Grab Bag vs. Custom Saber

[Jahns]

Hello, I'm Jahns, and I'm new to UltraSabers. I am currently contemplating purchasing a saber, and I know what I would really like (Consular or Archon V2.1 w/sound, heavy ultraedge-Sunriders Destiny or Consular Green), but I'm not sure I'm quite sold on dropping $300 as of yet. That being said, I have also contemplated getting a grab bag for a test run of sorts (thats dropping $130, a little more manageable). Would y'all recommend going for the grab bag, or perhaps meeting in the middle and getting a $150-200 saber without the sound, but guaranteed to look how I would want?

For future reference, which feels better in the hand, the Consular or the Archon V2.1? I really like the elegant, yet still simple design of these hilts and hope to one day invest in one.

[aray887]

Personally, I went with the grab bag first, and then I bought the saber with sound. I can tell you, if you're not sure you want to drop $300+ right off the bat, grab bag is a perfect option.

I will say, if you pull the trigger and go with the saber with sound you wont be disappointed.

And if you go with the grab bag, I'm almost willing to put down money says you will go ahead and buy the saber with sound eventually.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the forums. (Don't forget to sign off on the rules too)

[Jahns]

Thanks for the notice about the rule page. Don't want to start off on the wrong foot. Moreover, thank you for the reply. That is kind of what I expected to hear, but I want all the input I can get.

[Zren Tobas]

Yeah Grab Bag isn't a bad way to start. Fun really because you never know what you'll get. But if you want to just go high end go for it. You could always mix the 2 sabers up. Archon, then use Archon body and add Consular pommel and blade emitter. Just an idea on that one though. =]

[Magikal]

I went with a $300 dollar Scorpion right of the bat. My friend went with an Initiate with sound right off the bat. We both love them. I already ordered another saber a few days ago. I'm waiting for it to ship. I got the v4 Initiate with sound again. I'm contemplating ordering a partner for it so I can make a staff if I so choose. I wasn't let down by it at all.

[James Casey]

I started with a stunt Aeon because, among other things, I wanted to check out the build quality the first time out. I was pleased with the results, and certainly have bought more since

A grab bag is a fun (and cheap!) way to start a collection, but colour aside you have no control over what you get - US don't make bad 'sabres, but if I ordered one and got a hilt I didn't care for, I might be disappointed even at the lower price. If you really don't have a preference, the grab bag is a great option.

Here's something else to consider: The Dark Prophecy is on deal of the day at $35 off for the stunt version. At that price there really isn't a better hilt on the site, and that includes the cost of the blade, which is an added cost on a grab bag. Myself, Prowl and plenty of others will attest to the Prophecy line being about as good as they come in terms of comfort, and the hilt is detailed enough that it's more of a display piece than an Aeon or Liberator, for example.

[Jahns]

Query, would it be less expensive to purchase all the various parts and assemble it myself? I'm sure the parts cost more individually, but perhaps taking out the assembly price could make a difference?

[Molina00]

If you are still trying to choose between the Archon and Consular, both great hilts, I would lean towards the Archon.  It is one of my favorite hilts, very comfortable and easy to wield. 

Since James mentioned the Dark Prophecy, I would go with that over a grab bag personally.  You may pay a little more, but you get a more premium hilt at a great price and the Prophecy line are among the best and most popular Ultrasabers.  I have both versions and they are in my top 3 favorite hilts.

You could e-mail Ultrasabers and see what the unassembled hilts would cost, but be sure to add the cost of electronics and a blade and you will have to do the wiring and installation yourself.

[hazard502]

If I could only have one US it would be the Archon V2.1 hands down.

I spent as little as I could to get my first saber ever with sound and my expectations were exceeded.
Looking back I would have spent a little more time saving to put that money into a more premium hilt instead of spending twice to get into what I wanted.  So I would suggest saving for the $300 saber. If it suits your budget to go stunt first then by all means.

I do own one stunt saber and they are nice to have if you want to spin/practice without waking people from the sound. A stunt will show you the quality of US even at a "cheaper" cost.

A saber with sound will take things to a new level guaranteed.

Either way your first one won't be your last!  

[sedstiskyfaller]

I agree with hazard. My first saber was the Archon V2.1 and is still my favorite. I went for sound and an AV switch, but I wish I would have also gone with FoC as well. It's best to go with what you want if you can. Since I have sent my Archon in for an Emerald upgrade because I love it so much, but it cost more to upgrade than to buy something upfront.

[Jahns]

Well gents, I decided to play it safe and order a grab bag. It's heavy ultraedge, Sunrider's Destiny, with the blade plug and Covertech wheel and clip. I'm crossing my fingers for a super awesome hilt, but in all honesty, I'm just excited for my first UltraSaber, no matter the hilt. I'm hoping my cousin will join me in purchasing one because he is on the fence at the moment.

[Zren Tobas]

^^^Nice choice to start out with. =]

[Jahns]

Well, I got the "it's delivered" email, but I don't get to see it until I get all the way back home from college late tonight. The suspense is killing me....

[Jahns]

Well my friends, I am now the proud owner of a Liberator V3 in Sunrider's Destiny. My excitement is beyond words!

[hazard502]

Congrats!  Cool getting emitter windows on your first saber and in SRD, good score!  Pics Jahns!