TOPIC: V3 Juggernaut FFS SF|Story so far. Pt III

Geronimo!...

Grey Weathered Juggernaut 12Watt+ QC Pink

Darth Malgus’ Twin bladed Cleaver. Whilst his representation will have you believe the Hilt follows a Black and Silver colour scheme with a Sinister Sith Red Blade (and this very version may even be a salvaged version of it), the V3 actually belongs to Malgus’ Master, his Missus, let’s call her Dawn, so rightfully introducing: The Hammer of Dawn.

The V3 weathering application is very different as delivered on this Hilt compared to the V3 weathering delivered on V3 Avenger (and another to be shared). All 3 are very different and not just limited to the theory that weathering on all Hilts can’t be duplicated because of the method of execution applied but rather, it would seem, that a different process is used each time. In short, whilst there appears to be some improvements of this over Avenger, the ‘limited’ option to ‘limited’ selective Hilts still creates an underwhelming impression.

Rather than the observational conclusions drawn on the other that results from some unknown chemical treatment (allegedly), this appears to follow more of a painted application consistent to the grenade foregrip of V2 CR PS. The effects onto the aluminium remain as surface colouring only and don’t compromise the solid feel of the Hilt or have any of the fragile brittleness surrounding it. Tick. Compared to that of V2 finishes however, it really is just a lighter version (sort of), significantly different to image representation on the Site. If this remains as intended acceptance with what grey weathering actually demonstrates, it really makes sense to not ‘limit’ the option to ‘selective’ Hilts and to simply Order the V2 version and further sand the Hilts surface yourself.

Why has it taken this long to share this Review from the FFS Series? Just because and will elaborate a bit more on it later*.

It’s a heavy SOB and one that is poorly balanced (for obvious reasons and not necessarily a bad thing, due to the twin bladed claws) making it excessively top heavy (even without a V4 inserted), but, that’s to be expected. The design itself (as a modelled after/influenced from) has generous visual appeal and what appealed to me was not the elements of the intended design. It commands dominance and has a ruthless energy around it, one that projects the fears upon those that set eyes upon it. My fears, whilst reminiscent of terror, were repeated as so, a consistency that is experienced often with my received deliveries.*sigh*

I opted for the Bronze Stingray Wrap for continuity to what was perceived as grey weathering from site representation. The default black leather contrasted against this V3 finish, like spoiler 2 above, was just nuts. As a textured wrap, it definitely adds to aesthetic appeal and by loose interpretation can convincingly appear like the hide of a Rancor. Comfort-wise, it sees a huge improvement from Reptile wraps (as I referenced with DT Black Lotus in said Review) but is still a distant second to the *insert colour here* leather wrap as I referenced with Xiphos (Gladius Version1.0) Review. For comfort and performance, the coloured leather wraps are the way to go. For aesthetics and performance, stingray is the way to go. Reptile, whilst available as an alternate really acts as an upsell for the former two as it distances itself further as a candidate. Yes, this from an Owner that is still not completely convinced about wrapped Hilt bodies so the measure of each can hopefully remain unbiased. But this is from my handling experience which I’m sure you too will have your own preferences.

This is a great looking Pommel. It writes (on shopsaberparts) that it acts as a counterweight to the Hilt’s balance. It really doesn’t, who are we kidding here? It lacks the finer addition of the greeblie pins when compared to Reliant Pommel but I guess this creates the separation between the two. I’d personally prefer the added detailing on a Reliant Pommel but even if I were to Order an individual Reliant Pommel with the intention on swapping out, on shopsaberparts, the two are named differently but are actually identical i.e. both share the appearance of the stock Juggernaut Pommel. Even the Product description for Juggernaut Pommel is a word4word copy & paste of Reliant’s description with Reliant referenced as the Part name in Juggernaut. It is what it is I ‘spose, high attention to detail.

Some Specs and Measurements:
Quad Cree 12watt+ Pink| Sabercore2.0 Crimson Font| Quick Connect LED Module| Brass Accessories (Plug, aluminium knurled kill key*, Covertech)| Bronze Stingray wrap| Grey Weathering
*Yes, SF still has these. They’re randomly included with randomly Ordered Sabers. You can request them without any guarantee of supply. You can’t buy them, even if the Site images still show them as current. So Why?

Hilt Length (Pommel to Emitter): 330mm (12.9921”)
Hilt Length (Pommel to Blade Claw tip): 399mm (15.7087”)
Blade Socket Depth: 48mm (1.8898”)
Emitter Length: 100mm (3.9370”)
Blade Claw Length: 195mm (7.677”)

Emitter Diameter: 35.65mm (1.4035”)
Neck Diameter: 28.65mm (1.1280”)
Body Diameter (w/out switch): 41.18mm (1.6213”)
Body Diameter (inc. switch): 45.99mm (1.8106”)
Wrapped Body Diameter: 37.27mm (1.4673”)
Pommel Diameter: 47.59mm (1.8736)

Weight: 845 grams (29.8065 ounces/1.8629 pounds)

Balance (from Pommel to POI): 198mm (7.7953”)
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 26”: 274mm (10.7874”)
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 32”: 303mm (11.9291”)
Balance (from Pommel to POI) 37”: 334mm (13.1496”)
*stock setup with both blade-claws attached.

With blade-claws attached, this Hilt tries to be a single hand Saber (with hand placement naturally going for the wrapped body as primary grip) but with the extra weight you either require great strength to wield this mighty hammer or become naturally aided by your second hand (with restrictions). Gripping it like a hammer with primary hand in choke creates a little awkwardness with finding the optimal spot around the switch plate. This has the blades-claws in a forward direction much like a downward swing when wielding a machete or cleaver. When the second hand is introduced, there’s a struggle with the positioning of the Covertech. With such a heavy and lengthy-clawed weapon, a covertech delete, replaced with a mounted D-Ring may free up valuable real estate on a shortened body. The alternative, is for the covertech to be mounted high up on the emitter for reversed belt attachment with blades pointing upwards instead of the traditional downwards.

With blade-claws removed, there is a knock-on effect where grip positions shift-up and with weight dramatically reduced and balance becoming more central, single hand wield with the shorter two blade lengths becomes ideal.



*(…this is later)I honestly wish this part of my write-ups can be skipped past and not actually exist. But, because it happens a lot and it’s evident to the delivered Hilt I receive and feature, it becomes a necessary inclusion.

As taken from Main Site, it would evidently appear that high attention to detail isn’t accurately defined or demonstrated here. C’ Mon Saberforge, I’m getting a lot of dropped balls here with Orders and time’s about due for a regroup to refocus and lift your game. It is likely the reference to high attention to detail exercised here is the very same attention to detail as defined by the reference to assembly and precision (or lack thereof). It is due to the ‘preciscion’ & ‘assmebled’ that results with this work of art, falling short.
Raped Malgus’ Arse!
Likely what the ‘assmebled’ actually refers to. Second chance corrections are becoming a too relied-upon remedy. If the reigns are tighter with Quality Checks before shipping out the product, my deliveries may become more consistently near-perfect much like it has happened once recently with V1 CR Redeemer. Dafuq!?

The low profile switch plate is a nice touch. Much more ergonomically friendly as compared to a guarded type (i.e. V1 CR Ares) but this is secured to the foundation of the Switch Part by one buttonhead retention screw and glue is relied upon for the rest.

The glue used experiences significant loss of adhesive strength under ‘normal’ circumstances and as shown here causes the non-screwed side to lift-away, creating a hairline surface break by way of a seam. Could the buttonhead retention screw have been located centred with the two switch holes drilled either side? Likely. But because of the screw position chosen at on side only, well.. balance is compromised with the plates installation.

I had hoped to see the last of this when the very same was experienced with V3 Avenger. Sadly not the case. I’m really left to wonder what adhesive is used other than sugary saliva. Again (outta the box) it looks more like Salacius Crumb has had a go at 3PO’s eye from ROTJ. This is a Fail. To blame it on the glue is also a Fail.

The grey weathering application (specific to this Hilt) is more a painted finish. On the Bladed Claws inside edges, it hasn’t been left to dry or cure sufficiently resulting in stripped sections and surface transfer…

…transfer that creates a stamped splotch no different from an overspray or paint pooling in one spot.

The blade claw retention screws Part I. If you fail the first time, just give it another shot. It’s just gonna get covered up, no one will notice, right? Poor oversight. Poor execution. Poor Supervision.

The blade retention screws Part II. There are two countersunk holes (either side for each blade) that the two hex socket head retention screws (different lengths) feed into for attaching to the Emitter. Got it right with the longer two, notso much with the bottom two where not only do they stick out from the recessed hole, they do so unevenly. *sigh* Moving on..

The interpreted design element that appealed to me here was a straight-up, blade-clawless Hilt that featured (an unorthodox) slender Thin-esque-style Neck. And Yes, it fits in marvellously with the other Thin Necks. There is noticeable separation of a neck between the switch and emitter parts (compared to Reliant, which is much more shallow) and attempts to build this away from Main Site stock Ordering via shopsaberparts returned unsuccessful because the separation of a neck featured is non-existent and is virtually identical to a stock Reliant.

It is because the blade-claws are a removable option that this Hilt was seen as a Dual purpose Hilt (similarly how Black Lotus is a Quad purpose Hilt). If some of the above referenced discrepancies aren’t seen as imperfections for a fixed blade-clawed assembly that’s not meant to be removed, it would have lessened the observations made but ultimately, likely wouldn’t have become an owned Hilt either. The standalone Handicapped Ping Pong Paddle of a Hilt for the intergalactic Space Wars Table Tennis Championship, just doesn’t completely do-it for me. Yes, Malgus is an awesome character but this is not a Star Wars Replica or Malgus’ Saber. It’s Dawn’s.

A short handled Slender Neck.

The vibrancy of the Pink LED doesn’t disappoint. As a colour, has always been an accepted and appreciated one, witnessed through other Sabers using a Tri Cree RGB setup. It is an often overlooked colour due to presumed connotations but remains beautiful nonetheless, so rock-on from its brilliance and leave your insecurities at the door. If you like your Reds (and all its variants) and Purple (with its variants), Pink is a must-have as an inclusion spanning the spectrum.

Quite possibly a third interpretation of a Hilt design, a single blade-clawed Hilt.

Back to stock setup.

Illuminated through a V4 Standard 32”.

Illuminated through a Day Red 32”.

Illuminated through a Day Amber 32”.

.. and back to a Standard V4.

Thank you for your audience.
Dawn also thanks you with stopping by.