, haz! I've got QD's on the EH, so lots of options there, too. Appreciate the feedback!

The Archon v3.1 emitter in the EH should be Ben Skywalker's hilt.

Great idea, ithekro. I think you're on to something there.  ::)

The Force pulls strongly to this one

Here we are ladies and gentlemen. The video of my Isola815 Random Hilt Challenge saber, the Salmon Scorpion!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g0sJSNf-04




And here are some photos:


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_175610_zps3myrxgje.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213831_zpsx68aprkm.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213747_zpsoph7gzth.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213735_zpsmw8vyx8p.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213727_zpscdhij0ob.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_175623_zpsffqzqulf.jpg)


(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_175552_zpsxsgew7ag.jpg)


AS FOC

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_175522_zps7adjz8wz.jpg)


This is what I mean about the blade tip thread. It really detracts from the overall look of the whole saber. As does the tube light effect of the standard blades.

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/PhotoGrid_1492688697522_zpsq5msafvq.jpg)


The difference between the Mantis pommel and the Scorpion pommel thread depth.

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/PhotoGrid_1492688791821_zpskuwwvcsu.jpg)


My poor claw :(

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213450_zpsz0umvvrr.jpg)

Jeeeesssuusssss!

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213242_zpsc4lqbjm8.jpg)


Not sure what's up with the little darker red lines and patches.

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213408_zps0yubvofb.jpg)


50 shades of pinkish-crimsony-red

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/815imagery/Personal/Raffle/20170420_213322_zpsveczsycp.jpg)



All in all I truly AM happy with this hilt, so it was a challenge success. But I'm still going to modify the pants off of this thing :p

Hi.  Another really helpful informative video.  You sure have this thing about pristine sabers out of the box lol.  ;)

So after seeing yours closer up... I now don't want a Scorpion esp. in multi-red/salmon and I agree with you about most of your observations.  The Monarch pommel does extend the flow of the saber much better.  That windowed grill piece doesn't need to be there at all and really distracts attention from the cool flanged emitter.  Personally I don't like the claw and it looks like an add on.  But I love the red pommel and probably just want that piece.

I think that you were very generous with your rating the overall saber a 9.  More like a 6 -7 for me... but then I'm not holding it and could easily upgrade my opinion.

But those newer threaded blade tips look ghastly in standard silver foiled blades.  I have loads of the old style and will hold on to them.  I prefer the look of the MG/HG blades but will now only get the UE... and even that looks toyish with the newest tips.

Rant over... need some coffee... and a hug ( just had my Scorpion ownership dream shattered ).  :)

thanks for the share and point  8)

Thanks D7!!  ;D

I think to be fair... for the price... they SHOULD be pristine. I can understand the raffle prize being a bit scuffed up, but a "premium" saber should have strict QC. Even if it was pristine I'd probably still be fixing to mod it. As soon as I saw it in person an awesome idea entered my head that I just NEED to do  :P

I have to say... if this wasn't super comfortable to wield one handed it would have been a 5 or 6. The saving grace that put it back up was the feel of it in my hands. Maybe you'll like it more when I'm done tinkering?  ;) 8)

You go have that coffee! I'd come give you a hug, but as it's past 1am I need sleep. And will need coffee when I get up in 4 hours  :o

Point back at you... hopefully it makes up for me shattering your dreams  :'(

Hey there, Isola - that was an awesome video, thanks for the shout out and tbh I was glad you took your time with it, as the Scorpion seemed to grow on you the more you talked about it. That said, I agree with you about the anodizing difference, though on mine I haven't noticed it as much, and I think it is oddly affected by the lighting imo. I perceived the same thing at the Salt Lake FanX convention at the Ultra Sabers booth last month, and of course, there is fluorescent lighting in there, and I think it messes with the appearance a little. Now that I own one the red anodizing appears warmer, redder than what I saw there.  Could just be me looking at mine through my crimson red colored lenses o^o, but that's what I noticed. I did, in fact, though, email customer service about it before ordering mine to see if there was a way to request a darker red anodizing on my hilt, but they said they are shipped separately, so no way to make a request on just one.  :-\  I, too, wish it was a darker, more "Iron Man" red, but I'm liking it the way it is. I put a blue illuminated AV switch on mine for that reason, because I felt it would make the red "pop" a little more, and I think it really does, but still, I can see why you'd find that rattle annoying on the AV switch - mine is doing that, too - so maybe consider a non-illuminated blue anodized AV switch - the contrast may look cool.

It really is a VERY comfortable hilt to hold. I think of that second set of windows below the main emitter windows that you mentioned you didn't like as a "crystal chamber" and think it's a pretty cool effect, but your point of view makes a strong case, too, so you've got me interested to see how you mod that part. I know you said both those windows and the FoC were overwhelmed by the brightness of Bane's Heart as a color, but I didn't hear you mention how you like Bane's Heart?

Also, I agree with you on the UltraEdge vs. non-UltraEdge blades and really prefer the UltraEdge now myself, too. I have a few of the older HG blades before the tip design was changed, and they're ok with really bright colors like Guardian Blue and Consular Green, but now, even for Fire Orange I'm liking the UE and UE HG blades best. The UE HG especially feels so, so solid, too.

I have to disagree with D7 about the claw, though (sorry, D7  ::)), because I think without it, it looks like a giant torch with the flange style emitter, like what you might find in the hands of an Olympic runner taking the Olympic torch to light a cauldron, and while that is a very majestic, inspirational site to see, it's not so great as a saber. Thanks for the shout out, too, on the silver pommel. The Renegade pommel works pretty well, but that Monarch pommel is undeniably a beautiful addition, too. Nice choice there, Isola.

I wholeheartedly agree with you about getting a pristine saber out of the box, for any custom saber purchase, not to mention if you throw down $600+ for a Diamond saber. I have another raffle entry, the Malice, which has a circular CNC machining mark on one of the emitter blades, looked like a watermark that you would see on a coffee table if something left their beverage on there without a coaster, so customer service had me send the one blade back for repair or replacement, and they'll reimburse the shipping up to $15. If I were you with the dented claw on my Scorpion, or for that matter the entire hilt if there noticeable scuffs/dings are noticeable, I'd be sending some or all of it back as well.

Don't settle...

(https://cdn.meme.am/cache/instances/folder192/400x/59156192.jpg)

...and point bomb DETONATED!  8)

LB, that Archon is almost exactly what I'd like to get (perhaps my next purchase).  Like Isola, the saber you modded looks incredible (the emitter looks natural w/ the body).  Just my 2 cents: have you considered an activation box mod?  I was thinking of doing something like that but w/ the Archon v3 but your saber body already has the box, if more subtle.  Again: great work.

Thanks, Dutch! Yeah, I really like the look of that emitter on the Emperor's Hand. Could be a nice modded saber to take to Comic Con and/or the Star Wars 8 premier coming up this fall/winter. I don't think I would be interested in the rectangular activation box mod I've seen that I think you're referring to for the same reason I didn't go with that type on the Emperor's Hand, since it digs into your hand a bit. Still, it does have a very iconic look and would be nice for display.

Isola, I agree with you 100% on all that you said about the Scorpion. I do think you should strip the whole saber in fact and make it silver. Also maybe you can put an inner sleeve to block the windows. Thin piece of aluminum or something. Anyway very informative. Love the new pommel on it.

Once again, a great review Isola. You always add just the perfect amount of humor into your reviews to keep us watching for the 20 minutes. Not that I mind long reviews, it is more of that I probably don't have the time to watch long ones right now. Anyways, great review, I'm glad you are happy with the saber.

You are correct LB; that's exactly what I was talking about.  Ah, I didn't even think about the...lack of ergonomic design (VERY good point) or comfort. 
I have to reiterate: that is one beautiful mod  :)

You're right  :o I did forget to mention the color!

Bane's heart IS a very cool color. I like it a lot and am happy that I wound up with it for this hilt because I really like the look of it through the emitter windows.

I sent an e-mail asking about the possibility of maybe replacing the claw. But the scratches, scuffs and chips will all be gone when I strip the pink anodizing off it anyways :)

It's just not worth sending stuff back from here. I discovered that with the Prophecy and Dark Catalyst. I'll grin and bear it. Unless this ever happens on a Guardian or Emperor's Hand. Then I think I'll be all out of patience and forgiveness  :o



Thanks Taegin and thanks Jediseth! And JS that's a similar idea to what I have planned :)

Thanks, buddy.   8)

Ah, cool. It seemed like you were digging the color and probably more just wishing the FoC was brighter, and I get that. So yeah if you remove the claw you get send that back pretty easily, right? Then again, maybe someone can help you straighten that ding on the tip. Since I think it's 6061 aluminum that is used in Ultrasabers hilts, you probably could heat it up just enough to soften and tap it back into place, then use a super fine grit sandpaper to smooth it out and polish with metal polish. Seems easier to me to send it back and let them send you a new one, though.

I have been exchanging electronic communiqués with the always lovely Marlena, and they managed to pounce on my latest shipment just before it left and put a new claw in there for me! The Scorpion is currently field stripped and ready for de-pinkenization. Hopefully I can get that finished before the new claw turns up :)

Not disappointed with the FOC in person. Just disappointing that I couldn't get it to show up on camera as cool as it does in person.

It looks a lot better with the Monarch pommel you put.  Glad US is going to send you a new claw.  It's a shame about the poor anodizing but I am sure you will make it look cool after the de-pinkization.

Oh yes, I was going to say that as well, but I forgot. I definitely like the look of the Monarch pommel on the Scorpion much better than the Scorpion pommel.

Woot woot! That's absolutely marvelous, Isola. Marlena has helped me with two different dilemmas in the past couple of days, too. She's like Ultrasabers royalty.  :D  I'm delighted to hear that they can do that for you.

"de-pinkenization" lol  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Ah sorry my bad on the FoC. Glad it's brighter then. Bane's Heart = swag.  8)

So now I'm really curious to see the fate of your ripened tomato Scorpion. I wish you the best in your scheme for it, brother.

Good review as always. Yeah I'm definitely smitten with the Scorpion now. Have you ever thought US is throwing you less-than-perfect hilts on purpose so you'd customize them?  :P

Totally agree with the pommel. Not necessarily the Monarch's, but it does look miles better with a silver pommel.

I have voiced this thought in the past, but I sure hope not. Because there are some that if they arrived damaged I would just be so heartbroken. Stuff like my challenge it's a 50/50 on if I'm going to like it anyway so I was more inclined to let some flaws slide. But I honestly can't handle it on every saber. There are only so many mods one man can do!  :o

Unless they are testing me for a job position so that they can help me move to the States. In which case, challenge accepted  8)