TOPIC: 2015 Gladius redesign - empty hilt

I snagged this 2015 Gladius from the empty hilt blitz Phil did on Facebook two weeks ago. Just picked it up from the post office today. I think this is one of the first ones built, and I am fairly certain that it is made with ASP system parts.


It's just ever so slightly larger than the original Gladius models in a couple places, with the difference in details pretty noticeable, like the emitter and pommel ends. It still has that familiar shape, but the new details definitely set it apart. Here's a bunch of comparison shots with my two year old Gladius.

Full hilts button side - note the default two-switch body section


Full hilts opposite side - blade set screw now below the emitter head


Pommel ends


Pommel profile


Midsection profile


Emitter profile


Emitter ends


Currently deciding what electronics are going to be put into it, it's back and forth currently between a Prizm board RGB Cree build or a PC3.5 wired 2xGreen with White FoC.

The LED retention screw placement just sold me on this hilt hardcore. That was my number one beef with the older gladius model... that little "canyon" on the back that had to be there for that screw caught my thumb a number of times spinning it, and I still have nicks there.... lol. With that gone, and the new, all around compatibility of the new Gladius with all the other hilts (like you said, ASP compatible), just went over the fence from "iffy" to "sold".

Also, really like that wrap you got on it. Looks nice... hadn't seen too many green wraps out there.

As much as I'm going to miss the old Gladius Hilt because of it's familiarity with SWTOR, this looks awesome. The final product has exceeded my expectations and looks much better than the renders.

Thanks. This is so helpful to see the two sabers together and with your impressions. I like some of the new features such as where the LED screw is now placed. The green leather wrap looks really nice.

Awesome comparison pics, thanks! When did the new Gladius come out? Must be pretty recent since I haven't seen many reviews around.

I ordered a "2015 Gladius" off etsy in early July. That should be for the redesigned hilt, right?

The first version of the Gladius was, arguably, SF's most popular design due to it's reputation as a first class dueler. It has a very large footprint so there were less people clamoring to get it because, unless you're a first time buyer, it's a replacement for an older hilt they already own. Yup, that's the new design. The old one was discontinued back in late June.

How long is that hilt anyway?

10 1/2in long from the top of the emitter to the bottom of the pommel. It's a short hilt, good for one-handed use, but long enough that it offers good grip for two hands as well.

That colour wrap is so beautiful on this hilt.

I finally was able to get this hilt off to my local installer, it's getting fitted with a NBv2 GGW tri-cree XPE2. Hopefully will have it back in a couple weeks and can show it off.

Nice. I had a nbv2 installed in my new gladius as well. Kept the 12w red led in it tho.. love the pulse and flicker on flash effect =D

The nbv2 is nice tho, you'll love it. Getting an avenger this coming week that has one in it too.. there'll be lot of pics of it posted once it gets here. Muaha

How is the leather quality and the weight of the saber? on the fence weather I should buy or not

Excuse me sir, How was the leather quality of the wrap does it tear or wear easily? also, how is the weight of the saber?

The wrap quality is really high. I've had mine for about 2 months, with regular use, and it hasn't come lose, worn off, or torn. On top of that, it's pretty easy to replace if something DOES happen, not expensive at all if you decide to have SF put a new wrap on, or there are a multitude of other wrapping options out there that you could look into as well, depending upon your preference and what you want on your saber.

Weight is good; not too heavy, lightweight enough to be used easily. The only scale I have doesn't register anything under 5 lbs, so I can't get an exact weight on it. It's right at/under 1 lbs tho, I know that from shipping it once lol. So, solid and enough heft there that you know you have something in hand but not so heavy as to be burdensome. And the balance on the Gladius is pretty much stellar. Hard to beat.

How sharp is it?

And how does it perform while dueling

It's not. The cut-ins on either side of the switch section have abrupt edges, so I smoothed them over with a little file, took me about 10 minutes, but they're not sharp.

Seeing as how the Gladius is perhaps SF's leading dueler, and arguably their most popular hilt style, it's pretty damn fantastic, lol. That's what SF specializes in, is dueling sabers.

How long did your order take and thank you

The FAQ has the full leadtime for current orders. Mine was a quick ship, so it's not really relevant to that question. I've waited the full lead time for other sabers. It varies, increases and decreases, as business does. Currently they're busy, but working on expanding operations to decrease times.

Dude... if that's an ASP kit, my expectations have been far exceeded.

It's a lovely piece of work, either way. Can't wait to see some pics of it all wired up and fired off.