This is my review of the UltraSabers Archon v 2.1. Video unboxing should be forthcoming. Here's a pic to shown the saber in question:
This is another wonderful product from US. It is well crafted, comfortable to wield and balanced. Mine was constructed with diamond card, black av switch and standard pommel, with covertec clip. In comparision to the Archon v3.1, it is much the same, but there are a few telltale differences:
The Archon v 2.1 is much brighter than the v3.1, because the blade goes thru the emitter AND the neck to rest directly against the LED module. The v 3.1, since it has a thin neck, the LED is further away from the blade, with a piece of reflective film in between to help push the light thru, but it does make the light dimmer.
With the blade thru the neck, it feels much sturdier. That extra inch of blade retention makes a difference.
Those are the differences between the 2.1 vs 3.1.
Now the bad:
The blade retention screw hole in the emitter is near the same line as the AV switch. On most of my sabers, the hole is opposite the switch, so it's out of sight. Not a big deal, as O-rings in the emitter or neck should be able to resolve this, but it is disconcerting out of the box. Or o-rings on the outside to cover over the emitter (or my favorite mod - heat shrink tubing).
The blade holder itself: The blade, even though it is held much further into the saber than most others I own, is still loose, even with the blade retention screw over tightened. I was able to move it slightly. If the retention screw is in any way loose, the blade wobbels as little. Not enough to drop out of the emitter, but in duels, it could cause blade damage. I know i'm nit-picking this, but it could cause others to rethink this. Another retention screw inset opposite could resolve this, tighter tolerances in drilling would work too, or even clear heat shrink on the blade. Something to think about.
With those cavets, it is a beautiful saber overall and I am proud to have it in my collection.
