I am planning to buy a double -bladed Ultrasaber and the Phantasm Initiate V2 & V4 are the ones I am considering, and need some help deciding between them. I am interested in trying out spinning & light sparring--as a complete beginner. Primarily, however, I will use it as a cosplay prop and photoshoots. (Rebel Legion member)
The V4 LE would match my Aeon LE V4 for dual wielding, which would be cool, but since I do want to learn spinning, whichever one is better for that would tip the scales.
Neither is really "better" since either can be spun. However, generally speaking having choke points on the saber is generally preferred for spinning, which would favor the v4. Ideally you'd get the v3, which, in my opinion, is MUCH better than the v2 or v4 (or v5 for that matter), but I know they're out of stock.
Other questions:
1) Should I avoid the windows, which my Aeon has, if I want to spar/spin with the V4? I recall reading that the edges can be sharp. I have not had a problem with my Aeon.
No, although if you don't like the windows, then don't get them. But having them makes little difference. While it's possible there will be a sharp edge, it's fairly rare to run into, and even if you do get one like that, you can simply file the edge down to smooth it out.
2) Blade length--initiate or 32"? I am a 5'5" woman. My hands are small, and my legs are a bit shorter than average. (I wear petite length pants which are generally for 5 '3" and under height.)
Without doing the math, I'm going to say at your height go with the 24" Initiate blades. That will give you a staff that's only a couple of inches shorter than you are (fine, I did the math). Hilts are 18.75" with standard coupler, plus two 24" blades, minus 2" for blade length lost inside each emitter equals about 62" and you're 65" tall, so that will probably work well for you. By comparison, with 32" blades, you'd be looking at a saber which is about 80". While you could spin it, I doubt it would be as easy or comfortable as the shorter one.