My Disciple 12w Grn Black Reptile Arrived 1 year ago today!
Yes 12 long months ago my saber arrived in it's little Tobelerone triangle, so here is a report on how the Bal'demnian Blade is doing!
The Disciple is still looking good, but needs polishing regularly! That is probably due to the amount of practising I have done on the 12 Lightsaber Forms (yes I did say 12, the original 7 and 5 new styles a friend of mine has developed). In doing this practise I came to the conclusion that the saber is indeed superbly balanced and the choke point which I love, is perfectly placed for the spinning techniques (in respect of my hand size and build) This is with the 32" V4 Infinity blade (more on this later...) so I had a decent length of blade to look respectable but short enough to spin. My saber has drawn my blood but only once when I attempted a behind the back hand transfer and I grabbed the emitter. Entirely my fault and anyway I have toughened up recently so little knicks don't bother me!
The Champion Veridian sounds still sound as good as they did the first time I ignited it last Christmas Eve. There were a few strange moments where the saber would cut out for no reason (it wasn't the 5min auto shut-off). However the electronics have settled down again and are working fine now.
Of course I am a member of the Emerald Knights, and the Green still looks impressive. I didn't get 12W+ as that released after I ordered mine but it still attracts attention even from passing aircraft and Police Helicopters!.
Now that Green colour has to be contained in the blade and that brings me to the one negative point with the Disciple. It has been dismissed, we've been told it doesn't happen, but the blade socket and retention screw IS an issue. The blade can be cracked by this emitter socket. Mine broke when I swapped out the blade plug for the blade. I had the saber laying horizontally on a table, I removed the plug inserted the blade and tightened the screw. I then lifted the saber from the table to raise it vertically and CRACK!! No contact with any object and I hadn't even duelled with it yet. Just the weight and length of the blade supported by such a small socket and the extreme pressure exerted by the screw. (Mechanical Advantage).
The retention screw wasn't over tight as I had spent MANY months on this forum advising members not to over tighten screws themselves!
I have plans on how to fix this now I am out of warranty, but I still think this is a GREAT saber. It was my first "real" saber so I may be sentimental but I have tried to be objective here. Anyone who is considering a Disciple or the Acolyte will be getting a fantastic looking saber. The Disciple isn't the newest model but it shouldn't be dismissed yet!
So in finishing I'd like to thank the technician who put my blade together I appreciate your effort. There aren't any pictures in this review but you can see the Bal'demnian Blade in my original unboxing/review.
Thanks for reading!
For Tyeth