Saber customizations, that make them look more like they do on screen.

[BlindJedi]

 Being legally blind, I can't really see the pictures on the ultra sabers website, so I'm asking you wonderful people out there on the forum.
 When I purchase a saber, which options should I choose to make them look more like they do on the big screen?
This can apply to any saber in Ultrasabers line up.

[ChillyAleman]

Since you are blind, I take it that you will not be fighting. If I am right, you should go with standard midgrade or Ultraedge blades. If I'm wrong and you are doing heavy dueling, you should probably sacrifice some of your brightness and buy Heavy Grade Blades.

IF you want your lightsaber to look more like it came from The Phantom Menace or Revenge of the Sith, you should install a covertec wheel, which is a small wheel that the Jedi could attach to a belt clip in the films.

The lightsabers that are the most film-like are inspired by different characters. The Prophecy and Dark Prophecy are very loosely based of Anakin and Vader's sabers, though not nearly as detailed as the next two sabers. Blue for Anakin, Red for Vader.

The Graflex (and Graflex CE) is nearly a replica of Anakin's lightsaber in Revenge of the Sith and Luke's lightsaber in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Blue, Sun Rider's Destiny or arctic blue for movie Accuracy. It appeared blue in Revenge of the Sith and The Empire Strikes Back, Arctic Blue in A New Hope, and Sun Rider's Destiny in the 2004 release of A New Hope. I don't know why, but they made the saber a weird color for only the 2004 release; it is arctic blue in the most recent version.

The Chosen One (and CE) is heavily inspired by Darth Vader's Saber from the original trilogy. If you order this, you should get a black box, black switch and lines in windows to make it more similar to the movie prop. Red for Movie-accuracy

The Bellicose is not a movie saber, but is inspired by Galen Marek in The Force Unleashed 2. It is a very detailed hilt. Blue for Game Accuracy, although the player could change the color to any color in the game, such as green, orange, white or purple. Purple is Violet Amethyst.

The Bane is inspired by Darth Bane's Lightsaber from the comics, and is a massive and simple lightsaber. Red or purple for comic accuracy

The Consular is inspired by Qui Gon Jinn's lightsaber in The Phantom Menace, though it lacks the red button it has in the film. US does not stock a red button, though they do have a red light-up switch. Green for movie accuracy

The Guardian is inspired by Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. Although it is a bit larger, many forum members consider this to be one of US's most beautiful sabers. Blue for movie accuracy

The Archon v3 is similar to Luke's lightsaber in Return of the Jedi, though it lacks the activation box, which is a large detail of the movie saber. This lightsaber also dims the LEDs due having a thin neck, but the thin neck is a very beautiful piece and this saber is becoming a new favorite in the community (as far as I can from all the reviews). You may want to get the classic pommel for movie accuracy. Green (I recommend tri-green to impress your friends) for movie accuracy

The Archon v2.1 is the same as the previous saber, except it is brighter, has larger and different neck, and has a covertec wheel instead of a triangle-ring, which makes the 2.1 better for dueling but less movie-accurate. Green for movie accuracy

The Menace is based on Darth Maul's Lightsaber. The Crimson, Azure and Dark Menaces look nothing like the movie version, as the movie hilt is silver. Go with either the SE or CE edition. Red for movie accuracy

The Flamberge is based on the new Kylo Ren Saber from The Force Awakens. It has a normal blade and two short side blades. I'd go with the Flamberge or Flamberge LE for movie accuracy. Red for movie accuracy

The Raven is based on Starkiller's sith stalker saber from the Force Unleashed video game. It has very large claws (6") along the blade. Red for game accuracy, but the player could change to any color, including orange or purple.

The Malice is inspired by Darth Malgus' saber from The Old Republic video game. It has two menacing fin-like claws that extend from the emitter. Red for game accuracy

 I hope this helpful, and know that you can disagree with my color suggestions if you think a friend would prefer see the lightsaber in a different color. Also, you can buy any lightsaber and it will look great, I just listed some of the most movie-like lightsabers for you. The Monarch is a beautiful rounded saber and the Manticore is another favorite because of its menacing design. Of course, the Aeons and Sentinels are also very popular because they are comfortable and affordable.

As for the customization for your saber, you can buy MPP and Graflex clamps as well as activation boxes from rival sites that I won't mention and attach them to your saber. You can also make a grip for your saber out of hockey tape or leather to add an extra layer of detail. You can also add your own D-ring or replace your blade retention screws with 8-32 knurled screws. I'd only recommend doing this to sabers that I didn't list as "movie-inspired".

May the Force guide your choice.

[JediXIX]

Excellent and very helpful reply ChillyAleman . . . A well deserved point for that +1


May I ask BlindJedi, what are your vision limitations? (Of course, if you want to keep that private I'd completely understand)

Really not much to add to ChillyAleman excellent reply, other than if we know which on screen sabers you like we could go into more detail on those specific hilts...

[Dauntless Seven]

+1 from me as well Chilly.  This saber connection to SW movie and character is well done and is a good reference for other members.  Particularly like the description and suggestions for each saber plus the blade colors.  Can't imagine how much time went into this detailed reply.   

[ChillyAleman]

I woke up in a fright at 3:20, thinking it was 3:20 PM (My roommate keeps the room super dark all times of the day). I hurriedly began working on a paper due at 4:00 when I realized the time. So I goofed off a bit on this site and posted that long explanation that I REALLY should have proof-read, but I was too tired to do so. I feel a bit guilty, because I can imagine Blind Jedi using some sort of voice program and the computer starts reciting my confusing sentences which lack some key words. Anyways, I hope this helps.

[BlindJedi]

 Chilly, your descriptions really did help. The Sabres I'm most interested in are the Graflex, Raven, bellicose, menace, and the chosen one.
 I'm interested in most Sabres that you mentioned, but the ones I've listed above are the ones I have the most questions about, especially their hilts.
 As for my vision, in short it sucks. I can see light and shadows at this point. So that is why I got interested in Ultrasabers. Because I can see the blades. 

[Kouri]

Adding on to Chilly's post, but narrowed down to your top picks.

The Graflex is closest to Anakin's Episode 3 saber in detail, but closer in size to the prop used in Episodes 4, 5, and 7. It has six grips, like the Episode 3, 5, and 7 props. The grips are spaced as in episode 3, and without fasteners, as in Episodes 3 and 4. The clamp and activation box are a custom UltraSabers design that's not really close to any of the movie props, but should be much more comfortable to hold. One the one hand, the straight lines are reminiscent of the Episode 4 clamp, but all the detailing being in the middle is closer to the knurled clamp from Episode 3 and the textured tape used in Episode 5.

The stock Graflex pommel is closest to Anakin's Episode 3 saber, extending past the grips. Episodes 4 and 5 have the saber end right at the grips. For Episode 7, the Hero prop ends at the grips, but the stunt saber has a cap that extends a bit past the grips. The covertec wheel is installed in the Episode 3 position, but can be removed to better match Luke's saber. If you wanted to do a little DIY, the pommel should take a d-ring as in Episodes 4, 5, and 7.

You'll have the option to configure button colors. In chronological order:

Clone Wars: Bronze Front, Silver Rear.
Episode 3: Gold Front, Gold Rear.
Episodes 4 & 7: Silver Front, Red Rear.
Episode 5: Red Front, Red Rear.

I'd recommend the Guardian Blue LED for a consistent color that matches most appearances of this saber, but Chilly's right about Arctic Blue being a good match for the lighter color used in A New Hope. Finally, SE if you want the hilt and clamp to have the exact same finish, CE if you want the hilt nickel-plated like the original chrome prop. Standard Silver switch either way.

For the Raven, Standard Pommel is definitely the way to go to match the promotional artwork. A bit harder to judge the spikes, but it looks like the standard set extend about as far as the game model. Total accuracy would have some sort of wrap around the switch area, up by the emitter, but not covering the entire hilt. Tennis Overwrap should work just fine.

On the Bellicose, Silver Bladeholder. Red button. Silver switch, if you're getting sound. Pommel's a bit tricky -I personally prefer the Short Grooves - but honestly, the most accurate pommel US makes is the Malice Square Pommel. Arctic Blue's the best match to the game's Aqua Blue blade. The hilt is also supposed to be wrapped (what the black portion represents) - the renders look like some woven fabric, but Tennis Overgrip works again in this situation.

On the Menace, you may need to configure the screws. Silver Bottom on SE, Nickel Bottom on CE. Red Middle and Top for both. Silver Switch if you get sound.

Chosen One, oh boy, another lengthy one. I'm not quite as familiar with Vader's hilt as I am Anakin's, but I'll do my best.

Black Activation Box best matches Episodes 3, 5, and 6. Episode 4 had silver stripes on the side, so I could understand the thought of a silver box in that scenario, but I personally think the black box is a better fit. Silver Switch does a good job of replicating the look of the silver bubble strip as well as making some nice contrast to make the power switch easier to identify.

There's a silver lever attached to the box. Keep it for Episodes 3 and 4. Remove it for Episodes 5 and 6.

The activation box is oriented near the bottom of the saber, but not quite straight down (if considering the emitter thumbscrews the top). It's, I'm assuming, about where the Ep 4 clamp mounts, and close-enough to Ep 5 and 6, which were straight down.

Covertec wheel is from Episode 3, but mounted in a way to be comfortable while having the clamp in it's default position. If you really wanted an Ep-3-accurate Vader hilt, I'd ask US to move the activation box to the top and the covertec wheel to the right (when viewed from the pommel). Remove the wheel for Episodes 4-6.

If you're up for some DIY, there's a d-ring installed by emitter thumbscrew closest to the tip. The Episode 6 Stunt Saber was built from an old Luke hilt, so there's another one at the pommel, if you're so inclined.

Six grips start from the clamp and run most of the length of the saber - a great match for Episodes 3, 5, and the Episodes 6 Hero prop.

[Landen Se-Sentien]

If you're getting an lightsaber with the Emerald driver...

Have them give the blade a flicker. Pick your color and choose the pulse option.  Choose your second color to be the same color as the first, but just a little lighter or darker, and ask them to set the timing to 0.04 - 0.10 seconds.

It'll impress the others.

[BlindJedi]

I'd like to thank all of you for your wonderful responses.
I do have a few more questions, that I'm hoping you can help me with.
First off I'm thinking of the following options for the Chosen One.
I like the Covertec wheels better than the D-Rings, so I'm thinking I'll go with that, along with the black activation box.
I'm thinking back to the Hasbro version of this saber I had in the 90s, and wondering how far up the hilt the grips actually go.  Because if I remember the toy version, they go from the bottom up to a black ring, that the activation box was attached to.  Is this ring present on the US version?  Of course I could be remembering the saber completely wrong.
When did the Chosen One show up in EP-3?
As for the Graflex, I think I have to get both buttons in either silver or gold, because I like those colors over the red.  I had no idea this saber was going to be in EP-7.
Now I have some questions about the Raven, and Bellicose.
First the Bellicose, I want the blade holder to contrast the emitter shroud, which option would do this?  Same goes for the Raven.
Was the Raven from the first or second Force Unleashed game?  Did Starkiller have two of the Ravens?
Now is the Prophecy a close replica, or a distant cousin of the EP-2 Anikin saber?  Does it have anything close to an activation box, like the 90s Hasbro version?
How close is the Consular to Qui-Gan Ginn's saber?  If it isn't close, what's missing?
How close is the Guardian to the EP-1, EP-2 Obi-Wan Kenobi saber?  This was my favorite saber in the 90s.  Does the pommel match that of the Hasbro version from the 90s?  Didn't Obi lose this one in the first movie?  Where did he get the second one, and why was it the same as the first?
Is the Monarch the saber used by the Emperor?  I have heard people say it is, but I'm not sure.
Again thanks for your excelent responses.  I've compiled a list of options for the sabers I plan to purchase.
Are there any sabers from US I should focus on, any that you guys absolutely love?
I plan to purchase most of the sabers on the US site, because I am a big SW fan and love the sabers. 
Are there any sabers I should avoid?

[Thanamira]

Are there any sabers from US I should focus on, any that you guys absolutely love?
I plan to purchase most of the sabers on the US site, because I am a big SW fan and love the sabers. 
Are there any sabers I should avoid?

I've skipped many of your questions, because 1, I don't own them and 2, having screen-accurate replicas isn't interesting to me, so I'd be terrible at answering your questions. 

But the last few, I think I can address.

I have a few different sabers: v2 Initiate, an Apprentice (not sure which version), Dark Standard Issue, Overlord, and Dark Mantis.  I love them all, but the DSI, Overlord, and especially Dark Mantis really want to be used two-handed for me.  (I have weak wrist strength.)  So my next purchase will be Apprentices (two, to have a staff option), in part because they're smaller/lighter.  So this is me giving a shout-out to the Apprentice, in part because I sometimes think it's overlooked because it's cheaper, whereas I think it's a really great saber.

I have not heard of any bad saber designs from US.  Only differences in aesthetics, but that's kinda the whole point -- it'd be weird if a single design appealed to everyone.

[Kouri]

You're remembering the Vader saber just fine, and the Chosen One grips do run from the bottom all the way up to the black ring. Vader's saber makes a brief appearance at the end of Episode 3 when the life-support suit is being constructed - though the design is slightly different from the Original Trilogy saber and fairly different from the Chosen One.

On the Bellicose, a black blade holder will provide contrast against the silver emitter. This saber doesn't actually appear in-game, but was used in promotional material for the Force Unleashed 2. Starkiller's was holding two.

Raven only has the one style blade holder, so no decision to make there. It's used by the Sith Stalker/Dark-Side ending Starkiller in the first Force Unleashed game. He only uses the one saber. However, he carries multiple other sabers on his belt: Starkiller's original hilt, Vader's Episode 3 hilt, Rahm Kota's hilt, half of Darth Maul's saber, and Kazdan Parattus' hilt without the pike extension.

The Prophecy isn't really a close replica, more so inspired by the Episode 2 saber. No activation box. I personally think a Chosen One with the black finish sanded off the emitter shroud would be a closer replica.

The Consular is about as close as you can get to Qui-Gon's saber while still being able to fit electronics in there. A few details are rounded instead of square, but it really just makes for a more comfortable grip. The original prop used  knurled red screw for the activation button - US only offers silver and black buttons, though some have lights. Perhaps a black switch with a red light might interest you. The shroud is also missing some holes that were machined into the original prop, but the saber itself is still instantly recognizable.

Guardian is almost dead-on for the prequel Obi-Wan saber. Apparently for Episode 2, he decided to build a saber much like his original, probably because it carried design elements from his mentor's saber, as well as his contemporary, Quinlon Vos.

Looking at the Monarch, it's a nice design, but beyond the emitter, it really doesn't look like the Emperor's sabers to me.

[Dauntless Seven]

Hi BlindJedi.  I have to ask this question because you have said that you are wanting to purchase many sabers.  You have asked some indepth questions about saber specifics and how they relate to the SW movies.  I am wondering how you read our answers.  Is someone reading them to you and will that same person be assisting you with your sabers.  I ask because that person(s) will also have to understand these sabers and how to operate them be it stunt or Obsidian soundboard or Emerald color driver. Please share your intention for these sabers.  Will you be using them or are they more for display ?   

[James Casey]

I hope this helps. I've tried to cover the questions Kouri hasn't, or added a little extra to their answers.

Was the Raven from the first or second Force Unleashed game?  Did Starkiller have two of the Ravens?

The Raven was in a cutscene from the first game, if you choose the Dark Side ending. I'm not sure if it's used in the game itself, but it's one of the hilts clipped to his belt.

He has one of the hilts.

Now is the Prophecy a close replica, or a distant cousin of the EP-2 Anikin saber?  Does it have anything close to an activation box, like the 90s Hasbro version?

I'd call it a 80% match; The lower grip is quite different, with indented sections rather than raised grips, and there's no activation box.

How close is the Consular to Qui-Gan Ginn's saber?  If it isn't close, what's missing?

The shroud doesn't have the holes milled into the rear side that the movie hilt did. In addition, the hilt is fuller due to the need to hold the electronics - a lot of the prop hilt was cut away leaving the grips sticking up from about half way through the hilt. There's just no way to replicate that in a functional hilt at present.

Oh, and US don't currently offer a red activation switch, so I went for one with red illumination on mine.

How close is the Guardian to the EP-1, EP-2 Obi-Wan Kenobi saber?  This was my favorite saber in the 90s.  Does the pommel match that of the Hasbro version from the 90s?

In terms of visual appearance the Guardian is probably the closest match to the movie hilts. It's quite a bit longer and thicker, though, again due to the need to accommodate the electronics. It makes it one of the heaviest hilts made by Ultrasabers. It's not uncomfortable to use, but I wouldn't try and use it one-handed.

Is the Monarch the saber used by the Emperor?  I have heard people say it is, but I'm not sure.

It's not, but it's the closest US make. Think of it as one that the Emperor might have made; Similar flowing lines, but a different design aesthetic.

Are there any sabers from US I should focus on, any that you guys absolutely love?

Bellicose, Bellicose, Bellicose! But seriously, the Bellicose is a great 'sabre. The Shocks, Manticores, Sentinels and Catalysts are also all nice to handle and look amazing as well.

Are there any sabers I should avoid?

Difficult to say. Based on what you've said about your vision, there doesn't seem to be much point in having more than one version of any hilt - so an Aeon is the same as a Dominix, a Dark Shock the same as a Shock and so on. If your vision is good enough to tell the difference between the black and silver, this may be less of an issue. Perhaps more importantly, the LE versions (gold highlights on silver hilt, silver on black) really won't make all that much of a difference - a Shock and Shock LE probably will seem identical, I'd guess.

[BlindJedi]

Hi BlindJedi.  I have to ask this question because you have said that you are wanting to purchase many sabers.  You have asked some indepth questions about saber specifics and how they relate to the SW movies.  I am wondering how you read our answers.  Is someone reading them to you and will that same person be assisting you with your sabers.  I ask because that person(s) will also have to understand these sabers and how to operate them be it stunt or Obsidian soundboard or Emerald color driver. Please share your intention for these sabers.  Will you be using them or are they more for display ?   

I'm reading the forum with the help of a screen reading software known as ZoomText, and I'm also reading the forum on my iPad with the assistance of Apple's screen reading software known as VoiceOver.
No one will be assisting me with the sabers, basically because I'm the technology junky in my family.  As for the opperation of them, well, I pretty much got that covered, and if I get the sabers with Obsidian or Emerald, and can't use my screen reader to read the Obsidian Launcher, I'm sure one of my family or friends will assist me with that..
I plan to display the sabers most of the time, but want the ability to duel with them when I get the urge to make some sighted people feel in adequate.  Whenever some one is going to strike they make very audible sounds, even if they are trying to be silent.  This is even more apparent when the sabers have sound.  Thus why I loved the Hasbro ones back in the 90s.  People would try to defeat me, but would fail.  I even did this stuff blindfolded to give them an even bigger advantage, and hit for hit usually broke even or barely won.
The movie inspired hilts will be on display most of the time, along side the old Hasbro versions I still have from the 90s.

[Dauntless Seven]

Thanks for your clear and detailed reply.  Keep asking any questions that come up and hope you are able to get your first Ultra Saber soon.  And sometimes the best way to go is to just get a saber to hold and use.  It's so much better in person.