Saber balance

[Drcoff]

Dont know if this is the place for this. I just got my grab bag saber yesterday. I have an ultra heavy grade blade at 36 in. I have noticed that it is a little top heavy. The hilt is the aeon v4 is there any thing can do to the pommel to counter balance the weight?ù

[Saso Is-kor]

Dont know if this is the place for this. I just got my grab bag saber yesterday. I have an ultra heavy grade blade at 36 in. I have noticed that it is a little top heavy. The hilt is the aeon v4 is there any thing can do to the pommel to counter balance the weight?ù

You have a few options. I can't remember who recently mentioned it on the forums but Tungsten weights for pinewood derby cars would work great. Wish I could remember to give them the credit. Google the weights to see what they look like, you just keep adding them till the balance gets better. Since there is usually a bit of room in the hilt you have some space to add the weight.

Second option is probably cheaper. I use lead fishing sinkers in my crafts to make things much heavier. You can get a decent pack for a dollar or two and then seal them off in a small baggy for example and secure them in the hilt. Working with lead is potentially hazardous though, you have to take a few safety precautions.

If you do go this route of adding weights I would recommend using a bit of foam to make sure that everything inside the saber isn't then rattling like a bucket of bolts. It increases the chance that stuff can get broken if things are pinballing around in there.

[Drcoff]

Thank you sir. I will try and see how it works. More ideas are still welcome

[Illyiss]

Stacks of large flat washers in the bottom of the pommel could work well.  Once you get the number you want dialed, I would glue them together, and as mentioned by  Saso, use some foam to keep things in place and padded.  You could also glue the stack to the pommel cap as well, though I would still want to use some foam for protection.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Instead of modifying the hilt, I would suggest the easier route - adjust the blade type/length.  Cutting down a heavy grade blade will make a dramatic difference in point of balance, as will switching to a midgrade blade.

[Illyiss]

Instead of modifying the hilt, I would suggest the easier route - adjust the blade type/length.  Cutting down a heavy grade blade will make a dramatic difference in point of balance, as will switching to a midgrade blade.

This is true, and an option, unless the OP likes the length, and wants the heavy grade for dueling/durability.  Besides, adding weights in the pommel isn't really modifying, not in any permanent way.

[Master Nero Attoru]

This is true, and an option, unless the OP likes the length, and wants the heavy grade for dueling/durability.  Besides, adding weights in the pommel isn't really modifying, not in any permanent way.

Yeah, it's not a bad option at all!  I just find it easier to tweak the blade itself.  Having a midgrade blade is always useful anyway, because it's brighter than the HG and UEHG.

That said, there are major benefits to the full size heavy grades, like blade presence.  Many people with experience in weapons actually prefer it, because it gives you a better tactile sensation of where the blade is (and helps with certain techniques).

[Karmack]

Another option is to get a different pommel, like an Archon pommel for instance.  That can hold the weights without modification to anything else in the hilt as they have some room in there, and the pommel itself adds weight.

My Aeon V4 is about perfect with HG blades, but it has electronics as well as an Archon pommel, so...  ;-)  (V4 with Emerald and Obsidian V4 ... the cards add enough weight to help balance the heavy blades)

[Taegin Roan]

All good options, I agree with Karmack though. Buying another pommel might be the simplest way to go. I find that the Shock pommels go great with the Aeon/Dominix hilts, and provides a great counterweight. Though a different pommel still may not put the balance where you want it.

[Dauntless Seven]

I go the pommel route when wanting more counterbalance.  Often use Shock pommels on the Aeon/Dominix lines as it is one of the longest and has a good weight without being too bulky and square-ish.  Would not consider adding any extra removeable metal weights as there is a metallic draw or pull from a battery pack with a speaker.  The object even if wrapped in a cloth or foam material can actually stick to the speaker diaphragm.

You seem to have a stunt saber.  Therefore unless you are closer to 6 feet... a 32" blade is more appropriate and will lighten the emitter end weight.  Your blade can fairly easily be cut down and you could make x2 blade plugs with the remaining tube.  Also a mid-grade blade will help while you get more use to wielding your saber and even build some core and arm strength if needed.  

[Drcoff]

Thank you all for your tips for this. I ended up going the washer route for now as it was what i had money for.

What i did.

1) Gorilla glued a bolt to the pommel.
2)  Cut out a piece of foam for inside the the handle under the battery pack for the light.
3)  Tie a piece of string to battery pack to be able to pull out.
4)  When glue set place washers on bolt and secured with a nut.

[Karmack]

Sounds secure!  Hope it works as you need it to!