What's the difference between the Blade types? What's the best blade type?

[Pika]

Thanks a ton for the input, choco. I'll probably go with the 32 inch.

That being said, I probably will end up doing  bit more than just light dueling, so the heavy grade may be best. Can anyone speak to the weight of the things? Would a 32 inch heavy grade blade completely mess up the balance of the saber with an initiate hilt? What about a regular hilt? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of blade length for a well balanced saber.

[Darth Obvious]

It depends on what you mean by "balance."

We use heavy grade blades for sparring, but we only do the real sword styles (Lichtenauer, I.33, Tai Chi Chuan, etc.), which means we like the balance point to be well in front of the hand (usually around 4-6" from the hand). This also tends to put the blade's harmonic node (point of contact that transmits the least vibration down the blade) out to approximately the 2/3rds mark, which is good for delivering the maximum energy to the target, and transmitting the least amount of vibration to the hilt/hand.

Other people do "spinning," which as far as I can tell means twirling the saber around like a baton (not something we would ever do in real swordfighting, since it involves finger grips that would make your weapon easily disarmed). For this, they seem to prefer the balance point to be right at the hand, and the lighter blades seem to be better for this.

[Dauntless Seven]

Hi.  I have both Aeon and Initiates.  A heavy grade blade on an Initiate would need to have a heavier pommel on it to both lengthen and counterbalance the blade/hilt.  I suggest getting an Aeon or Dominix.  I have placed Shock pommels on all these hilts but at $30 each, the cost of the saber goes up.  There might be something else to choose like a Prophecy, which is good for both spinning and dueling.  Unless you are  experienced at dueling, the "balance" is not really a factor and you can easily adapt with whatever you choose for your starter saber.

If you want a HG blade, then for your height, the 32" should be good.  You will lose approx. 1.5" of the blade into the emitter.  I prefer the 36" but would only use on an Aeon but not the shorter Initiate.  I am about your height (5"3" ?).  Also your sparring partner should use a HG blade as the MG could get damaged from impact.   The Initiate comes with a 24" blade unless you upgrade.  This length is appropriate to hilt size. 

These are the approx. weights as provided at some time by another member (sorry, name unknown).

24"  UEHG = 181 g / 6.4 oz        32"  UEHG = 241 g / 8.5 oz        36"  UEHG = 253 g / 8.9 oz

[Darth Obvious]

These are the approx. weights as provided at some time by another member (sorry, name unknown).

24"  UEHG = 181 g / 6.4 oz        32"  UEHG = 241 g / 8.5 oz        36"  UEHG = 253 g / 8.9 oz

I think those were the weights I posted on the blade weight thread, but I can't seem to find it now.

[Dauntless Seven]

Thanks Darth O.  I have used your blade weight info. many times and give you an appreciation point.  Glad that I wrote them down.   

[Choco]

Thanks a ton for the input, choco. I'll probably go with the 32 inch.

That being said, I probably will end up doing  bit more than just light dueling, so the heavy grade may be best. Can anyone speak to the weight of the things? Would a 32 inch heavy grade blade completely mess up the balance of the saber with an initiate hilt? What about a regular hilt? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of blade length for a well balanced saber.

I personally don't own any 32's however I do notice a considerable difference in overall weight of the saber and the change in balance point when I have a heavy grade blade on instead of a medium. On my sabers the heavy's balance point sits about an inch on the blade past the emitter so not too bad depending on whatever style sword play your planning on doing.

Many people do underestimate just how much punishment the blades can take especially the mids. From the videos I've seen they can take quite a bit of force before showing physical damage so they should be fine for light-moderate dueling. I do agree both sabers should be heavies if your planning on playing a bit rougher with em

[Pika]

You all are fantastic. Thanks again so much!

Just ooonnneeee more question for y'all. If I go for DVA and heavy grade, would you all recommend the ultra edge or the regular heavy? I've heard the regular heavy tends to disperse the light better than the regular mid-grade, so I may not need the ultra edge. I've also heard that dings, dents, and other minor damage marks tend to be way more noticeable on the ultra-edge blades. Since DVA has got more blue in it than regular VA, I'm not too worried about getting a pink-looking saber, but I do want it to look cool IRL and in pics - and while I want it to be bright, I also don't want it to look like a glass tube filled with light. I've found some info on DV, but not much on DVA specifically. Once again, thanks in advance!

[Dauntless Seven]

Hi again.  There is no near perfect hilt, blade or color if a person tends to become too focused on the finer details.  I recognize that you have this picture of what it should look like and whatnot, but it takes away from the adventure and the fun factor.  And remember that this saber will most likely be the first of a few or many.  Why don't you think about getting a staff so that you can have a saber for another to use.  You will have the option of choosing two different blade colors and you could even request a blade in UE and one in Standard (both in MG or HG).  Also the cost of the staff is less then two individually.  You may like the v2's as the width is a bit narrower for your smaller hands.  I assume that you are getting a stunt saber.  If not, then would suggest the v3 hilts to fit sound board options.

I agree that the MG blades are quite durable.  HG blades are mainly used by those that are skilled in sparring and use protective gear.  Every one has their preference though.  Whether one likes or dislikes the light dispersion effect with the different blades and colors is generally based on personal choice.  DVA may be more appealing/brighter in a Standard blade (silver film) but photographs better with the UE.  Using a HG will soften the color but usually not that much.  Some say that the Standard blade gives an Old Republic look, while the Ultra Edge gives a more Star Wars neon effect.  I like the Standard silvery blade for show and display and would use the UE for sparring and dimmer light conditions.  The blade scuff marks can be removed with a Mr. Clean cleaning sponge unless it is a significant demarcation/dings.   

[Pika]

Thanks again, you guys! I ended up going ahead with the UA mid-grade, since all available accounts seem to be that those are just fine for garden variety dueling. I definitely wanted sound and flash on clash, so I ended up going with Aeon LE v3. Plus it seemed perfect for a purple blade in that whole "pimp my lightsaber" sort of way. AND it was the deal of the day when I went to place my order, which seemed like the universe sort of giving its blessing. Long story short - I can't wait to get my paws on it. And if I do decide I need a heavy-ass blade because a couple of Sith who are up to no good start making trouble in my neighborhood, I can always just order a heavy grade blade and switch it out.

[Dauntless Seven]

Pika... Congratulations on your first "pimped out" purchase.  The Aeon was mine as well.  The purple color will look great with the UEMG blade.  The trick is to put out a plate of cookies (double chocolate will do it every time), then womp the daylights out of those sithies while they are greedily distracted. Can't even call out for mercy as their mouth will be full.  A heavy grade blade will finish them off and then your fun is over.  Better to use a mid-grade to slowly yet painfully (bruises allowed) show them who is the neighborhood alpha dog bully .... err I mean light side guardian protector and peacekeeper.  An Aeon club point for you.   

[Dauntless Seven]

Attention all Siths... please accept my humblest apologizes for my brief gleeful moment of losing it.  Promoting violence is not a good thing!  Free unlimited yummy cookies offered for the next week in a Council approved safe zone.  They said no to milk and massages but I tried.   

[Zren Tobas]

Thoughts on Sun Rider's Destiny with Ultra Edge Heavy Grade blade? Does the green come out more or stay the same look with like a clear blade? Thinking about getting me a Dominix V3 LE in Sun Rider's Destiny with an Ultra Edge Heavy Grade blade. Pics possibly? =] I just really love and miss having that color. (Don't ask).

[Master Bluespike74]

Thoughts on Sun Rider's Destiny with Ultra Edge Heavy Grade blade? Does the green come out more or stay the same look with like a clear blade? Thinking about getting me a Dominix V3 LE in Sun Rider's Destiny with an Ultra Edge Heavy Grade blade. Pics possibly? =] I just really love and miss having that color. (Don't ask).

My SRD does not look good in UE of any type.  I would stick with clear blades for it. 

[JediGuardianSaber]

Personally, I think that I agree with Deep that, with GB, the UEHG is perfect because it can take a beating and still look great. Plus, the weight of a heavier blade counters the weight of the Guardian Hilt and allows for powerful Form V strikes.

[Zren Tobas]

I just got a first Emerald Green saber with an Ultra Edge Heavy Grade blade. You guys think I made a good choice on the combo? Its not in yet but you get what I mean.