Initiate V3, V4, & V5

[DarthBoneTD]

In my 3+ years of collecting US, and of all the hilts I have, the basic saber lines (Apprentice, Sentinel, Initiate, Aeonix) are still my favorite saber for one simple reason. You can let your imagination run wild and not feel bad about doing it, like some do when you mess with cannon/higher end hilts. In my world no hilt is of limits unless it's nickel plated. No matter if it's weathering, leathering, paint, or even battle damage, they can truly be your own design. My personal favorite is the Initiate... Small, nimble, and smooth these sabers are excellent one handed and duel weild sabers, with the right pommel they can also be a very controllable two handed saber depending on your hand size. Each one has it's pro's and con's so let's dive in.

All measurements are with basic stunt/stock pommels (w/o pommel they are all about the same size):

Initiate V3- Released in 2011, length 9.75", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
The ultimate spinner, this one handed wonder is the most basic design and has IMO the best placed and shaped choke points of all the models with the longest switch area of 2.5"(the area between the two choke points). The drawbacks are no windows, and the grip on the main body needs your help as the rings are very skinny and far apart.

The V4- Released in 2014, length 9.75", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
Great spinning saber about the same as an Apprentice V4, more boxed choke points than the curved of the V3 and only 1 5/8" of switch area. The addition of windows and widened grip rings makes the LE version look amazing. The drawback of spinning this saber quickly is that sometimes my hand slips up to the windows. With the addition of the Dark Shock pommel you can get a great controlled two handed grip as it adds 1.7" and some girth at the bottom.

The V5 (3rd place raffle prize)- Released SOON, length 10.875", 1.45" wide, MHS compatible:
This saber is gorgeous for a basic model form pommel to emitter. I had to trim the claws out of the top choke point as this was a major design flaw IMO. The grip  is the best yet, as the grenade style doesn't need o-rings or leather. Now that the claws are fixed it is also a great spinner as your hand doesn't slide up hilt and it looks amazing. The Dark Catalyst pommel makes it a much more functional two handed saber as the fins of the standard pommel are not the most practical and the cat pommel takes about 3/8" off the saber. So with a little work this thing is a sexy little beast.

These are all well suited for whatever your preference from looking good on display to spinning to dueling to cosplay. If you don't have one you should probably get one to get the whole US experience. And if your not a spinner, you will be once you have one. They are cheap and fun, plus a great way to get into customizing.

I always use 30-32" blades.

These are some of the pommels I like with the these hilts

[hazard502]

I certainly prefer the Apprentice line of hilts, not that it has an advantage over the others but for aesthetics it's my favourite.  From the shape of the windows to the style of the emitter and that blocky chock, as one nit pick though I'd prefer the rings in the grip section to be a touch more spaced out.

Very nice comparison review and I quite like the pommel selection there are many that look sweet on these sabers.

[Infinit01]

Love your attention to detail, DBTD and I love the Aeon/Nix/Ini hilts myself. I like how you the last three generations all lined up for comparison along with the customization being displayed between them. I wholeheartedly agree with you that basic sabers are really great for customizing without you having to feel bad but any saber is worthy of that so as long as you're willing to do so. After seeing your V5 weathered, I'm sold on owning one now since I've been on the fence on owning it due to the claws rendering it useless for spins.  Have a point my friend

[DarthBoneTD]

I totally agree haz, I love the emitter of the Apprentice, but the grip rings and two choke points are the reason I like Initiate. Now I do love the Sentinel as a full hilt better than the Aeonix lines. I thought the broods should have been offered with the choice of Apprentice or Initiate hilt for a couple different looks. That's something I should ask them about, because I would be all over it.

[Infinit01]

I totally agree haz, I love the emitter of the Apprentice, but the grip rings and two choke points are the reason I like Initiate.

Agreed, the Initiate just feels better in my opinion

[tx_tuff]

Nice seeing the 3 is then together, the only one I have is the V5. Great job describing the sabers and what you like about them, and as always love the pics.

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

[MavRick]

I certainly prefer the Apprentice line of hilts, not that it has an advantage over the others but for aesthetics it's my favourite.  From the shape of the windows to the style of the emitter and that blocky chock, as one nit pick though I'd prefer the rings in the grip section to be a touch more spaced out.

Very nice comparison review and I quite like the pommel selection there are many that look sweet on these sabers.

I agree with Haz,
 The Apprentice lines look and feel better to me. I have an Apprentice V4 and A Initiate V4. The Apprentice wins hands down.
The Initiate V3 is the best handling saber period. I am NOT a fan of the V4 or V5's ( aeon/dom or Initiates). I prefer the V3's by far. That's my opinion. MTFBWY!

[Infinit01]

This is one of my favorite threads now. 

[scifidude79]

Nice write up and great pics of the sabers, bro. I like how you've customized them.

[DarthBoneTD]

I agree with Haz,
 The Apprentice lines look and feel better to me. I have an Apprentice V4 and A Initiate V4. The Apprentice wins hands down.
The Initiate V3 is the best handling saber period. I am NOT a fan of the V4 or V5's ( aeon/dom or Initiates). I prefer the V3's by far. That's my opinion. MTFBWY!

I'm glad we are in agreement the V3 is the best handling saber. Of all my points that's the one I can't stress enough when the question of best spinning/ handling saber comes up. This is why I like other points of view, makes me pick up my Apprentice V4 and take it for a spin.

[DarthBoneTD]

Nice write up and great pics of the sabers, bro. I like how you've customized them.

Thanks SFD, So easy for me to look at one of these and get an idea in my head.

Nice seeing the 3 is then together, the only one I have is the V5. Great job describing the sabers and what you like about them, and as always love the pics.

TX, pics say a 1000 words. Thanks

This is one of my favorite threads now. 

Glad you like it, some of us are Initiate fans, some are Apprentice. I'm just glad US gives us so many choices at such a great price point so that we can have these discussions.

[StoryDtechtive]

Nice to see all those versions together. Cool pommels too!

[Infinit01]

Glad you like it, some of us are Initiate fans, some are Apprentice. I'm just glad US gives us so many choices at such a great price point so that we can have these discussions.

I completely agree and have both but I do lean more towards the Initiate between the two. 

[imgumby001dammit]

This is a great post bro!!! Excellent comparison!! As someone who’s eagerly awaiting a v5 I’m so happy with everything you’ve been doing with yours. I must say, I still prefer the v4(for now). Keep up the incredible work bubba.

[Greywolf]

Thank you for the great comparison!

I like the Dark Catalyst pommel on your V5. It really feels like it belongs there
Hmm, I wonder how a V5 would look like with a Renegade Small pommel...