raven or bane for first saber. torn between two beast.

[grave13]

OK I have read reviews of both sabers and seen numerous pictures of both. Now I can't decide what I want for my first saber. I can only afford one and they both are kick ass sith sabers. Just I'm at a lost on what one to get there equal in being bad ass. But I gotta factor in that I'm uses to dueling with just using my dominant hand. That I'm used to fighting using spear or staff type weapons but don't gave the founds to buy two ravens or two banes to make a double blade saber. It will be something I'm going to build up to. Any advice? Any pros & cons about these two sabers? Many thanks in advance

[Qui-Tom Helms]

Got both; the best advice I can give you is just flip a coin, heads a Bane, tails a Raven.  Interesting though, why did you state "raven or bane" in the subject heading???  Sounds like your subconscience (The Force) has picked for you.

[grave13]

To be honest. There the two sabers that call to me. I already have all the little extras I want on them picked out.   

[Qui-Tom Helms]

Yep then, either the coin or enni meni minee mow method.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Sounds like you're looking for a hefty saber - both of yours are, as you accurately described, beasts.  I own neither, but I know quite a bit about both of them.  The Bane is more of a two handed saber, with a nice long hilt to grasp with both hands.  Makes sense, considering it's based off the saber used by the brutish Darth Bane.

The Raven is more based on the Sith Stalker saber you get in the dark side ending to TFU.  However, it's still quite large, with the extended claws and all.  This seems to be a little more of a hand and a half saber (one you can use with either one or two hands) but based on what I've heard about the weight, it seems to be a bit heavy to easily wield with one hand (maybe go with a midgrade blade to compensate for this).

Stylistically, the Bane is more streamlined and simplistic, a no-nonsense dueling saber.  The Raven however, with its claws and detail, is a bit more stylish.  More flash and all.  It really depends on what you're going for... this might help, what color are you going for?  Considering your Sith choices of saber I would guess red, but I don't wanna assume anything.

[grave13]

I'm going for the one out of the two that is going to be more of a good combat saber. I stand 6'2 and I'm pretty strong considering that I lift 80lbs for ten hours a day 4 days a week for my job. I doubt weight is going to matter to me. LOL the more I talk it sounds more like I'm going for the bane for it being a brute saber. Color wise I'm going pyrestone orange for my saber blade.

[Master Nero Attoru]

I'm going for the one out of the two that is going to be more of a good combat saber. I stand 6'2 and I'm pretty strong considering that I lift 80lbs for ten hours a day 4 days a week for my job. I doubt weight is going to matter to me. LOL the more I talk it sounds more like I'm going for the bane for it being a brute saber. Color wise I'm going pyrestone orange for my saber blade.

The Pyrestone would look great on either hilt, for sure.  As I said, I can't say from experience because I (unfortunately) don't own either, but from what I've read the Bane seems like the more "practical" dueling saber.  I've heard the Raven has a handle that kinda rips up your hands, and it seems like the claws would throw off the point of balance of the saber overall.  The Bane is nice and simple, just a big two handed weapon with the ribbed handle for better grip.

[grave13]

Yes I have also read that the grips on the raven are slightly harsh on the hands. The bane looks comfortable

[ThreadJack]

Seems like you got quite a conundrum. I'd suggest the Raven, myself, but that's mainly because I think it's the cooler looking saber.

Yes I have also read that the grips on the raven are slightly harsh on the hands. The bane looks comfortable

Gloves will fix that.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

Really you probably know in your heart which hilt you actually want more.  If not you can always buy both.

[grave13]

You know what master Artorius. I think your right on that I know in my heart what saber I really want. I guess ill just post up pictures of my saber when I get it.

[LoganV]

I would go with a bane personally. It has many more possibilities in terms of customization. You can go from the stock to this.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Ey_bouIBU" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Ey_bouIBU</a>

I've never seen a raven as suped up as this.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

You know what master Artorius. I think your right on that I know in my heart what saber I really want. I guess ill just post up pictures of my saber when I get it.

We all know what we want in reality, we just have that struggle to accept it.  SEARCH YOUR FEELINGS!!!

Oh lord, I love Star Wars.

[Mikkyo of the Sith]

I've had a Bane & I Loved it! But the emitter would become wobbly after a few blocks. After doing this I drilled & tapped 2 more holes w/ 8/32 setscrews 60 degrees from the red 'button' set screw. Problem improved, but not fixed. Drilled & tapped red 'button' setscrew to enlarge it to 10/32. More improvement, but not fixed.
Doesn't seem like anyone else really had that problem w/ the emitter. Just thought I'd give my $0.02 as I've dueled with a Bane before.

[grave13]

OMG. I love the weathering on that bane. I didn't know there was a weathering service for sabers here. That's awsome