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Title: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: James Casey on September 30, 2014, 10:27:26 PM Having already shared my Consular review with you guys, it's time to move on to look at my raffle prize - a new hilt altogether, and not one (I believe) that anyone else on the forum has had a chance to share with you.
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04451.jpg) Before I start, and to save you the trouble, I've spoken to Emory who's confirmed that this is a prototype for a 'sabre US are hoping to release later this year. Good news for you guys, as this is a seriously nice 'sabre! Without further ado, then... (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04453.jpg) This is the hilt I received as my raffle prize. All black, with two prominent choke points and a windowed emitter, I thought at first that it was from the same line as the prototype received by julmax (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21174.0) and hazard502 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21684.0). Not so. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04448.jpg) Where their hilts are curvy and flowing, this has a more industrial look to it. Looking at it, I'm vaguely reminded of the hilt Corran Horn cobbled together in I, Jedi - the lower end looks like a bike handlebar, the emitter like a nozzle and so on. It's not refined, it's not flowing, but it is remarkably comfortable to hold. The other prototypes appear to be in the line of the Aeons and Dominixes. This one... Well, it may be an all new design all together, but if not then the windowed emitter makes me wonder if it's intended as an update on the Liberator/Dark Liberator. The other prototype can have both Emerald and Obsidian boards in place at the same time. Mine came with the Obsidian sound board, so I can't say for sure if there's room for both in there, but it's a possibility. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04463.jpg) (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04462.jpg) The hilt is about 13.5 inches/34 centimetres in length. In terms of comparisons to other hilts... (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04467.jpg) ...it's fractionally longer than the v2 and v3 Aeons and Dominixes. The Liberator comparison only occurred to me today, so I don't have a shot of the two side by side, but there wouldn't be much difference in lengths. I suspect that the emitter is the most eye-catching element of this hilt at first. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04445.jpg) Six lozenge-shaped windows encircle the emitter, and when lit up the light of the blade shines through these, effectively making it look like the blade is alight within the hilt. Fire Orange is a good colour for showing this off ;D The pommel that the hilt arrived with is a standard one, I believe - the basic vented pommel used for the existing Dominix hilts. I rather like it. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04455.jpg) I would imagine that a dedicated pommel will be made for the hilt in due course, however. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04457.jpg) For those who haven't come across the vented pommel before, it really is just a ring of aluminium. The soundboard and battery pack can't fall out the bottom, but it's vulnerable to something jabbing up through the hole. My favourite part of the hilt may be the lower grip. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04446.jpg) Comprising an extended series of ridges, it's just a really nice grip, unlikely to slip out of your hand during a duel. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04453.jpg) With the lower grip and two choke points you have four ways of gripping the hilt two-handed. My preference thus far has been using the upper choke and lower grip. The chokes are significantly narrower than the grip, collar and emitter, so much so that the diameter feels comparable to my Aeon v2. It's a really, really comfortable hilt to hold - I'd go so far as to say it's as nice to wield as a Prophecy, hitherto my gold standard for comfortable hilts in the US lineup. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04459.jpg) Presumably because of the slimline sections this seems like a really light hilt - noticeably lighter than my Consular, which I was pleased with the lightness of. I don't think this is a hilt that'd give anyone much trouble to use. The difference in diameter between the chokes and the wider sections make for a solid grip - there's little prospect of your hand sliding along the hilt, which I've experienced with the Standard Issues, for example. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/DSC04454.jpg) So, here it is - the third prototype US have released as a raffle prize in the last couple of months. I hope the pictures are clear enough - there's an inherent problem in trying to pick up the black detailing on a black hilt ::) If you want to see anything in particular highlighted, please let me know as I can probably get some more photos up fairly quickly. I can't speak for the other prototype hilts we've seen, but I'm delighted that this one will hopefully be available to buy soon. It's a really, really, really nice hilt. You deserve to own one, all of you ;) I'm delighted to have been (one of?) the first to get my hands on it, as it's a great hilt to wield, and I also think that it looks really cool, too. As far as I'm concerned, this definitely comes highly recommended! Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: magik0012 on September 30, 2014, 10:37:14 PM Sweeeeet :) Nice write-up yet again, thanks James!
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: julmax on September 30, 2014, 11:10:37 PM Great review JC...
... And a very interesting new prototype you have there... Graduations! :o But I'm scratching my head a bit on this one, because I have absolutely no idea where this saber will fit into the US lineup. My first thought was a V4 Prophecy. But after seeing it compared to the V2 and V3 Aeons, I was thinking a successor for those. But if that's the case, where would the prototypes that Hazard and myself have fit in? As for a possible V4 Liberator, honestly, I don't see it. But who knows? :-\ Out of curiosity, I made a quick measure comparison to my prototype and can confirm yours would indeed be capable of both Obsidian and Emerald. Also, the pummels are identical. Any-who... Congratulations again, and a point well deserved. ;) Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on September 30, 2014, 11:36:57 PM Very nice. Definitely getting me one when these come out.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Molina00 on September 30, 2014, 11:53:39 PM I really like the ribbed handle and that looks killer in orange. Nice haul there.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on September 30, 2014, 11:58:19 PM Its what I like about this version hilt as well. But I more like the other Prototype Jul got. Get this one for my bro in Consular Green and the other one for me in Guardian Blue. Wonder what the stunt set prices will be. This one seems to be the talk of the night. Lol.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Ziran Le on October 01, 2014, 12:04:57 AM Nice! It does smack a bit of being a new "Prophec-ator", doesn't it? Hilt shape is a bit like the Prophecy with styling on the emitter vaguely reminiscent of the Liberator. Overall it looks very utilitarian in straight black, but I can picture this is multi-color LE versions and it would look killer! Personally I've found that I love a comfortable hilt to be handled and this looks like just the ticket.
Thx for the review, James! Oh, and maybe I missed it, but does the emitter detach? Looks like only an MHS pommel, one piece body. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on October 01, 2014, 12:10:36 AM ^^^An LE version would be awesome. Thanks for an idea. =] Might get me one in Sun Rider's Destiny if an LE version comes out.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: aray887 on October 01, 2014, 12:14:53 AM That's cool. Switch out the choke points for the aeon v3 style n I'm sold. Love the ribbed handle and emitter.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Ziran Le on October 01, 2014, 12:15:33 AM This thing, in an LE version, with silver machined grooves like on the current Dominix and Dark Initiate? Pssh, Pyrestone Orange!
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on October 01, 2014, 12:24:55 AM No Sun Rider's Destiny sexyness. :P
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: sedstiskyfaller on October 01, 2014, 01:56:38 AM Very interesting...I agree this resembles a hybrid Prophecy/Liberator in some ways. The emitter looks awesome, but I'm not sure I like the rest of the hilt with the massive choke points. I think it would look better with ones that were more shaped with the hilt rather than into it if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Dauntless Seven on October 01, 2014, 02:02:48 AM Well done review James (the lozenge-shaped windows, very descriptive) and a point for you. So glad that you got an extra special treat. The block styled recessed choke points are throwing me off a bit. Can't see how that will feel comfortable versus the gradual smooth incline of an Aeon. The look of the industrial ribbed handle with the more decorative emitter give this saber a surprisingly attractive look. Agree with possibly a new Libby. However the present Standard Issue just has to be retired.
Would be fantastic if someone (highly photoshop clever and an information junkie) could take all the photos of the prototypes and convention sabers that are currently in public knowledge on the forum and somehow present them together in one thread. ;) Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: hazard502 on October 01, 2014, 02:31:09 AM It was a nice treat to see your prototype compared to your Aeons, and in fact the light reflecting off of the silver hilts almost makes for the best shot of the black anodizing. It's a stellar prize for sure!
I'm a bit on the fence with it. Large/ornate hilts can be good handlers if done right and if that is their purpose, otherwise best served as display with light duty use. Everyone needs a workhorse in the stable though and this looks to be it. I know the finish on a saber can be a game changer for me, and in my case the Manticore CE is a good example. Should be interesting to see where US places this hilt in it's offerings, but beauty and function is in the eye of the beholder too. Congrats! Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: CreepySeagulls on October 01, 2014, 09:38:40 AM That is spectacular, good for you. :)
I love that emitter, someone asked earlier if it was removable/MHS and I was also wondering the same thing. I'd love to see some MHS experiments with it if that's the case. :) Point for lozenges. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Relan Tarel jedi kinght on October 01, 2014, 12:37:11 PM That is another awsome prototype that makes 3 now I can't wait for them all to be avaible
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: James Casey on October 01, 2014, 12:40:12 PM @julmax - It's possible that it's a whole new line that's going to be released alongside the ones you and hazard have got, but if we're assuming that yours are evolutions of the Aeon/Dominixes, then this could also be part of an upgrade programme. I may be completely wrong, of course! There's no real visual link (holed emitter aside) to the Liberator line but as a US original design it seems like that'd be the hilt to be replaced/upgraded by this if any are. Given the visual link between the Prophecy and Anakin's AOTC 'sabre, I wouldn't think that'd be replaced... But we'll see over the coming months. US still sell the v2 hilts even though the v3 hilts have been available for a long time, so I'd like to think we'll still be able to buy the older hilts.
@Ziran Le, @CreepySeagulls - The emitter is fixed in place, which is part of why I suspect it's intended as an evolution of one of the lower priced lines. Prophec-ator isn't far off in terms of the styling - both current hilts seem to be influences, I think. @aray887, @sedstiskyfaller - I like the gradual flow of the v3's choke points, but honestly I find this one more comfortable to use. I'm hoping that there'll be the option to buy both for some time as it makes sense to have variety for customers, but I guess there's added costs in maintaining a wider line in hilts ready for purchase. @Dauntless Seven - Leave my Standard Issues alone! ;) In seriousness, part of what makes me think 'Prophecy' with this hilt is that it just seems to fit every bit as nicely into my hand as my Prophecy does. The vertical walls to the chokes seem like they shouldn't be comfortable, and part of it may be just that my hands are the right size to make it comfortable, but I believe that this is one that'll sell itself on how nicely it handles. Of course, once our resident Masters get their hands on some they may decide I have it all wrong :D @hazard502 - 'Beauty' is certainly a personal thing, and doesn't always equal function. The Guardian is gorgeous, but not my go-to hilt by any stretch. This is a great handling hilt, and I definitely think it looks striking, if not as much of a display piece as the other prototype. About my only concern would be whether the slenderness of the choke points might make for a fragile hilt. I very much doubt it (this is US, after all - fragile isn't really their thing) but it feels like a more significant difference in diameters than on any other hilt that I own. Given the rarity of the hilt, I'm not about to take it out and start stress-testing it! @Relan Tarel jedi kinght - Trust me, as much as I love having a unique hilt, I want you guys to be able to get them as well! (And I want to test out the other prototypes for myself :D) A few people have mentioned possible LE versions of this... and I'm not sure that'd be possible. Allowing for it being a prototype, so may be far from the finished article, there's not really any place you could add highlighting in the way the Aeons and Dominixes have it. The grooves in the grip are too narrow, and while you could do something on the emitter, I'm not sure that'd justify an LE version. Different colours, though? Certainly possible - I would imagine a silver version would work, and as US have shown with recent releases, blue and red are always options. I'm waiting for a dark green hilt, myself... :) * Anyway, on to the important stuff - Anyone want to suggest a name for this design while we wait for official word from US? ;D Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: sedstiskyfaller on October 01, 2014, 01:22:29 PM I'm gonna reach back into the US vault a little and go with...Oppressor! I think that would fit this saber the best if it wasn't a replacement or new version of one of the existing hilts.
Time will tell what actually becomes of this new mystery saber (are we up to 3 now?) Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Darth_Phobius47 on October 01, 2014, 01:36:52 PM I'll cast my vote for Libberator v4 or maybe just a grip style option for the new Dominix....
You all know how a product goes through different design styles in prototype phase to see which version people would like best? You know, A or B which do you prefer stuff. This might be style B that was sent out just to see how people would react to it... Or it just may be a new saber separate from Julmax and Hazard's sabers. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: BenPass on October 01, 2014, 02:28:19 PM Now that I like! That may well be one I try to get out of semi-saber retirement for!
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Greywolf on October 01, 2014, 02:42:10 PM Anyway, on to the important stuff - Anyone want to suggest a name for this design while we wait for official word from US? ;D Well if I Mynaras pic (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21464.msg329526#msg329526 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21464.msg329526#msg329526)) really shows a Dark Initiate V4, then you probably got a Dominix V4. As least if US applies the rule 'Initiate Vx looks like a smaller version of Aeon/Dominix Vx' ;D Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Jedijosh on October 01, 2014, 04:16:01 PM I feel like a fish who doesn't have a mouth to bite.
Nice review James. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Darth Shaw on October 01, 2014, 05:36:23 PM I really like that saber and in orange to its perfect. I hope they release it so I can pick one up
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Ziran Le on October 01, 2014, 07:01:00 PM I can see what people mean about the aesthetics here. Since there are different things going on stylistically including ribbed lower grip, large, angular choke points, raised switch area, recessed grooves at base of emitter and then the aptly-named "lozenge-shaped" (very nice, James) windows, there isn't much to carry the stylistic "theme" through from one end of the saber to the other.
The only thing that I would change would be too machine grooves of the same size and spacing as the lower hilt, into the small, ridged area directly below the emitter. If you put 2 machined grooves in there it would carry over the look from the lower portion of the hilt and it would be more pleasing to the eye, in my opinion. Overall though I like it alot. Not surprising since I've become a big fan of the Aeon/Dominix line in both V2 and V3. I also love the Prophecy and Liberator so this thing is just my style. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on October 02, 2014, 01:22:18 AM Really hoping either of these sabers comes out here in the next few days possibly. Would be awesome. Mostly the one Jul has though. I'm more for that one.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Sky Dragon c5 on October 03, 2014, 03:30:07 AM I hope this doesn't replace the Liberator as I like its more natural curves. I hope its just a new low end. Really wish that emitter was MHS though.
Overall though I actually don't like this design that much. If it was tapered like a Liberator it would be great, but to me, alteast in my style, it's too chunky. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: James Casey on October 07, 2014, 10:23:46 PM I'm gonna reach back into the US vault a little and go with...Oppressor! I think that would fit this saber the best if it wasn't a replacement or new version of one of the existing hilts. I like the idea of Oppressor - in fact, if it's intended as a replacement for the Liberator line, then Liberator/Oppressor for light/dark versions would be good. * A quick comparison of the 'Oppressor' against a Liberator and a Prophecy: (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jamescasey_photos/Ultrasabers/Z%20Reviews/Dark%20Prototype/image.jpg) I always think that the Liberator is longer than it is - the new hilt is longer, more like the Aeons and Dominixes, so it seems that it's more likely to be the next step on from those hilts. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on October 08, 2014, 02:56:28 AM I say just something completely new possible. I do like the new design and I bet that bottom grip feels comfy too. I think I will enjoy this saber when it comes out. Your post seems to be the big talk right now. :P
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: jedi Kai-gon on October 08, 2014, 01:27:52 PM I am really liking that emitter. I also think that the name "The Oppressor" suits it well.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: sedstiskyfaller on October 08, 2014, 02:47:49 PM A quick comparison of the 'Oppressor' against a Liberator and a Prophecy: I always think that the Liberator is longer than it is - the new hilt is longer, more like the Aeons and Dominixes, so it seems that it's more likely to be the next step on from those hilts. Definitely longer...hmm. I know this thread is about the prototype, but I can't help but keep staring at that Prophecy CE ::) Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Choco on October 08, 2014, 07:19:59 PM I too like the name "Oppressor" it really fits this saber well
I think it's certainly an interesting looking saber for sure Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Mynaras on October 08, 2014, 07:35:39 PM That's a prototype? It looks just like the Dark Initiate v4 I picked up at DragonCon O_O
(http://i.imgur.com/G3vO5Ka.jpg) If I accidentally picked up a prototype saber I'll just die. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Ziran Le on October 08, 2014, 07:38:23 PM Im figuring that since we have confirmation that US is selling V4 Initiates at the cons right now that it would make sense for this model to be the new Dominix, if they stick with the family relationship between the Init. and the Aeon/Dom.
I don't think that it's a "prototype" so to speak, as much as it is either an "unreleased" or a "con only" saber as of now. Perhaps that new, 2-tone LE model that someone got (sorry, can't remember...Hazard maybe?) with the vertical windows on the emitter is the new Liberator/Oppressor. Oh, and point for coming up with the Liberator/Oppressor combo name, very nice. Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Mynaras on October 08, 2014, 07:42:24 PM On closer inspection the new saber has two choke points while my Dark Initiate v4 only has one, so I suspect it is the Dominix like people have been saying. I wish I'd had more time to look at the sabers they were selling at the con.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Prowl 1701 on October 08, 2014, 11:19:14 PM Nice review James! Well executed, very descriptive, and lots of pics. It looks good in FO! I want one now, lol. Point, sir!!!
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Zren Tobas on October 09, 2014, 12:24:32 AM Hmm. Never really noticed that was a Prophecy CE. :P Nice.
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: aray887 on October 09, 2014, 03:25:00 AM That's a prototype? It looks just like the Dark Initiate v4 I picked up at DragonCon O_O ([url]http://i.imgur.com/G3vO5Ka.jpg[/url]) If I accidentally picked up a prototype saber I'll just die. Any chance of a photo of the entire saber and not just the emitter? Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Mynaras on October 09, 2014, 05:24:36 PM I'll try to post a full writeup this evening. That was the first saber I ever picked up, and I'll also review my raffle entry saber and my raffle prize saber. I think there might be something special about the prize saber, but I'm not sure yet :o
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Kaza yuri on October 14, 2014, 12:42:27 PM Man that emitter is pretty! Congrats!
Title: Re: Raffle prize - Prototype Post by: Orloc on October 26, 2014, 02:54:10 PM I think I'm in love...
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