Standard Finish Bastion 12Watt+* QC Light Blue
*the Watt plus reference is kinda redundant now since all LEDs coming out of SF are now Watt+’s
This is a Story (sort of), not the Neverending Story and not that Bastian and instead of The Nothing that is wiping out Fantasia, it is about a Bastion and instead of Nothing coming, there is something following. And for a children’s Movie, what a view!, right? Giggity-Giggity…
This is the result of (I forget so insert relevant SF Promotion here) where a Free Champion was eligible to be claimed. It was the inclusion amongst other mixed bag of
goodies Hilts and with acceptance of generosity, it too was matched with LED Quick Connects, consistent to the other items that made up the Order. What you may note (and the afore-referenced text) is that it’s a clean-skin. If I personally selected this Hilt, whilst the V1 is clean and pretty, I would have gone the V2 or even the All Black (noted that I did comment in another Review that All Black is kinda flat and boring in person mostly rather than picture references)
(*deep breath in* butbackthentherewasconfusionandconflictinginformationwiththewaystoget AllBlackandwhichHiltsitwasavailableinandthewaystodosooutsideofgoingthroughCustoms whichwastheonlyknownOfficialway).
Light Blue or other variants of the shade of Blue seem to be the popular choice with this Hilt (comparably to other Bastions Reviewed) and apparently this belief is equally shared by SF as it was what that became with this setup. This is my first SF Light Blue and without disagreement, it is generously bright and quite a tranquil shade of a colour as it is illuminated. It’s my first Apprentice Saber (becoming into ownership before Chosen) and with size and weight and handling, it’s a cute little thing that’s sharp,
witty and bright. It wouldn’t have been my first choice with selection, however now in hand,
it certainly answers some questions I did have towards it.
Some Specs and Measurements:
Quad Cree 12Watt(+) Light Blue| Champion Tier| Sabercore2.0 Viridian Font| Silver AV, White-lit|
Silver (frosty finished) Covertech| lazerforge kill key & blade plug.
Hilt Length: 257mm
Blade Socket Depth: 55mm
Emitter Diameter: 33.29mm
Switch Diameter: 33.37mm
Body Diameter: 34.20mm
Pommel Diameter: 34.40mm
Weight: 339 Grams
Balance (from Pommel to POI): 116mm
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 26”: 282mm
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 32”: 334mm
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 37”: 382mm
Ding.
Okay, let’s break it down. The 2 setscrews topside (to AV/KK and opposite to Covertech) are (with positioning) poorly chosen. I believe it would make more sense to have these on the Emitter’s underside. I have seen others (specifically
ic3cold) sub these out with Brass Thumbscrews for function and aesthetics, Yes they’re great and effective, but as stock assembly goes, lesser breaks in surface finish would be more effective. Placement in the recessed groove that’s anodised Black is the obvious choice, but one would think (or maybe I’m alone with the thought) that using black setscrews will be far better than the silver. The train of thought quite possibly lies with providing accents to accenting Dual Tone Finish of the Hilt or perhaps to play as a nod to the Silver AV. I dunno.
A sigh of disappointment when it came to handling the entirety of the Hilts surface. Everywhere that features a recess, be it the accenting lines or the vertical shallow slots around the Switch section have a sharp edge. Maybe this makes me a pussy with sensitive paws climbing a Cactus *insert Cat Video here*. But this Hilts design has recess lines and grooves virtually over the entire length. When handling a crafted piece of aluminium, I’d expect the edges to be softened. Granted the ‘streamlined design’ promotes handling ease and simplistic appearances (likened to a relay baton from school athletics), but this IMO does not exemplify ‘attention to detail’ and *insert Frank here*, is a lazy oversight.
A gripe I have is the alignment of Parts. Straight patterned lines is what makes up the design. To have all Parts straight and centred seems like an acceptable expectation, right? Success was demonstrated with the completed Emitter positioning and consistently transitioning into the Switch and Body.
The Pommel however, looks like a lazy afterthought.
Two perspectives can be projected here. The vertical anodised black recessed groove (that houses the 2 setscrews: for blade retention and LED retention) matches the central line of the Body and surely it would make sense to have the anodised black recessed groove on the Pommel match the orientation of the Emitter. Sadly No. The alternate view is, okay, let’s make if off-centre to ‘promote’ an asymmetrical setup so that the black anodised recessed grooves centre on either side of the opposing Emitter’s representation. Sadly, again, No. Even the Silver part (between the two recessed grooves) is off centre. This is a fail IMO.
Rarely
Machined
Acceptably? No, not this time. No Bastion Foot(ish)Long back necessary.
Another date with Sandy is required though.
As for the Pommel alignment, maybe like an add-on invitation, I’m to consider getting some timing shims.
Moving on..