And now for something completely different . . .Rather than doing something resembling a standard review for this lightsaber, I decided instead to take a detailed look at the very unique anatomy of the Azure Reaper for anyone who is contemplating purchasing one or is just curious about the hilt.
It's definitely a one-of-a-kind configuration in the UltraSabers lineup.
Well, maybe not
literally "One".
As stated, this shows the Azure version, but everything here goes for the standard Reaper (Black Anodized) and the Crimson version as well. So there are three variants of this model.
Azure Reaper Anatomy & Physiology:Cool looking saber, huh?
Here are the basics on what you see above:
- Blue Anodized w/ Silver Circuit Engravings
- MHS Emitter w/ detachable Claw & Shroud
- MHS Pommel w/ detachable Claw
But there's a lot more to it than just that . . .
Let's start with the Pommel and work our way up.
As mentioned, the Claw is easily removeable - I used a 3/32 SAE Hex Wrench to remove mine; slightly larger than the standard 5/64 used to remove the Blade.
You can see in the above photo that the Pommel is completely open on the bottom. As a result, Obsidian Sound is
really loud on this model; it absolutely rips!
Now here's where things really start to get interesting.
Did you notice the retention screw on the side of the Pommel in a couple of the pics above?
Those are there because that Pommel is itself a Shroud that fits over the Silver threaded section and is held in place with two retention screws.
This allows you to actually rotate & set the Pommel Shroud in any direction you want!
Want the Claw facing the rear of the hilt? Sure!
Want the Claw facing the front of the hilt? No problem; simple adjustment!
Working our way up the hilt, here's the lower section of the Body . . .
. . . and here's the upper section.
See the line below the AV switch?
The Body actually breaks down into sections:
Finally, here's what I personally think is the highlight of this UltraSaber: the Emitter.
Here's a couple views of the Emitter attached to the Hilt, front & back.
The Shroud and the Emitter when removed from the Body:
The Blade retention screw is normally covered by the Shroud, so to remove or attach the Blade - you have to completely unscrew and take off the Emitter, attach the Blade, then screw the Emitter back in.
The Shroud itself simply slides onto the Body; there aren't any Threads or Screws.
Close-up of the Emitter itself. I really love the machining on the Emitter Windows.
Finally, the Emitter - like the Pommel - has a shroud-like tip with retention screws so you can adjust the Claw in any direction you like.
Thoughts & Suggestions:- I love the adjustable Emitter & Pommel shrouds! In fact - it would be incredible if UltraSabers eventually offered an MHS Expansion Pack that included a plain, threaded Emitter & Pommel section and a variety of shroud attachments you can use to customize your hilt and have any asymmetrical pieces face in the direction you want.
- I'd also love to see a "Dark Reaper" that is an all Black version of the hilt body - no circuitry engravings.
- And while we're talking Colors - if they ever offered Yellow & Green variants - I would absolutely buy all 5!
Why?
Because - Lion-Team Voltron Sabers!
- Lastly, my only disappointment with this hilt is the fact that US decided to make the Body width 1.45".
Why is that a problem?
Because I would LOVE to use that Silver Emitter Shroud on other Hilts!
Unfortunately, virtually all the Hilts w/ removable Emitters are 1.5"
That's just wide enough to not be able to slide the Shroud on.
In particular, I think a Staff with 2 Dark War Glaive Bodies & 2 Reaper Emitters would be incredible!
I've already tried though & the Shroud just doesn't fit on the DWG Body.
That's all for now - hope you found this look at the anatomy of the Azure Reaper to be useful!