TOPIC: Black Vantage Lunar NY Ed. SM|Story so far.Pt XIII

Another amazing and unique hilt. How does this one feel in terms of quality. It looks like it would feel heavy. I saw where you included the weight, but I've honestly never bothered to weight any of my sabers. How is the performance of the Prizm sound board? One of these days I'm going to have to try an install with one.

HotRod wrote: Thanks HotRod. From a consumer POV, there aren't any obvious signs of quality compromise. Machined well, no sharp edges, the overall finish has been seen by a high attention to detail. Methods of execution are another thing. The HotRod Red powdercoating is (to paraphrase you) top-notch. The Emitters tapered shroud looks to be dipped rather than PC'd and some areas appear heavier like what you get from a pooling effect (or overrun).
Handling-wise (relative to weight & balance) is extraordinary. As a Smith based in Singapore and predominantly catering for the Asian Market (applies to hand size, but N/A really cos my hands aren't exactly small or over large), comparably, it's liking to a SF Apprentice but I'm more inclined to say favouring more the VV/GCS/JQ side of things specific to Hilt Finish. Thinner diameters without the stodgy bulk that some Hilts have. No complaints. User interface is relatively simple and easily accessible via button manipulation (consistent to Plecter Boards I've experienced). Sensitivity and motions are bang-on (from either default/factory settings).

The one dodgy practice I disagree with is the inability to access the internals. SD Cards are standard from certain tiered Boards (& up) for user editing of Fonts and settings. A Manufacturer Policy exercised writes, any access to internals = auto Warranty Void. Normally, even the Pommel is sealed tight on these Hilts. Mine wasn't and is the only part that can be removed. The Kill Key/Recharge Port Integrated as Covertech is Nifty. With achieving this though, the Covertech is the female thread over the Ports male threads. The Port itself protrudes through and up (like an add-on nipple) of the Body's drilled hole probably like how a guarded latching switch extends past the Body's surface.

What this means is, even with complete Pommel removal, the chassis is wedged tight because of the add-on nipple. Upon further investigation with SMCS, the SD Card is permanently glued over (apparently) 'to avoid accidental ejection during combat'. So effectively, it's a pretty Hilt with multicolour capability and multi-sound capability but cannot be edited for personal customising.

I love that the recharge port is in the Covertech wheel, but between that locking the board in (making it inaccessible) and the SD Card being glued down, that would drive me crazy. I can see the benefit to the smith being A) the card doesn't work loose during use and reset the saber (which I have seen happen) and it keeps your customers from messing up your sabers by tinkering with them, but STILL. That takes all of the fun and customization right out of it. Seems a shame to have the ABILITY to have amazing board like the PRIZM and not customize it.

Nonetheless, you can't argue with that finish. This hilt is down right sexy. I hope you are pleased the the sound fonts chosen.

What a great looking hilt! Threaded on blades is an interesting concept, too. Really impressive color on the body; both deep and vibrant. Congratulations!

Damn that's sweet! And threaded blades? Hmmm. Very interesting.

HotRod wrote: My sentiments exactly. I've actually got all the Fonts from other Sabers, it's more the unwanted slap with finding out after the fact rather knowing prior from full disclosure. IIWII.

Borommakot wrote: Greysider wrote: Thanks Guys. The concept is what startled my interest also. What becomes a major downfall though (to the Consumer) is the inability to use blades from other Vendors. The blade socket depth is pretty shallow above the internal Emitter threads and with no retention screw, will require a mod to be done. The exclusivity concept by my interpretation is specific isolation more than anything.

Yeah, that threaded blade is kinda cool, but not sure I would be too keen on it unless there was an "Industry standard" so you could shop blades.

Very cool looking hilt, and a great contrast to the types of sabers we are used to seeing.

Threading aside, is it a standard thick wall 1" blade?

You might be able to measure the threads and order a die to cut threads in standard blades.

One word

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Wow!

Jas-Ot wrote: I too share this thought. I compare it to plastic drink bottles and or containers. Something that follows a mass production scale, would be so handy if one 'cap' fit the bottom of another and vice versa. Thanks. My Hilts that form my Collection aren't just limited to one specific Vendor. Like a bit of variety and it enables the comparative measure of appreciation from one to the next.

DK44 wrote: One word

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Thanks!

Kouri wrote: Good thinking 99! Blade stock is a thick wall but there may be inaccuracy with the definition of 'standard'. V4=3.14mm | SM=3.82mm | TCSS=4.15mm from the samples taken.

Whilst it's an option I didn't consider to thread 'other' blades, the difficulty I foresee is the compatibility to the emitters female threads. Long term durability with such fine & close-set threads (made of plastic) don't leave me convinced in that cross-threading and stripping can easily occur. Plus it's an unnecessary hassle to retro-fit other blades. I may just end up drilling a couple of holes and permanently reinforce the blade well and have a full-time blade installed. Not much to play with the internals, short of hacking away to make it accessible for editing.

Quite nice, good to see other makers' products making into reviews here.

The Tri-Cree RGB is 3W each, so I imagine the pure red on its own is therefore only 3W? And when all colors are combined for the full 9W, do you end up with a white-ish color? Love their innovation.

Execute66 wrote: Much like other Members Posting in the Other Sabers Gallery or similarly so to my JQ, LDM, GCS, US, VV? or like you with your VV and US. B-I-N-G-O; - -I-N-G-O; - - -N-G-O and Bingo was his name-O.