Saber Forum

I've been around for a little while now, but this is the first real Review I've gotten around to doing - so the format & certainly the photography are still a work in progress.  So - here we go!

For my first review subject, I chose my 2nd Place Prize in the recent Summer Raffle:  The Dark Initiate LE V4.

And I have to say - I seriously couldn't be happier with my prize!  It would have been difficult to get a better fit than this at Random for my personal taste.

Let's not waste anymore time; Review coming up just as soon as the Blademaster, my loyal Siberian Wookie Sasha, brings me over my Dark Initiate LE . . .


 ::)

OK . . . it appears my Blademaster is busy at the moment . . . I'll retrieve it myself . . .

SPECS:  AS-DELIVERED

Dark Initiate LE V4
- Obsidian V3 Sound
- Consular Green Blade
- No FOC
- Emitter w/ Windows
- Non-Illuminated Silver AV Switch
- Scorpion MHS Pommel


AESTHETICS

Overall, this is one great looking Lightsaber.


The entire hilt is anodized Black (a far more durable & shiny finish than powdercoating which is what most other sabersmiths use) with the end of the emitter and the inner ridges machined back to Silver and given a fairly high level of polish.  Not mirror-finish, but very shiny.  Great contrast to the Black anodize.


This is one of my favorite Emitters in the entire UltraSabers lineup, due to the way the shape & the windows combine for a truly regal and majestic look.  The Emitter on the Apprentice/Sentinel version of the V4s has a very vocal fanclub, and while I like that one a lot as well, I personally think this is the much better looking of the two.

It should be noted that the Emitter Windows on this saber are an upgrade option.  While I think the version of the hilt without windows looks perfectly fine, for the visual impact you get for only $5 on an item you'll cherish for a long time to come - I think selecting the upgrade here is a no-brainer.


The body is extremely sleek, with the aforementioned 2-tone color scheme.
The Silver N-I AV Switch matches the color scheme perfectly.  As of this writing - it's also a FREE upgrade!  You can choose either the Silver or Black N-I AV Switch for no additional cost (as opposed to the standard plastic guarded switch that is the normal default).


And the Pommel.  You sexy, Scorpion-beast, you.  Love this pommel.  Putting this on here not only helps give this small hilt great balance, but it also makes it look vaguely like The Guardian - Obi-Wan Kenobi's saber when he was a Padawan & young Jedi Knight.

This is the "MHS Version" of the Scorpion Pommel, which is what you want to get from the
Build Your Own Saber" section of the Store unless you are ordering yourself a replacement for your Scorpion hilt.   That one has a wider diameter, so if you try to put that version on a regular MHS UltraSaber, it will certainly screw in but you'll get a lip around the entire base of your hilt because the edges flair out wider so they fit the Scorpion flush.  If you're getting this as an upgrade on your V4 order - no need to worry about it; you'll get the right one by default.


WEIGHT & GRIP

A lot of time people wonder about the weight & size of a hilt. 

How comfortable is it to actually hold?

So this is my (potentially misguided) effort to try and offer some objective looks at it for you to try & judge how well this would work for you.

First up - weight.


The Hilt as configured - only the blade is removed - weighs in 419 Grams which is just under 15 oz. 


Just for comparison sake - I took it's Big Brother, the Dominix LE V4, put the Scorpion MHS pommel on it and weighed that as well.  Only 30 Grams more or about an Ounce.

So it's a very light-weight hilt - even with the Scorpion Pommel on it!

Next up - here are some pics of my Hand Measurements so you can judge their size against yours:



Now, I know there are more scientific methods for measuring Grip - and there are specific ways to measure your hands for Golf Clubs or Tennis Rackets - but I'm just going for ballparks here. 

So that said - here's how the Grip looks in my hand:



A lot of people wonder if the Initiate is big enough for an adult to use a 2-handed grip.  I would say for me, personally - no.  At least I would not find it comfortable.

That's what this pic is showing.  Basically I did a tight 2-handed grip with the bottom of my left-hand touching the top of the Scorpion Pommel and the bottom of my right-hand touching the top of my left.  I then removed my left-hand to take the picture while leaving my Right exactly where it was - that's what you see here.  For me - my Right hand is up too high for me to feel comfortable.


For this hilt - that's not really a problem.  I had planned on buying 2 of these to use as a single hand grip for wielding 2 at a time.  So as far as I'm concerned - it's perfect.  It may be quite a while from now - much longer than I'd like - but eventually I'm going to buy it's twin!


ELECTRONICS:  AS-DELIVERED

As previously mentioned, my Lightsaber came equipped with a Consular Green Blade and Obsidian V3 Sound.

The latter of course means it was also equipped with 2 Li-Ion Batteries for Power and a BuckPuck instead of a resistor.

Note:  Just as UltraSabers do in the Store - I highly recommend getting the new VP1 charger with a future purchase (assuming you don't buy recharge ports on all your sabers).  I both the old TrustFire charger and the new VP1 and I really love the new one.  In fact - I never even use the old one anymore.   It's just there as a backup.

So the Blade - I'll just let the pics speak for themselves if you're wondering how bright an UltraSaber is.





The Obsidian V3 only holds 1 sound font at a time as opposed to the 8 that the new V4 can hold.

I'm personally fine with the single font.  I've experimented with a ton of them and in the end I usually migrate back to the default Obsidian font.  It's a very solid, good all-around sound font.

My only beef with the V3, after being spoiled by the V4 for a while now, is the inability to mute the speaker on the fly.  I've often wanted to fire this up after my Princess is asleep in her crib - but it's just too darn loud and the Lady Canterbury would crown me with one of my hilts if I woke the baby up after she finally got her to sleep.

Which is probably a good transition to discussing how loud this is.

It's loud.  Like - really loud.

Just watch this.

"Hey Sasha!  Listen to this and tell me if you think it's loud."



Yep - it's clearly loud.


MHS FUN

The Dark Initiate LE (and it's brethren) are MHS compatible for the Pommel, but the Emitter & are a single unit.  But given how great the Emitter looks with the Windows - I don't really consider that a drawback.

If you're actually still reading this - I thought it might be useful for you to see how this looks with the various Pommels I currently own on it.

Sound good?  Good.  And here . . . we . . . go!

Catalyst




Dark Catalyst




Manticore - Low




Consular



Raven - Plain





Archon





Dark War Glaive




RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL BUYERS

Overall - this really is a great saber on every level.  I've actually been looking for something constructively negative to say in order to sound balanced & objective but honestly - I really don't see a negative here.  Sure - I'd definitely recommend you pay the $10 to upgrade to V4 if you are getting sound, but that is not a flaw inherent to the design.

Here's a scenario though some people may encounter if buying this Saber with Sound - but not Emerald.

You're buying your Dark Initiate LE V4 and you've already sprung for the Windows & V4 Upgrades.

You have money for 1 more upgrade - just 1.

Should you get . . .

FOC?

A covertec wheel & clip?

An upgraded Pommel?

In my opinion - the most bang you are going to get for your buck here is with the upgraded Pommel.  No. Question.

An upgraded Pommel can totally change the character of your Saber and make it look like it's worth a lot more than what you paid.

Now I know many of you are big into CosPlay, but I have faith you'll be able to put your MacGuyver caps on and figure out a way to clip that Awesome Saber & Sweet Pommel to your belt.  (Free Hint:  All the upgraded Pommels are Vented for sound . . .)

What color should you get?

Speaking from experience, this Hilt looks amazing in both Consular Green & Guardian Blue.

Guardian Blue?

Oh yeah - I've been multi-tasking and while you've been reading, I added some connectors and put in a Guardian Blue LED unit . . . love it!



But honestly - I think this hilt truly would look incredible in any color.  It's definitely versatile in that manner.

So that's it for now.  Thanks for sticking with it to the end and I hope you found it helpful in some way!  If you have questions - either post in the thread or PM me and I'll get back to you ASAP!

Lastly - another very, very heartfelt thank you to Emory & UltraSabers for sending me this awesome prize. 

I absolutely love it!!!!

Um... what the heck this is the most awesomest  (new word ) fantastical, out of this world, are you seriously kidding with me, you are beyond just amazing saber review that I have ever seen.  The bar has now been raised so high.  Sure you did have some major assistance from Sasha but I can spare a few kind words of praise your way.  :o

You should be very proud of yourself and I can't thank you enough ( reaches over to caress my dark Initiate v4 ).  A measly point is inadequate and thanks loads for doing this review.   8)   :-*

I'm not sure I have enough points to give you for this review, real quality.
You've set the bar pretty high for yourself. I hope Sasha makes a return in your future reviews - it's clear she's the one doing the work behind the scenes.

I'm not saying I'm jealous (I am), but I'm going to have to get you to review one of my weathered hilts at some point. Because, I mean. Look at this.

Thanks Lord Canterbury.  Enjoyed your review.  I have this Sabers bigger brother in CG with sound and it's plainer brother as stunt in GB. Agree 100% with your comment on the windows.  I got windows included on former and paid for it on my free Initiate.  Given the choice I would always upgrade to windows unless I am recreating specific Saber. Emitter windows just look awesome.

I especially liked seeing the different Pommels on your Initiate.  Helped me confirm what I need to do on mine.

Point for great review.

Thanks everyone for the compliments.

Drahcir - Lady Canterbury will likely quite literally kill me if I spend 1 more $ on anything Lightsaber related in the near future, but if you want to send a sample w/ no batteries or blade & return shipping my way I'd be happy to give it a go!

With more Siberian Wookie Sasha of course.  ;)

Great Review Lord C!

simply love the initiate V4! my 6 year old boy has one, the LE version in fact, and can't agree more regarding the windows! They just make the saber that little more special, and for $5 it WELL worth it!

Love the picture of the windows too! Didn't realise it made that butterfly kind of reflection :)

I really like this one with the Manticore low pommel but looks sick with the Scorpion pommel and gives an edgy look especially since you got a Jedi blade color for the saber. I always get dark hilts with Jedi colors though :P

I didn't initially think I would stick with the Scorpion pommel on this Saber, but every time I tried a different one for a bit - I kept going back!

WOW! Amazing collection Lord Canterbury, very cool

I also love your dog, Huskies are amazing companions

I suspect this may garner new customers that originally overlooked the Initiate. You really painted a picture of its aesthetics that go beyond it's normally perceived function first persona. And it does look so very good in both CG and GB.
I have been using my Dark Initiate V3 exclusively for several weeks now as I am quite enjoying it more than usual.

+1

You know what?  I really think UltraSabers blew the function-first label on the Initiates / Aeons / Dominixes to Hell with the release of the v4 line. 

Honestly - I think this Saber - an Initiate - looks a lot nicer than many of the more expensive premium hilts!

They did a killer job on this re-design!!!

Your pics are making me want a Dark Initiate Canterbury!

Well I happened to check the current Deal of the Day lineup and guess what's on there . . . ;)

Dang lol, tempting offer  ;D :o :P

Excellent review and pics!

Darth Point for you!

I noticed that as well! If I hadn't just gotten 2 new ones I'd buy it in heart beat

Outstanding review Lord C...... +1  :)

I enjoy your humour and fun on the forum my friend, and great to see some digital equipment being used too, lol  :P  I get confused sometimes if you guys over there prefer metric or imperial measurements, I thought you'd be using pounds not grams?, haha..... but the weight of hilts come up as a question sometimes so thank you for including that here....

I'll be sure to pour a scotch, put on my slippers, light a cigar, and relax in front of the crackle of an open fire while I settle in to read your next instalment, Volume II....  ;)

Nice - well, it might be a while before I get to post Volume II.

I'll work on it here & there, but I have a (way too) long list of stuff that has to get done this month in the boring "real world". 

I'll give you a hint though:   this next review is gonna have a lot of folks around here feeling blue . . .

I forgot to post this last night: bonus tip for everyone.

In case you didn't know - UltraSabers uses a hot glue to set the AV switches in the hilt.  They are glued in real tight.

So if you want to take one out for whatever the reason, these are your two best friends for the job:


A hair dryer & welding gloves.

The dryer is obviously to melt the glue.  Gloves - because heat radiates on metal so you'll need something to keep from burning the living [NAUGHTY WORD HERE] out of your hands when you take the switch out or otherwise accidentally touch the hilt.  It will get really HOT.

I've just used the slow pick pick pick with a sharp knife and screwdriver for the few I've done...... takes a while..... you've mentioned the use of a hair dryer before, and next time I will take your advice....... bonus points Lord C  :)

You can put it back in the same way!  That's what I did here - heated the glue back up, popped the switch back in then clamped it - it cooled again and is back in just as tight.  :)

Very good review and funny too! A point well deserved Lord C!

I got one of these in Fire Orange at a convention a couple of months ago as my first saber, and I absolutely love it! This was a great review, and I can certainly attest to the features of this saber. It certainly is loud. The open-ended pommel lets ALL of the sound out. I'm trying to decide what to swap it out for without adding too much length because I like the look and feel of it as is, and want to use it in a dual-wield setup. I might get a dark prophecy pommel and drill some holes in it on my own.

Absolutely beautiful dog. I love Huskies  ;D

One question though: Which LED does the V4 use? When I bought my saber I didn't get FoC but I'm considering either adding it myself or having US do it. From what I understand, if I do it myself I'll need to get a new LED unit. I looked at both the MLS and LED Module on the store website, but didn't see the Initiate V4 specifically called out, and I'm still getting used to all the terms/models of sabers. I've done a bit of soldering before and have been studying the wiring diagrams, so I'm confident I could do it myself. As long as I get the right LED  :P

Wow LC, awesome review! As a newbie I'll try to make my first review half of yours if possible. I liked the separate emitter, hilt, and pommel shots. I'll have to use that for my new premium GB saber tonight as all three pieces are from different US sabers and it is in GB!

Point earned and then some.

Thanks everyone for chiming in on what parts you liked, etc.  Contemplating the lessons learned for Volume II.

#1 is apparently "More Sasha".    ;)

Sasha wielding a saber.

You should really confirm that with Emory but I assume it's the normal ones (not MLS).

To be honest - that is one area I don't totally get.  I've never had any trouble putting connectors on an LED unit and fitting it in any hilt I have - including, obviously, the Initiate!  So I don't fully understand the difference. 

I really should find that out.   :)

She might be momentarily . . .

We're up late for a work night and she just voiced her displeasure with us in that great, throaty, wookie sounding garble that she IS NOT HAPPY we haven't gone to bed yet.   >:(

I love Huskies . . .

So on that note  - good night all!

The v2, v3, v4, Liberator & Prophecy sabers all use the LED Module, and also some of the premium hilts the Guardian, Monarch, Reaper, Mantis, and Scorpion
https://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/led%20module.htm

Most of the Premium sabers with an MHS emitter use the MLS Module that sits in the body
https://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/mls.htm

There are exceptions like the Catalyst that has a different LED mount altogether, but mostly its as above...

Here are some pics.... An LED Module on the left and MLS Unit on the right..... the outer casing is different but both use the same heatsink and LED board, actually you can unscrew the heatsink and just swap between the two..... cheers  :)

(http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah119/JediXIX/80B98FA1-AD8E-4BFA-B52B-5EAD9BC85708_zpsfskwh08o.jpg) (http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/JediXIX/media/80B98FA1-AD8E-4BFA-B52B-5EAD9BC85708_zpsfskwh08o.jpg.html)

(http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah119/JediXIX/E0DDB27F-8174-4AF0-9670-018246ED527D_zpsqoa6ddml.jpg) (http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/JediXIX/media/E0DDB27F-8174-4AF0-9670-018246ED527D_zpsqoa6ddml.jpg.html)

Unscrewing the heatsink?  That is genius!  I never would have thought of that, new doors have opened.  Thx JediXIX, +1!

Yep its great fun swapping all around  :D

Couple of things to be careful of...... The heatsink can be tight and sometimes you need to go slow...... Make sure the clear lens is aligned when you screw in the heatsink, often easier to point the module towards the ground while screwing in...... and finally, don't screw in too tight, some of the LED boards have a clear dome attached to the diode's and if you screw too tight that can break, then its bye bye LED board  :(

This is awesome, thanks! After posing the question and doing some looking around, I had a feeling that it uses the LED module. I found the post when the v4 sabers were announced and describing the similarities from the v3s. Figured since the LED module page says all v2s and v3s, it would work with the v4s due to the similarities, and just hadn't been updated to reflect that. Might be a little while before I tackle swapping it out, but at least now I know.

...  And the winner is…  Lord Canterbury!!  Stunning review!!  Great words, great pictures, great analysis, greatly helpful and great assistance there from the Blademaster Sasha; Great job!!  (I think I may have said great somewhere in there)?!?  ;D  :o  8)  As others have mentioned, a point is not enough for this review, but a point is definitely given and seriously well deserved!  It pretty much covers all areas, height, weight, sound colour, customisable options and much more.  Brilliant!  I have an Initiate v4 with windowed emitter and enjoy wielding this around one handed.  It looks good and feels good.  As a next purchase I am going for the more two handed version the ‘Big Brother’  ;)  of the Dark Initiate LE v4; the Dominix LE v4, again with the window emitter (definitely worth the extra money $$$ £££ every time).  I agree with others, if time permits and you can, a second volume would be more than welcomed!  :D

Thanks!  Very, very busy this month but I've already settled on which Hilt I'll be doing the next (bigger & better) Volume on when I find the time!

I am already intrigued as to which hilt is on the review ‘hit list’ for the new volume.  It’ll be worth the time taken and worth the wait am sure.   :)

Super point for mentioning that you can just unscrew and switch them. You just saved me 10 minutes of cursing later this week when I find out my LED housings are different. I though they had looked different but was just going to cross that bridge when I get my emerald setup  and LED out. Now I know they are and it's no big deal. ;)