Grab Bag, Aeon LE V2, and Initiate V2 Review

So, on Tuesday, my first batch of sabers finally came in! It was a long week of waiting for me on the East Coast, especially since UPS Ground decided not to tell me where my package was between San Pablo and Pennsylvania, so I didn't really know what to expect.

It arrived as I had read, in long box. The three sabers were snugly wrapped in bubblewrap with packing peanuts to fill the gaps. I'm very happy with how the sabers were shipped. The blade plug was taped with the retention screw wrench to the saber I ordered it with, and nothing rattled around. The only issue I had here was one blade plug was missing, which I have sent an e-mail about.

The first saber I pulled out was my Aeon LE V2 in Guardian Blue, with a standard Midgrade, 36" blade. Even with the lights on, the blade was full of color and looked great. The hilt was longer than I had imagined, but exactly as it said on the site. I haven't had much of a chance to play around with it, so we'll see how I feel about the length later.

Next, I pulled out my grab bag saber. I bought this expecting to have something to mess around with and not care about while I'm learning. What I got, though, initially confused me. Having read the forums for a while looking at sabers, I expected a liberator or standard issue, possibly anodized some cool color. Instead, I got a prophecy. With further digging, I believe it is a Dark Prophecy LE. It's a very nice looking saber. My only issue with this upon first inspection is that the covertec wheel was missing. I also e-mailed about that to see if it was intentional or not. Right now I just have a hole in the hilt of the saber and can see the batteries. It came in Guardian Blue, and I ordered a UEMG blade. Upon further inspection, I discovered that I can't currently remove the blade from this hilt. It has two retention screws covered with gold-colored knobs, but the screws are different sizes, and only the larger matches the wrench provided. The smaller screw I am unable to remove because I don't have the proper tool. In reality, I should own an allen wrench set, but for some reason I don't yet, so this is an inconvenience.

Finally, I looked at my Initiate V2. I got it in VA with a midgrade blade for my girlfriend, who most likely won't fight with it, so the shorter saber/blade would work for her. I've swung it around a few times, and I almost like it more than my Aeon for ease of use one-handed. The color was a little more pink than I was expecting, but still not a problem.

The blades are great. I really prefer the standard Midgrade blades to the UltraEdge. I don't anticipate using the UltraEdge much after comparing the two types in Guardian Blue. As many have said, the UE blade gives it a more pastel look that doesn't quite suit me. The Aeon seems about right for a two-handed approach to fighting, which is probably what I'll do, but the hilt and blade together are too long to use comfortably one-handed. I may pick up a 32" blade with a shorter hilt for that. Possibly even another Initiate.

After taking apart (mostly) the Aeon and Initiate, I'm very happy. The battery packs are very snug in the hilt, which is good so they won't rattle or lose the batteries. The LED system was also good. With a little shaking, I was able to get it to pop out of the top of the hilt, allowing me to install a quick disconnect should it suit me. After doing some reading, I was nervous about my LED module being the LED hot glued to a big nut, but instead I got the same module they sell in their store, so I was pleased.

All in all, I am very happy with my sabers, and I can't wait to have a chance to really try them out. My next purchase will include some heavy grade blades for me to test out as well. I'm already looking at possibly picking up a couple grab bag sabers for friends of mine, and possibly a Dark Catalyst in red for my Sith brother. I've read it elsewhere, and it's true. Having one of these sabers makes you just want to go back and buy some more. I've already been looking for myself, too. Probably a Consular and/or a Bellicose. Love the idea of a MLS and I'm also a big fan of Qui-Gon.

Looking back over this, I tend to ramble, I think. Hopefully it makes sense. If I remember, I'll return later with some pictures.