Has anyone out there combined one of the Aeon/Dominix with an Initiate to make an off center balanced staff? Wondering how that might handle.
OK, I did a quick check, joined one of my Dominix V3s to my Dark Initiate V3. I did it with both the adjustable vented coupler I use on my staff and the flush "invisible" Standard Issue coupler that we use with the Initiates.
In the end, James is spot on: its not that noticable at all. The difference in hilt length is 2-3 inches, so the actual centerpoint is on the Dominix, but when you spin it the staff automatically spins around the center of gravity and its not so far off that your hands feel awkward or anything. This is, of course, assuming that you're using equal blade lengths on both sides.
So, to be thorough, I popped the 24" initiate blade out of my Dominix and put the 36" blade in I use for single-blade weild.
Now, THAT felt different! :-) The actual center of gravity of the staff moved further up the Dominix hilt, but it was still comfortable, and it made for some interesting variation in a few of the moves, mainly because there was now a "top" and "bottom" to the staff. More like a saber with a secondary blade and less like a staff, actually. :-)
My testing, though, would indicate that while the center of gravity moves a bit into the Dominix hilt, its not at all awkward or an impediment to using the staff. In fact, it is hardly noticible. The two hilts are enough alike that it takes a close look to tell they're not the same. :-)
