In response to the hate, let me just say I don’t get it. And yet, it’s something that’s apparent in almost any collecting community, or hobby enthusiasts group. Breaking it down in it’s simplest form, we could compare Ford and Chevy drivers. They are both very popular car makers and therefore, a good chunk of us will probably start out buying one or the other...and there’s nothing like that first experience. Then, after some time of driving one brand and getting very comfortable with it, those same people will switch up and try the other brand. It will usually feel a bit different, maybe even have some upgrades that take some time to adapt to. And while their favorite brand may have those same upgrades, all those little differences are now attributed to the other brand. And if they happen to get a lemon, they’re all lemons. Those folks will return to what they are used to and condemn the other brand.
Collectors are no different. Some will sample the fruits of other brands and enjoy the variety, while most will get caught up in the hype—or stick with that brand who started it all for them. And being fairly new to saber collecting, I can only say that looking around, I’ve seen companies who state anything without sound is a glow stick or a flashlight (and therefore a toy), others state sound and batteries change up the true dimensions of any saber and sound sabers are just toys. Scale is something that’s almost always an issue. I also collect diecast cars (Hotwheels, Johnny Lightning, etc...) and the battle of what is actually a true 1/64 scale, the stance of the car, rubber Vs. plastic tires, metal bases Vs. plastic bases, and overall accuracy demanded by some in a 3 inch car are arguments that go on and on.
What I’ve learned is simple: collect what YOU like. And enjoy it. Collecting for monetary value is always a crap shoot. And you’re never going to please everyone. 100% accuracy is rare and would probably mean licensing fees and more cost for the consumer. On the other hand, attention to detailing is always a winner. And if a company listens to their community and responds, that’s a rarity. Everyone is entitled to THEIR opinion. But what’s right for them isn’t going to be right for everyone.
Eventually, I will branch out and sample other brands. But I have to say, I feel like the companies who state in their banner that the “other guys” are just making toys and therefore crap, put me off. They have to know how that sounds—and consider that while they might want the other guys customers to sample their wares, they might also be offending the people who like that company they are casually putting down. That’s not a smart—or a user friendly—business model. If you only offer sound it’s because that’s you’re preference. If you don’t offer sound and focus on accuracy of models, let us know that too, but don’t slam everything else as a toy...because hey, collectibles range from plastic to metal and you’re almost always going to offend a good chunk of the collector’s market you’re trying to entice. My two cents
