Saber Forum

Hey everybody I'm a first time buyer mostly looking into doing light saber tricks and stunts. I'd also probably do some dueling given the  chance. My problem lies in that I have no idea on what to buy. Ideally, I would like to get two sabers, one that is more of a practice saber, one that could get dinged up from the learning process. The other saber would be my go to for showing off to my friends. Some other info you should know, I'm looking for a more sith- styled light saber and budget wise I'm trying to keep the main saber at or under $400. The practice  saber would most likely be the same hilt style but without much of the extra features. Any and all advice/ guidance is appreciated.

If your smacking stuff including other blades make sure you get one of the heavier grade blades.  They charge an extra 10 bucks for those. If your looking for a lighter saber I would get one of the V4 sabers. They are a little cheeper and you can still add the bells and whistles like sound.

If I was going to pick a saber with your requirements I would go with a dark initiate V4 with premium sound. Add windows for an extra $5 its way cooler looking. I would guess your looking at around $300 bucks for it.

Any other recommendations? I'm going to assume I want a red blade?

First, there are four approved (by me) Sith blade colors:  Blazing Red, Fire Orange, Pyrestone Orange, and Hot Pink.

Second, for a hilt, I would recommend either the Dominx v3 or the Dark Sentinel.  Both are extremely comfortable in the hand, easy to use one or two handed, and are great for spins.  I know the Dominx v4 looks better with the emitter, but I feel that the choke points on the V3 make it MUCH more comfortable to use.  If you'd prefer a smaller hilt for whatever reason, I usually recommend the Apprentice (the shorter version of the Sentinel) over the Initate (shorter version of the Dominix).  Again, I just feel the Apprentice tends to be more comfortable.q

For the main saber, you can get almost anything in a single color with Obsidian Premium sound for under $400.  If you want a showing off saber, that's a great way to go.  What better to have for showing to your friends than one you can not only see but hear?  And, just a tip, but you probably want to spend the $10 extra to upgrade to V4 sound, it's vasty superior to V3.  The highest (starting price) saber with Obsidian premium sound is the Chosen One CE at $349.  Anyway, practically the entire catalog of Ultra Sabers is yours to be had for $400, as long as you don't want sound and emerald.  Though, if you just want a Sith look, all you need is a single color saber in one of the colors Vivectius mentioned.

As for the "bang it up" saber, I'd recommend any of the lower end sabers with a heavy grade blade.  The Dominix V3 is certainly a wonderful saber to wield, but then there's also the V2.  It's a very simple, straightforward design that's not to be underestimated.  I enjoy swinging around my Aeon V2s.  And, of course, the Sentinels are very nice, I have a couple of those.  A joy to wield.  Or, if you want to spend a bit more money, there are slightly higher priced sabers, such as the Dark Standard Issue.  I don't have one, but I want one.  (they only recently came back in stock)  The Dark Liberator is another one that's a beauty and looks like it would be comfortable to wield.  With the right options, any of those sabers will ring up under $100.  Though, with the heavy grade blade, the Dark Liberator will be $104.

I'd ask how large you are first, and whether you plan on using one hand or two.

The Prophecy is seriously of of US's most comfortable, and light hilts.

The Sentinel is another extremely comfortable hilt, and will allow for a two-handed grip.

Both come in a dark version, and can accommodate sound. 

The Consular is another very popular hilt.

I personally don't like Hot Pink.  I think they should have called it Steaming Puke. :P

In regards to my size in a little under 6 feet tall and around 150-155 lbs on any given day. I've been told I have smaller hands.

I'm thinking about an orange color for my main blade and my "bang up" blade will be a more jedi themed color.

I'd like to thank everyone so far for their inputs, I'm really looking forward to ordering and trying out my lightsaber for myself!

My Hot Pink Liberator and I would like a word with you on that.... :o 8)

So, based on your size, pretty much everything everyone here has recommended for you will work, which I know doesn't narrow things down a bit.

If you're going Fire Orange, get the Tri-Cree Option.  It's brighter, and for the Orange, it definitely makes a difference.

Let us know what you decide to order, or ask any more questions you may have. 

I was anticipating repercussions on that one...lol

Sorry Viv. :P

I think Nylora's Dark Menace was in HP.  Just doesn't do a thing for me.

Do I want both my sabers to have a heavy grade blade? I've read the buyers guide but still don't know what will look best.

Actually, I have no idea what most of the extra options mean or do. Help please.

Any specific features? I don't mind going through one by one, but if there's only 2 or 3 I may as well save some time :P

Pommels, Switch types, blade tip, and blade wheels

Obviously I'm new here and don't know a whole heck of a lot, but I'll put my 2 cents in.

For pommels on sabers with sound, If there is the option, I would personally recommend NOT going with the "recommended" vented pommel, as it's just a hole in the bottom and offers no protection for the speaker. It'll muffle the sound, sure, but it will also give it a more unique sound, depending on what you get. What you choose is totally dependent upon your personal style.

I believe all sabers with sound default with the AV switch, and I don't think you can get the guarded switch. Either way, I would recommend getting a black one for your one with sound if you're going with a sithy hilt. Though silver would be a cool contrast, depending on the style you get. I personally try and save a little money by not getting the illuminated. I have some with illuminated buttons, but I can do without them, personally. If you do go for illuminated, then I usually do the same color as the blade or white, but you can of course do whatever you want.

I always just do the rounded tip. I do think they look better, and without the extra cost and lead time, the pointed tips aren't really worth it to me. That and they're all pointy and can hurt more.

As for the wheel, I assume you mean the covertec wheel. If you're going to cosplay or costume at all with it, I would definitely recommend getting it along with the covertec clip. OR, you can ask for a D ring, but that's totally whichever you prefer and would fit better with what you have. For the D ring, you'd have to ask for it in the comments of your order, I believe.

I hope that helps! And please, anyone else correct me where I'm wrong!

Sorry for not coming back on these sooner.

If you're getting a premium hilt (Bellicose price upwards) then you're choosing from the various pommels that come with that hilt - the Bellicose has two options, the Manticores have two, the Malice has three from memory... Just choose whichever one you like best.

From the Dark Prophecy on downwards, you can choose any in-stock pommel you want to go with your hilt. What strikes your fancy is up to you - the Catalyst and Shock pommels generally go well with the Sentinels and Aeon/Dominixes, for example. I just go for the stock pommels on mine when I get stunt hilts, but if you're getting sound then the vented pommel has a large hole in the bottom and folks don't always care for that. I don't think it's worth the extra $30 to get a specific pommel most of the time, but that's your choice.

Unless you choose otherwise, any hilt you buy will come with the black guarded switch type. Again, it's a matter of personal choice, but most prefer to have at least the non-illuminated AV switch on their hilts - whether in black or silver, it looks smoother and has a lower profile so is easier for handling your hilt. It's a $10-15 premium, from memory, and I'd say it's worth having if within your budget. The illuminated switches look cool, and maybe consider it for your display piece, but on the whole I've gone for non-illuminated on most of mine.

As Akacen says, rounded tips are safer for duelling with. I have a couple of pointed ones, but if you're duelling, go rounded. Maybe try a pointed blade on your display piece?

I always get covertec wheels on my hilts as I have several clips and like having the option to hang them off my belt. For costuming purposes, they're practically a must but otherwise it's an extra $15 or so. I like having them, but they're by no means essential to having a working 'sabre :)

Hope that helps!