Apprentice V4 staff & Phantom Initiate V4

[Galef]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcaDxQSELd8" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcaDxQSELd8</a>

[Cyclops942]

Galef, I really have to admire your willingness to monkey around with these brand-new sabers.  (Yes, I know you are FAR from alone in this on this forum, but I’m responding to YOUR post right now, so you are the one who gets the most reference.). I have an Aeon LE V3 that I’ve owned for six years, and the only modifications I have made to it have been the accidental/incidental dings and wear marks that any aluminum tool is going to get from use.

You and all the other customizers on the forum really impress me with your COMPLETE disregard for the attractiveness of a shiny-new hilt, and you all seem to view that as a STARTING point rather than as the end goal, like I do.  I look at the modifications you folks make to your sabers, and I marvel at the results.  Especially when the changes involve weathering (WHAT???  You are intentionally DAMAGING that gorgeous anodized finish???) or anything else that would be difficult or impossible to revert back to pre-change condition, I am flabbergasted not only by the attractiveness of the end result, but at the fact that you are willing (or even eager) to change things so much, even to the point of damaging the finish or even the body of the hilt (depending on the amount of wear the owner wants the saber to show).

[Galef]

I agree with you on the weathering part. I may trick out my sabers, but I like them to still look new and well cared for (and shiny).
But yes, I treat the more basic hilts as a starting point and add flare to make them feel like mine.
Now the more Premium hilts on the other hand, like the Crimson Scorpion I plan to order during the next Raffle, are pretty much complete in my view.
I might add 3 stripe of E-tape between the bumps of the grip section, but that's it. Otherwise that thing is beautiful as is.

Another thing is that none of the mods I do are permanent. I can easily remove all the tape and o-rings and put the original retention screw back in if I want to.
That's another reason I'm not so keen on weathering because it's more permanent.

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[Malik Thanewulf]

I'm just plain chicken when it comes to changing up my sabers. I'll do a lite mod ( like the ones you mentioned) so I  can go back to the original  if I want. As for the Crimson Scorpion. You are absolutely correct...it needs now enhancing. It's a big beautiful Beast of a saber. Pretty much perfect the way it is. I have had both versions. The Crimson Crimson version is the clear winner. I guarantee that you will love it.

[Ilowarith]

Well done! I am about to explore a staff soon with my Aeon v4s, and I appreciate your review! Love the stormtrooper look as a baton lightsaber as well. I was thinking that very thing when you said it! Point incoming for the creativity!

[drEe]

Thanks for sharing; interesting modifications... looks great.

[Infinit01]

Always one for staff reviews, I like the added touches you did to each hilt.