Saber Forum

Yes that's right, not just pics and some text, and actual video review.  I have actually never done anything like this, it is my Youtube debut, so please be kind.  I was really excited about getting this done because I think it is the first consumer video review of the Mantis posted so far.  



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKWHVOXRrb8&feature=youtu.be



Is the video review rewards thing still going on by any chance?

Great review, Molina! I like how you went over all the details of the hilt while zooming in on each portion. Couldn't even tell that was your first review.

That thing is massive though. Being as long as the Scorpion even with the bend is saying something. EG suits it well, especially with it being the CE version I think. EG would probably look nice on the Dark version as well. Congrats on being one of the first to own one!

Also, there is a second video review program in effect here: http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=18222.0 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=18222.0)

Nice review. Definitely pointworthy.

Thanks guys.  I really wasn't sure how it would go over, I just hate listening to myself on camera ::) so I really appreciate the comments. 
I thought EG would suit it great, and I'm surprised how well the color came out in the video.  I also saw that thread on the review program, but it was from January so I wasn't sure it was still going on.
EG would definitely look good on the Dark Mantis too.  Something about green just looks great on dark hilts.

Molina did I give you the idea of the video. Just wondering. Nice light sabers but I'll stick with the traditional ones. Nice dude. Let me know

I was considering doing a review after I ordered it.  Seeing that nobody else had done a video review is what sealed the deal for me. 
Maybe I will get some good raffle mojo going by reviewing my raffle entry.  A guy can only hope.  8)

Something I forgot to mention is that I found the best choke point to be the bare part of the main hilt just below the switch.  On the emitter is a little awkward and the handle is thicker and you aren't going to have a balanced grip.  Also the balance point seems to be around where the emitter meets the neck piece.  Just for reference I got it with a 32" regular UE blade.

Edit: I meant to edit my previous post, not make a new one.  Sorry for the double post.

Welcome to the review club, man!!!  Excellent job, you showed us some great shots and close ups of the CE, and put it right next to some of the other large US sabers so we could get a good idea of just how big the Mantis is.  I also like that you showed how to move the covertec wheel.  You also explained about having to assemble the claws on it and that it came with a hex wrench to do so, important things to know.  The review was also an excellent length, it was long enough to explain your points and thought thoroughly but not so long as to scare me away from watching it.  Wonderful job, Molina, the first of what I hope will be many great US saber reviews from you. +1

 :D

Wow, thanks!  Coming from the king of saber reviews that means a lot.   ;D

Every word true, sir!  You did a great review filled with useful information to help others make an informed saber purchase. I really liked seeing the Mantis put right next to the Scorpion and other large US sabers, gave me a much better idea of just how massive the Mantis is.  I hope you will consider doing more reviews.

Great review bro! I think your the first one to receive the mantice, hek it was only releced like four days ago! The ce in eg awsome that's what I would have gone with
Have another point!

Thank you sir!  Actually I'm pretty sure toxicninja78 got his Dark Mantis first, but I think I was the first to get a CE.   8)

I'm curious, what do you think of EG compared to SRD and CG?

When I turned it on I thought they sent me the wrong color and it was CG.  I compared to my CG Archon and it was a noticeably different shade of green.  I thought it would be closer to SRD but...
Hold and I'll get a pic of my CG, EG and SRD sabers.

I know all of the forum colors tend to differ from saber to saber (SY is really bad about it as you well know)  I figures some EG sabers have more blue mixed in than others.

Word Molina00!  Prowl said it, great review.  Where to start?  EG, silver AV on the Mantis CE version looks gorgeous.  Superb collection, aside from comparing hilt size it was nice seeing your other US lightsabers.  Crystal clear video and good camera work, thanks for the detail in the footage and speaking to the details of the Mantis.  Your taste in menacing hilts appears to be pretty consistent :P  Point!

Edit:  Forgot to mention that I am impressed with how well they mounted the AV switch given that it's at the high point of the bend/curve.  Well done boys!

Hey great review, please accept this humble offering of a point from me:). I am even more impressed and can't wait to click the add to cart button on my Azure Mantis:).

Yeah, that SY... *sigh*  I won't have to worry about that anymore though.  I just got my Manticores back today from getting emerald upgrades.  :D
Anyway, here are the greens.  From left to right is SRD, EG, CG.  I tried to get a reasonably accurate representation of the colors playing with the camera settings.  At least from the pic the main difference between CG and EG is that CG seems quite a bit brighter and EG is a bit of a darker shade.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/molina00/greens.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/molina00/media/greens.jpg.html)

And just for kicks, here is our beloved Prophecy up against the Mantis.  Poor little guy.  :-\
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/molina00/Mantis-Proph.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/molina00/media/Mantis-Proph.jpg.html)




Thanks, much appreciated!  Yes, I do like menacing looking hilts, I am a big fan of clawed emitters.  This is my first light-side menacing hilt though.   :P



I accept your humble offering with gratitude and appreciation.  

Hey don't knock the lil guys there the ones that will kick, our but faster than you can blink.

" Judge Me by my size do you not. He he.?" ~ master Yoda

But yes comparativelyit is a masive saber.

*Looks at the Mantis next to the Prophecy*

My Prophecy hilts feel so impotent now. :(

:P

Point to you good sir! I was wondering about the size comparison to other U.S. hilts, and you have just answered them!  ;)

As I love swinging around my Scorpions, I now know that I would also enjoy swinging the Mantis around, as the dimesions are almost the same!

*adds Mantis to 'Want' list*  ;D

Hey, thanks guys!  I didn't actually expect to inspire potential sales.   ;D

Crowman, I agree with much of what you said but for me the best grip point is right below the switch on the bare part of the hilt.  Anywhere else I found kind if awkward.  I was able to spin it with that grip point fairly easily.

To be fair there isn't a lot of reviews especially video reviews of the Mantis considering it's US's Newest addition so people would be looking to you for your input on it. I know I did and seeing your review did help in my deciding factor as to whether it would be on my future saber list or not  ;)

I'm sure there will be more Mantis reviews as people get their hands on that saber

I may or may not end up doing short videos of my sabers, but I've only got my phone and I just recently got a cold. Your video is well done though. Makes me look forward to when I can go pick mine up!

Gorgeous saber man!  Lovin the silver version in EG! There's so much detail in the hilt, I really like the arrow accents in the top shroud. I wouldn't mind getting a Dark version of this saber!

Thanks.  Depending on the camera quality a phone should be sufficient.  I think Prowl uses a phone for some of his reviews.  I have a cheapo little flip-phone so I used a real camera on a tri-pod.


Thanks.  EG really is a perfect color for this hilt.  It would probably look really good in GB and AB too and I would like to see it in DVA if anyone goes that route.  I noticed in your sig you have a Consular.  I think a dark version of the emitter would look good on it.  If you get the Dark Mantis that is something you might try out.  ;) 

All of my reviews are done with the camera on either my iPhone, or my friend's iPhone.  (Even though I do call it a "camcorder" on a couple of the reviews, lol)   With the exception of my first two reviews I have made sure to upload all of them in HD.

Nice saber. Even though its in Emerald Green still looks mean. :P

Thanks.  Even in silver and green this is one imposing saber. 

Argh! I got so excited when you started unscrewing bits, because I'm dying to see this thing taken apart!

Hah, sorry to disappoint.  The emitter obviously comes off and the neck piece but I'm not sure if the shroud does.  I didn't want to risk getting the wires all twisted up and messing the thing up the day I got it.

Maybe next year....probably next year during a raffle... But yeah it would look awesome!

i think i still prefer the Prophecy, don't get me wrong I love the new hilt and the emitter really makes it stand out...but I believe that if I when I pick up the Mantis, I will need to also secure another slanted style emitter.

Maybe a reaper emitter?

Of course my Prophecy hilts are still my babies!  I love the lighter hilts the most, they are the best for speed.  Looking forward to seeing the slanted emitter on my Crimson reaper when it comes in.

Yup Josh the Reaper emitter I think would work for how I see it, followed by the dark Arbiter pommel...still keeping the half neck of the original pommel for balance! And very much looking forward to your review Prowl...I'm curious to see what you do for the gap under the Shroud.

Yes I can see it it's beautiful:). +1 Kal-El

Thanks Josh, most folks may not like my tastes but the ones that do... ::) generally are happy with the finished details.

You're welcome:).