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Author Topic: Battling with a Bane: A Review of the RGB Bane  (Read 3253 times)
NeoDuragon
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Force Alignment: 10
Posts: 29


« on: September 17, 2011, 12:06:52 AM »

Hello everyone.  My name is Neo.  I have been researching (stalking) the forums for the past couple of months, but I have been interested in Ultrasabers since 2009.  I am happy to say I am now addicted to their products, and can’t stop myself from buying them! 

This RGB Bane was actually my second saber (first being a prophecy staff), but it is definitely my favorite!  Someday, I plan on sending it back in to have Obsidian Sound installed and some custom work done (recharge port, windowed crystal chamber that changes colors with the RGB), but for now I’m using this strictly for dueling with an UltraEdge Heavy Grade Blade.  Because of its immense length, I have named this saber “The Masamune.”




Hilt: 8/10

This hilt is LONG! About 15 inches from pommel to emitter.  I love the anodized aluminum grips, although they are too far apart for gripping because of the enlarged thoracic housing.  I tend to hold my saber with my trailing hand at the base grip, and my leading hand slightly above the latching switches, for leverage.  When holding it by the grip by the emitter, I feel that my reach is diminished, though it does provide excellent blocking power.

The flanged emitter is menacing, although the tip of the hilt that the emitter screws into is very sharp.  I’ve found myself bleeding more than once if I am not careful.  Also, the blade holder seems somewhat wobbly.  I may need to add a few extra set screws along the back to keep it tight.



Color: 9/10

As this Bane was an anniversary gift to my fiancè and myself, I emailed Deep to ask for slight modifications to the colors.  I asked for a Dark Violet Amethyst and Golder yellow, and I am quite pleased with the results. 


Above:  Bane in Dark Violet Amethyst, compared to a Dark Violet Amethyst prophecy.

The Dark Violet looks very much like the color from the comics, and my gold is a beautiful bright gold.  At first, I was hoping for a deeper orange-gold (what can be achieved from a Lux III Amber Bin 2), but this bright gold has grown on me.  Because both colors require less Red, Deep decided to add a stronger resistor to the Red LED, and because of that I have a beautiful crimson blade when just the Red LED is on.  Of course, the colors vary on battery life, and depending on which blade I use.

Blade 9/10 

I originally ordered an UltraEdge Mid Grade Blade, but I soon after used my reward points to order a couple UltraEdge Heavy Grade Blades for some rougher dueling.  I am very pleased with both blades.  I use the Heavy Grade for dueling, and the Mid Grade for displaying / tricking.  I actually enjoy the UltraEdge Heavy Grade because of its flaws.  The dimmer blade gives it a white core in the middle of the blade.  Also, the heavier blade helps balance the blade, offsetting the extended hilt and moving its center of gravity towards the emitter.

Because the blade only sits two inches into the emitter, the 36” blade seems much longer than the prophecy blades.  The total length of the saber including the blade is about 49”, or just over 4 feet.

Still, as said in other threads, I have to agree that the UltraEdge makes the color look more “pastel” in the light.  As the saying goes, the grass is always greener on the other side, and I think that my next purchase (whatever hilt I decide on) will be with a regular Mid Grade Blade.



Dueling 8/10

Dueling with this saber is exciting!  I feel like Sephiroth with my insanely long reach.  I can use leverage I get from the hilt for strong power strikes, and, with the heavy grade blade, I am confident it won’t break.

Being untrained in martial arts (but having some fencing experience), I tend to wield the blade wildly, with long chops and heavy swings.  This does not bode well for me, as one of my sparring partners is a professional fencer.  While I am busy swinging my around erratically, he quickly lunges and gets me hard in the knee (twice in the same spot, nonetheless).  Until I can learn better control to get a quicker offense / defense, I will have to deal with getting hit more often then not.  Needless to say, I have ordered NCSCS and been studying some of their videos during my off hours.

Because of the extremely long hilt, I find it much easier to spin this like a saber-staff, using two hands to create a figure 8.  The result is amazing momentum, and an intimidating spin.  It’s also a great flourish that can be combined with a body pivot and a slash / stab for a quick point.  Its one of my favorite things to do with the Bane.

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m197/Jfeldhake/Lightsabers/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_0712-Computer.mp4" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win"><img src="http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m197/Jfeldhake/Lightsabers/th_IMG_0712-Computer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>

Note:  Not sure how to embed this video into the post, so for now, click the link to see my photobucket album.

Overall 9/10

Overall, I am quite pleased with my purchase.  If I had the extra money, I would have ordered Obsidian Sound, but adding RGB had already emptied my lightsaber funds.  The hilt is one of the largest single blade sabers available, and even longer than a few double bladed staffs.  The colors a vibrant, and unique, thanks to Ultrasaber’s amazing customer service.  And the blade is extremely sturdy, holding up to any thing I throw it at.  I am very happy with my saber and plan on ordering a couple more when Ultra starts releasing new models (how about a dark shock with gold anodized cuts instead of silver?).

~Neo


Extra Pictures


Experimenting with color filters.


White looks good too.


As does green.


Dropped an orange color filter in, I love this color!
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I follow no Jedi Code or Sith teachings, just the path the force takes me.  That being said, I prefer dark side points.

Kham-Ryn Kurios
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« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2011, 12:13:13 AM »

God that hilt is huge, But I love Yellow. Grin

How much shorter is the normal version?

Great saber.
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Manroon
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« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2011, 12:15:17 AM »

Great review, this is the first time I've actually found myself wanting a Bane a little bit! lol That golder yellow is awesome, as is the resistored red. You really picked a choice customization getting that done!
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ThreadJack
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« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2011, 01:04:49 AM »

I must also commend you on your hilt choice. It's a nice hilt, though WAY big for my tastes, I find myself wanting one a little bit now....
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darth tratus
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« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2011, 01:21:27 AM »

thats a very beautiful saber you got there.
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NeoDuragon
Knight Apprentice
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Force Alignment: 10
Posts: 29


« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2011, 01:24:26 AM »

God that hilt is huge, But I love Yellow. Grin

How much shorter is the normal version?

Great saber.

I believe the normal version is about 2-3 inches shorter, so around 12-13 inches.

~Neo
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I follow no Jedi Code or Sith teachings, just the path the force takes me.  That being said, I prefer dark side points.

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