Quick Review of a Game Changer

[hazard502]

Is either of the hilts rotating that big of a deal? Would it negatively affect the grip or the ability to wield a staff in general?

Or is the button alignment always changing the real issue?

[Landen Se-Sentien]

Combat - Think of grip. You go to make a swing, and the hilt rotates causing your wrist to extend or flex, which would change the angle of the hilt in relation to your hand when contact is made. It could cause your hand to be in a weaker position and cause the hilt to slip. A very common staff strike is almost like a punch, and the force of the hilt gets directed into your palm and forearm. If the saber rotates and your wrist flexes, then the force would be directed towards your thumb. Not as strong. If your wrist extends in the same type of strike, then the force could cause your wrist to hyper extend.

Spinning - I'm thinking of sabers with a lot of accent pieces like the Menace, Graflex, etc. If the hilt rotates and your hand comes down on one of those accessories, it could cause a miss.

So, yes, in theory, it could have a negative effect. Practice could also help overcome this, as could the proper choice of sabers.

But, according to Deep, it's not an issue. And like he said, he's actually done it.

[scifidude79]

Well, Emory said they extensively tested it and it works for them.  We know they battle test all of their products and they're rock solid.

I, on the other hand, opened it up, played around a few minutes, took pics and posted this quick review and then took a shower and went to work.  I spun it a tiny bit with my Aeon V3 and Sentinel hilts connected.  They did move some, but that can hardly be considered a conclusive test.

Anyway, I'll be home in about an hour and I'll connect my Sentinel and Dark Sentinel (for balance) with some 32-inch blades and give it a more extensive test.  Though, for actual combat, you're going to need a staff wielder to use one and test it.

[xcynderx]

I plan on getting one of these for my Dominix v4s....the..twisting..shouldnt be THAT much of an issue right? if it was for other sabers that have parts jutting from the hilt that would be more of an issue...but the dominix v4s are mostly flat except for the recharge ports, belt clips and the activation buttons.

[scifidude79]

OK, bear in mind I have little combat training with this type of weapon.  However, I tried some basic staff stuff similar to what I remember from my Army days and what I've seen in TPLA videos.  Yes, the hilts rotated.  Was that an issue?  Not really.  Though, again, I'm not the best person to judge. However, going through the basic moves, I didn't notice the rotation until I looked at my switches.

If you want more than that, you're going to have to wait.  I'm hardly about to start spinning a staff this long around in the house and it's dark and raining outside.  Plus, I have to work again tomorrow, so I'm done for the night.  Maybe some staff spinners and duelers will try these out soon and post reviews.  Or, take Emory's word for it.  I'm sure he's a much better saber fighter than me.  Or, take a chance and buy one.  They're only $35.

[JediXIX]

Hey SFD . . . any chance you could do a little experiment for us ?

I had an idea about the rotation that some have mentioned, and thought an o-ring the right size at the base of the male part (skinny part) could put a little back pressure against the female part to minimise any rotation ? . . . It wouldn't need to be much, just enough to grip . . . Would there be any chance you could find a few o-rings to test out this idea ?

EDIT : I'd guess the right diameter o-ring, maybe 1/16" thick could do the job . . . you wouldn't want it to put too much pressure against the bearings . . . just a first guess though ?

[scifidude79]

Not tonight but I can see what we have at work tomorrow.