Blue's Archon V2.1 Review

Had to work really late on Friday 3/29 and missed the package's arrival. Signed the signature sheet and when I returned from some Saturday activities, I discovered my package was there on the front steps. Inside was my now beloved updated Archon.

My very first saber was the PVC Archon that arrived in Guardian Blue. To honor my first saber, I could not think of a better way to reward myself for achieving Black Belt than to purchase the newest version 2.1.

I am in love with the feel of this saber. This has to be the very best balanced saber offered by US to date. It is great one hand, two hand, spins like a dream and handles in a match-up like a champ. If anyone is reading this review, this is a great starter saber.

The V2.1 is 1" longer than the previous V2. This extra length was added between the pommel and the lowest groove on the saber. This allowed US to add a pommel as a standard part of the package and this extra room places the sound pack low enough for a recharge port to be added.

On my specs, I went with the standard pommel as I already have a silver pommel on my Overlord. The standard pommel was a very nice balance to the black and silver of the saber. I has a great vent pattern that allows the sound to carry true and loud.

The saber is equipped with the third generation Obsidian Sound Board. It is still as loud as my second generation sound boards. The settings direct from the factory was exactly like I needed them to be. It is quick, very responsive, and I don't have to beat something or someone to death to get a flash on it.

The standard sound switch was upgraded to a Blue AV switch. The AV switch includes a bezel for a more flush appearance. On this saber, the bezel must have shifted slightly when being pressed fit into the saber as their was a slight gap present. With a small amount of investigation and patience, I was able to move the bezel with my hand and it fell exactly into place. A quick press with my thumb and "click" the switch was tight as a drum and no more gaps. Bezel placement is tricky to begin and this is just an observation, not a complaint. Excellent job all around!

The recharge port was the most impressive addition to the Archon. My recharge port is 100% flush with the rear of the saber. From previous images I have seen, I was thinking there would be a small nut on the outside. Too my very delighted surprise, this was a very great upgrade purchase and one that I recommend for anyone purchasing the Archon.

The grooved pattern makes for a very great grip and the choke points of the neck make spinning a breeze. This saber's lay out of grooves, neck, switch, and rear means that you can pretty much grab this saber with one hand or two and have no problem showing some flare or knocking some blades around.

The emitter portion is absolutely a work of art. I have seen the video multiple times where Ultra describes the Hero emitter but until you see it in person, you do not understand just exactly how awesome it looks. Without the blade, I honestly believe that in Blue it is very close to Obi-Wan's 3rd saber and in Green, you have a close cousin to Luke's ROTJ.

If you are wanting screen closeness to Obi-Wan or Luke, then you better look at the Archon V2.1!!!!

As for blades, I am a heavy grade man. I have always liked the look of the Original Trilogy blades but now that I have decided to step outside the box and be even bolder than before, I chose to go the Ultraedge route. Now I weep over my standard heavies as they looked as if they were holding my beloved Blue back. The Ultraedge blade makes you forget very quickly that you have a heavy on the end of your saber. It is bright bold and only when you look a little closer do you see the core. I call it the light squared effect. It is as full as one can get and you can still rain some pain with these polycarbonate beasts. Pictures do not do the blades justice as they appear white almost like a fluorescent bulb. In person, they are more translucent. You will not sacrifice brightness with these babies if you like to have some heavies on your sabers.

Now, overall, the weight and balance are near perfect. I have followed the advice given to me in the past by Master Nero and relying heavily on his expertise with fencing instruction. If you are getting Heavies, always ask for 32" blades. I am 5'11" tall and 32" blades on the end of my Archon make me appear to be auditioning for the next installment of Star Wars.

For additional accessories, I chose the faster recharge option without kill key so that I can use it as a demo piece without waiting for the batteries to be at full power. I went with round tips on the blades for safety sake. I also purchased a flush black vented coupler for a crystal chamber effect.

I won't delve too deep on the recharger or the tips but I will go into the coupler crystal chamber. On the neck, there is a silver ring that is slightly raised. That ring is a beautiful addition but it feels slightly weird in my grip. Keep in mind, I have huge XXL glove hands with 5" across the palms. When you think of banana hands, you'll think of me. I replaced the neck with the flush coupler and it actually shortened the saber by a small quantity. The new feel is amazing.

When I first replaced the neck, it was dark outside. I ignited the saber and my hands actually looked Blue. Being a Last Dragon fan, the theme song began to play inside my head. I began to spin, flourish, perform the plum flower, anything my mind could create, it did it. There is no downside to replacing that neck on your Archon.

In conclusion, I am recommending the Archon V2.1 as the very first saber anyone entering the hobby should purchase. My wife's hands fit well on it as do mine. It is not too long or too short. Great one handed or two. Looks great, feels great, and easy to customize. It has everything you could possibly want in a first saber and it will get your recognized quickly. The hardest part will be deciding what colors you want it in.

Pictures and video will follow. I will have a surprise in both. Have a wonderful Easter Sunday (if celebrated where you live) and happy sabering.

Blue