FX Lightsabers (for dueling) - Removable Blade or Non-Removable?

[Vex]

If you just want sabers to duel with you could always go with the non sound sabers. They are  very well constructed, and really bright as well!!
you can get 2 of them for about the same price as 1 fx saber. then save up for sabers with sound later.The Aeon V2 LE, Dominix V2 LE, Prophecy, and Liberators are all excellent choices.

[Master Uilos]

All blades are made of polycarbon plastic.  They are extremely durable and protection should be worn if you are going to duel with someone at full force.  If you take a nice relaxed approach you will be pretty safe.  I've only had one tooth broken by a saber...  ::cough cough Nero cough::

I've had mostly split lips and welts from blades. The black eye was from an overzelous pommel strike my padawan...the saber was aluminum.

But yeah, Polycarb blades are strong and tough. The Heavy Grade blades even more so. So caution is a given.

[ThreadJack]

What exactly are the blades made of?  Are they safe to be hit with, or is some sort of protection needed?

Although some caution/common sense is a given, you should be fine if you do get hit, so long as your partner isn't swinging to hurt you. But full force dueling = wear a helmet.

[Darth Newbie]

How much do the sabers weigh?

[ThreadJack]

How much do the sabers weigh?

It depends on the saber. Each model is different, plus blade type also effects the weight.

[Novastar]

Also of note, weight isn't always the best determiner for whether a saber is able to be wielded well... the BALANCE is probably the most important thing (in my opinion).

Although you can find more information via online videos about the balance of a weapon... yup... some 411 about this concept (specifically related to LED sabers) is going to be present on NCSCS DVD#2.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Also of note, weight isn't always the best determiner for whether a saber is able to be wielded well... the BALANCE is probably the most important thing (in my opinion).

Although you can find more information via online videos about the balance of a weapon... yup... some 411 about this concept (specifically related to LED sabers) is going to be present on NCSCS DVD#2.

And blade choice has as much to do with a saber balance as the hilt.  Another excellent point!  And another tidbit about your next DVD!  Subtle and genius advertising 

[SuperSword]

Hey, I'm just a noob trying to pick out a birthday present for my friend... he's a big fan of Star Wars, so I figure that a light saber would be the perfect gift for him.

I found something that looks perfect for the role at thinkgeek:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/collectibles/b72c/?pfm=homepage_Featured_2
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/e26d/


My question is, is there a significant durability difference between the removable blade version and the non-removable version (that is, is one kind more prone to breaking upon being hit than the other; these WILL be used for dueling)?  I was planning to get the removable kind, but I figured I should check with some experienced people first to make sure .


Also, I noticed that lightsaber dueling is incredibly in-depth.  Is there a particular place I go to learn all of these fighting styles?  (I was hoping to pattern myself after Darth Vader, since I plan on getting my friend the Obi Wan blade)

I would definitely recommend a removable blade. Ultrasabers removable blades are much more durable than the Master Replicas or Hasbro non removable blades, but aside from durability, with a removable blade if the blade gets damaged you can replace it, that is why removable blades are better for dueling.

[Darth Newbie]

Let me rephrase the question:

Is the Bellicose something a weakling could easily wield in one hand?

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Yes.  It might take a little training but get a mid grade blade and you'll be fine.

Cheers.

[Qui-Tom Helms]

The Habros are as close as you can get nowadays to be close to the movie replicas, they are more for hanging on the wall, ocassionally waving around, and maybe a few duels with very very very light touching of the blades.  They may work for you as you intentionally intended, maybe once with no hard hitting, but if your ultimate goal for the future is to be able to duel, go with Ultrasabers.  Any of their models are good choices!

[Darth Newbie]

How long should shipping take?


Also, what kind of batteries does the Li-Ion setup use?

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Shipping will take as long as you the option you select.  If you REALLY REALLY want the saber asap you can pay for next day delivery.  Please realize this occurs once the saber is built (most hilts say on their order page that they take 2 - 3 weeks to process).  This means that there are two stages you have to wait through, Processing (between 2 - 3 weeks is accurate at this time of year due to the approach of Halloween) and shipping (goes as fast as you pay, anything from 1 business day to 10 business days).

Ultrasaber's uses 14500 Cell Li-Ion batteries: http://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/z-electronics-14500li-ion.htm

Ok, now back on topic.

[Darth Newbie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordsmanship

Of all of these historical swordfighting techniques, which one would be most conducive to
1.)  Me winning the duel, and
2.)  taking long enough to win the duel so that it would still be dramatic?

[Master Uilos]

1) That depends entirely on you and your skill in said technique. None of us can say "THIS, THIS WILL LET YOU WIN 100 percent". Most will say fencing, others kendo, some wushu or Tae Kwan Do. In short, no one can answer this question. There is no zero sum game in martial arts.

2) No martial art actually wants to prolong a fight. Most duels would only last a handful of moves and with little fanfare. If you want a fight to be "dramatic", why not choreograph a duel?