Video review of the Dark Catalyst

[Isola815]

Ok Everyone,

This saber was my ULTIMATE one from the US collection. Now that I have sorted out the issues with customer service and we are working towards a resolution, I have put together a review of my thoughts on the Dark Catalyst for you to watch. Warning, I couldn't get it under 15 mins. I'm sorry!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFBUeswT38" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFBUeswT38</a>

If I wind up just cutting my losses and  keeping this hilt instead of getting it remade I already have a modification idea in mind. I won't say anything yet, but I'll keep you all posted

[Jeadus Teal]

It's a bummer that the Dark Catalyst did not match your expectations. I agree that having parts fitted together to make one complete saber would result in having different finishes if those parts where produced at different times.

I have been thinking of getting a Catalyst for a long time now and I would still get one with a Yellow Illuminated Silver AV Switch with matching Sentinel Yellow for the blade color. I would still add O-rings to the grip section of the hilt.

I prefer AV Switches over Guarded Switches as I like that they form fit to the saber design and being able to choose Non-Illuminated or Illuminated switches. I have only had one bezel that had some movement which I rectified with a dab of clear setting superglue. I know that people want a saber where they don't want to do after market care once they have bought a saber. For myself I will go and add on the extras I need to complete the look for my saber. It's not a short fall for the company, but an extra step for my own satisfaction.

I have had to cut down one of my Blade Plugs to fit inside my Electrum Wind. I would do the same if I had a Catalyst saber. I also have black sabers with silver blade screws. That does not bother me. If I wanted it black I would just add a touch of modelers paint in a similar color shade. Once again that is an after market decision I would make.

Still a good and honest review Isola815. Point to you.

[Isola815]

Dude absolutely get the normal silver Catalyst! The hilt is soooooo cool. My dark one just didn't work for me is all. A standard Catalyst with a purple blade is still on my wish list. But when I order that one I'm going to get a silver guarded switch and a liberator pommel

I like that you customise your sabers and there are some I would like to buy to use as a basis for a custom build.

The DC was not on that list. But it may wind up being one

It's a bummer that the Dark Catalyst did not match your expectations. I agree that having parts fitted together to make one complete saber would result in having different finishes if those parts where produced at different times.

I have been thinking of getting a Catalyst for a long time now and I would still get one with a Yellow Illuminated Silver AV Switch with matching Sentinel Yellow for the blade color. I would still add O-rings to the grip section of the hilt.

I prefer AV Switches over Guarded Switches as I like that they form fit to the saber design and being able to choose Non-Illuminated or Illuminated switches. I have only had one bezel that had some movement which I rectified with a dab of clear setting superglue. I know that people want a saber where they don't want to do after market care once they have bought a saber. For myself I will go and add on the extras I need to complete the look for my saber. It's not a short fall for the company, but an extra step for my own satisfaction.

I have had to cut down one of my Blade Plugs to fit inside my Electrum Wind. I would do the same if I had a Catalyst saber. I also have black sabers with silver blade screws. That does not bother me. If I wanted it black I would just add a touch of modelers paint in a similar color shade. Once again that is an after market decision I would make.

Still a good and honest review Isola815. Point to you.

[Jediseth]

Wow, I didn't know you could get a silver guarded switch.  I'm making new plans now.

[Isola815]

Wow, I didn't know you could get a silver guarded switch.  I'm making new plans now.

I got one on my Prophecy v3

[Rapine]

Yet another stellar review from Isola815!

I own a Dark Catalyst as well.  It's one of my favourite hilts. 

You were spot on when you said that they're beyond comfortable, and look uber-awesome.

It's just really too bad that you're displeased yet again though Isola.    You poor soul.

I would say that the blade depth and retention screw were the only things I wasn't ecstatic about on mine either.

I still have to disagree with you about the switch though mate.  AVs rule.

Hopefully you aren't completely disillusioned though.  UltraSabers does have a whole bunch of really excellent products.  You've unfortunately chosen two hilts that have stand-alone issues that mattered to you a lot.

+1 for hanging in there.

[Isola815]

Yet another stellar review from Isola815!

I own a Dark Catalyst as well.  It's one of my favourite hilts. 

You were spot on when you said that they're beyond comfortable, and look uber-awesome.

It's just really too bad that you're displeased yet again though Isola.    You poor soul.

I would say that the blade depth and retention screw were the only things I wasn't ecstatic about on mine either.

I still have to disagree with you about the switch though mate.  AVs rule.

Hopefully you aren't completely disillusioned though.  UltraSabers does have a whole bunch of really excellent products.  You've unfortunately chosen two hilts that have stand-alone issues that mattered to you a lot.

+1 for hanging in there.

I promise I'm not disillusioned! Still an Ultrasabers fan, and as I said in the video, I still have other hilts that I want to get. I'm going to wait until my crazy Christmas period calms down, and early in the new year I'll try something not as high on my list so that I'm not expecting the world. Now that I know black hilts aren't black, I can at least factor in that once I get it, I need to strip it, sand it and paint or powdercoat it, then rebuild it. So I'm thinking any black ones I buy from now on I will request to have everything wired, but not installed so it's easier to get to the painting process.

[Rapine]

I wanted to mention to you that my first saber was my Manticore.  

Absolutely phenomenal hilt!  I found zero flaws.  I'm not sure if you've got your eye on that one, but it's certainly one of US's best - IMO.

Covertech wheel placement is totally, 100% optional, and the blade depth is like 3"!

It's fully MHS compatible as well, so emitters and pommels can be changed on a whim.

Something to ponder... I hope you find something that finally does blow you away.  US is really good at that...

...most times.

[Zren Tobas]

Nice. I would rather like the un-matched hilt colors but that's just me Fire Orange does seem like a cool blade color then. I also like having the blade plugs out a little bit that way you can show the colors off to your friends or whatever, I do that all the time now. I have the Ultra Edge styled plugs though so you can see the colors still but not so much with the clear style ones. How does Tri-Fire Orange look in person? You made me want a silver Catalyst in Tri-Fire Orange actually

[Taegin Roan]

I have the normal Fire Orange, and I love the color of it. One of the things that I have noticed about it is that the shade of orange varies every time I turn it on. It is still the same color, but sometimes it is a little bit lighter or a little bit darker. I use the same blade every time, so it has nothing to do with the blade. It just varies a little bit, and I actually really like it to do that. The only reason I can tell, is because I compare it to the color of the sun. When their is smoke in the air, and the sun is darker, my saber gets that color at times, while at other times it is the same color as the sun is normally. I don't know if anyone else with normal FO has noticed it, but I have and I really love it.

Anyways, great review. Point for speaking you mind about how you actually feel. And also for the accent (this is the first review of yours that I have watched, and I would love to have an accent like yours).

[Isola815]

I wanted to mention to you that my first saber was my Manticore.  

Absolutely phenomenal hilt!  I found zero flaws.  I'm not sure if you've got your eye on that one, but it's certainly one of US's best - IMO.

Covertech wheel placement is totally, 100% optional, and the blade depth is like 3"!

It's fully MHS compatible as well, so emitters and pommels can be changed on a whim.

Something to ponder... I hope you find something that finally does blow you away.  US is really good at that...

...most times.

It is indeed on my list. My next purchase ideas are:
Guardian
Manticore
Scorpion
Dark Arbiter


So we'll see

[Isola815]

Nice. I would rather like the un-matched hilt colors but that's just me Fire Orange does seem like a cool blade color then. I also like having the blade plugs out a little bit that way you can show the colors off to your friends or whatever, I do that all the time now. I have the Ultra Edge styled plugs though so you can see the colors still but not so much with the clear style ones. How does Tri-Fire Orange look in person? You made me want a silver Catalyst in Tri-Fire Orange actually

Do it! Like I said I would still get a silver one with a purple blade. I still love the design and feel. It just wasn't my holy grail like I thought it would be.

[Isola815]

I would love to have an accent like yours

 

Thanks for watching

[Taegin Roan]

 

Thanks for watching

Well seeing as I have a neutral accent, I would really like to have one.

[Isola815]

So who's ready to play the modification game?