Raffle prize - Prototype

[Relan Tarel jedi kinght]

That is another awsome prototype that makes 3 now I can't wait for them all to be avaible

[James Casey]

@julmax - It's possible that it's a whole new line that's going to be released alongside the ones you and hazard have got, but if we're assuming that yours are evolutions of the Aeon/Dominixes, then this could also be part of an upgrade programme. I may be completely wrong, of course! There's no real visual link (holed emitter aside) to the Liberator line but as a US original design it seems like that'd be the hilt to be replaced/upgraded by this if any are. Given the visual link between the Prophecy and Anakin's AOTC 'sabre, I wouldn't think that'd be replaced... But we'll see over the coming months. US still sell the v2 hilts even though the v3 hilts have been available for a long time, so I'd like to think we'll still be able to buy the older hilts.

@Ziran Le, @CreepySeagulls - The emitter is fixed in place, which is part of why I suspect it's intended as an evolution of one of the lower priced lines. Prophec-ator isn't far off in terms of the styling - both current hilts seem to be influences, I think.

@aray887, @sedstiskyfaller - I like the gradual flow of the v3's choke points, but honestly I find this one more comfortable to use. I'm hoping that there'll be the option to buy both for some time as it makes sense to have variety for customers, but I guess there's added costs in maintaining a wider line in hilts ready for purchase.

@Dauntless Seven - Leave my Standard Issues alone! In seriousness, part of what makes me think 'Prophecy' with this hilt is that it just seems to fit every bit as nicely into my hand as my Prophecy does. The vertical walls to the chokes seem like they shouldn't be comfortable, and part of it may be just that my hands are the right size to make it comfortable, but I believe that this is one that'll sell itself on how nicely it handles. Of course, once our resident Masters get their hands on some they may decide I have it all wrong

@hazard502 - 'Beauty' is certainly a personal thing, and doesn't always equal function. The Guardian is gorgeous, but not my go-to hilt by any stretch. This is a great handling hilt, and I definitely think it looks striking, if not as much of a display piece as the other prototype. About my only concern would be whether the slenderness of the choke points might make for a fragile hilt. I very much doubt it (this is US, after all - fragile isn't really their thing) but it feels like a more significant difference in diameters than on any other hilt that I own. Given the rarity of the hilt, I'm not about to take it out and start stress-testing it!

@Relan Tarel jedi kinght - Trust me, as much as I love having a unique hilt, I want you guys to be able to get them as well! (And I want to test out the other prototypes for myself )

A few people have mentioned possible LE versions of this... and I'm not sure that'd be possible. Allowing for it being a prototype, so may be far from the finished article, there's not really any place you could add highlighting in the way the Aeons and Dominixes have it. The grooves in the grip are too narrow, and while you could do something on the emitter, I'm not sure that'd justify an LE version. Different colours, though? Certainly possible - I would imagine a silver version would work, and as US have shown with recent releases, blue and red are always options. I'm waiting for a dark green hilt, myself...

*

Anyway, on to the important stuff - Anyone want to suggest a name for this design while we wait for official word from US?

[sedstiskyfaller]

I'm gonna reach back into the US vault a little and go with...Oppressor! I think that would fit this saber the best if it wasn't a replacement or new version of one of the existing hilts.

Time will tell what actually becomes of this new mystery saber (are we up to 3 now?)

[Darth_Phobius47]

I'll cast my vote for Libberator v4 or maybe just a grip style option for the new Dominix....

You all know how a product goes through different design styles in prototype phase to see which version people would like best? You know, A or B which do you prefer stuff. This might be style B that was sent out just to see how people would react to it... Or it just may be a new saber separate from Julmax and Hazard's sabers.

[BenPass]

Now that I like! That may well be one I try to get out of semi-saber retirement for!

[Greywolf]

Anyway, on to the important stuff - Anyone want to suggest a name for this design while we wait for official word from US?

Well if I Mynaras pic (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21464.msg329526#msg329526) really shows a Dark Initiate V4, then you probably got a Dominix V4.
As least if US applies the rule 'Initiate Vx looks like a smaller version of Aeon/Dominix Vx'

[Jedijosh]

I feel like a fish who doesn't have a mouth to bite.
Nice review James.

[Darth Shaw]

I really like that saber and in orange to its perfect.  I hope they release it so I can pick one up

[Ziran Le]

I can see what people mean about the aesthetics here.  Since there are different things going on stylistically including ribbed lower grip, large, angular choke points, raised switch area, recessed grooves at base of emitter and then the aptly-named "lozenge-shaped" (very nice, James) windows, there isn't much to carry the stylistic "theme" through from one end of the saber to the other.

The only thing that I would change would be too machine grooves of the same size and spacing as the lower hilt, into the small, ridged area directly below the emitter.  If you put 2 machined grooves in there it would carry over the look from the lower portion of the hilt and it would be more pleasing to the eye, in my opinion.

Overall though I like it alot.  Not surprising since I've become a big fan of the Aeon/Dominix line in both V2 and V3.  I also love the Prophecy and Liberator so this thing is just my style.

[Zren Tobas]

Really hoping either of these sabers comes out here in the next few days possibly. Would be awesome. Mostly the one Jul has though. I'm more for that one.

[Sky Dragon c5]

I hope this doesn't replace the Liberator as I like its more natural curves. I hope its just a new low end. Really wish that emitter was MHS though.

Overall though I actually don't like this design that much. If it was tapered like a Liberator it would be great, but to me, alteast in my style, it's too chunky.

[James Casey]

I'm gonna reach back into the US vault a little and go with...Oppressor! I think that would fit this saber the best if it wasn't a replacement or new version of one of the existing hilts.

I like the idea of Oppressor - in fact, if it's intended as a replacement for the Liberator line, then Liberator/Oppressor for light/dark versions would be good.

*

A quick comparison of the 'Oppressor' against a Liberator and a Prophecy:

I always think that the Liberator is longer than it is - the new hilt is longer, more like the Aeons and Dominixes, so it seems that it's more likely to be the next step on from those hilts.

[Zren Tobas]

I say just something completely new possible. I do like the new design and I bet that bottom grip feels comfy too. I think I will enjoy this saber when it comes out. Your post seems to be the big talk right now.

[jedi Kai-gon]

I am really liking that emitter. I also think that the name "The Oppressor" suits it well.

[sedstiskyfaller]

A quick comparison of the 'Oppressor' against a Liberator and a Prophecy:

I always think that the Liberator is longer than it is - the new hilt is longer, more like the Aeons and Dominixes, so it seems that it's more likely to be the next step on from those hilts.

Definitely longer...hmm. I know this thread is about the prototype, but I can't help but keep staring at that Prophecy CE