So I've had it for a Couple weeks now, but I thought I'd try my hand at a review. I had only ever owned a Master Replicas Anakin ROTS, and a Hasbro Force Fx Obi-Wan ROTS before ordering this, so this is my first "real" lightsaber. To say my mind was blown when I received it would be an understatement!
The craftsmanship is incredible! The hilt was smaller than I expected, but only because I hadn't seen any photos of someone holding it for a reference. But that's not to say it's too small! It's perfect for single-handed use, and has enough room for a two-handed grip if you choke up on the emitter. I've read some people talking about the Apprentice hilts being more suited for smaller users and kids, but this hilt strikes me as being the exact size that most Jedi would want if they were a real-world thing. It's compact enough to not be bulky or get in the way of a Jedi's active lifestyle, but it's big enough to use in any form or situation.
It came with the new apprentice blade plug, which I wasn't a huge fan of. It's a nice plug, but I didn't think it fit the hilt. Luckily, Lazerforge launched right after I received the saber, so I ordered a turbine plug, and it looks great! It also came with the new kill key, and I actually kind of like it.
I got a 32" blade, and I was very impressed with the balance. It felt a little blade-heavy when I first put it in, but I think now that it was because I was used to my hilt-heavy Force Fx Obi-Wan lightsaber. The balance of the Bastion is awesome for spins. It feels so smooth twirling it around.
The sound is loud. I keep mine on the low setting, and I'm still afraid to turn it on if our daughter has gone to bed.
The 12w+ upgrade is REALLY bright! I ordered it with a mint green LED, which is a really nice color, but after a few days, I felt like I was meant to have a blue blade. I ordered a deep blue, and I'm so glad I did! It's beautiful!
I can only come up with one thing that I wish was different, and that is that I wish the blaster deflection sound could be turned off. I've been practicing the "Obi-Ani" spin, and every time my hand brushes the AV switch, the blaster sound plays. Maybe my hands are just too clumsy.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this review, and I hope it will be helpful to someone interested in this hilt. Now for the pictures, which is what I know you really wanted from the start. Haha!