TOPIC: Empty Hilts: Main site vs ASP

Hello Saber Fans,

As a newbie to the DIY saber building world, I'm wondering if people are more likely to order from shopsaberparts.com OR the main site for empty hilts? Is there anyone that's ordered from both that can speak to the pros and cons of each?

Thanks!

So I actually e-mailed customer service and asked this question a few weeks back. Let's pick on the Prodigal Son, since that is the hilt I was asking about. Basically, they told me if you want to go with DIY electronics, ASP is the way to go. They did not give me a reason. I bring up the Prodigal Son since you can basically build or order the same hilt on both sites.

Also, you will probably (and I emphasize *probably*) get your parts faster with ASP. I usually end up waiting the normal 6-8 week or longer lead time for my hilt if I order from the site.

The ASP hilts tend to be more cookie-cutter whereas the hilts on the site can have special requests placed in the notes. So for example, I recently asked if a Covertech knob not be drilled into an ASP hilt, but was told they are pre-drilled. If I order from the site, I can request this and it will come without the Covertech Wheel drilled.

I hate to say, "it depends", but it depends on how fast you want, what you want, and if you want any customizations. Also, it is worth noting that not all requests can be honored in an order from the site...but they tend to be more flexible. Customer service is great about working with you on this.

I hope this helps.

Thanks HotRod (love the pic btw)...

I'd LOVE to have an empty Sentinel hilt but the only way for that is to order on the main site. SO yeah, i'd have to deal with the 8+ week wait time. I can't remember if ASP/shopsaberparts orders were complete in 2 weeks OR if the last round of ASP indiegogo orders (pre shopsaberparts go live) were shipped in 2 weeks.

I'm all for ordering ASP parts but there are standard hilts i'd love to order and customize that are only on the main site (or a few on etsy). So I'm left to either wait the 8+ weeks or pay extra money for electronics i'd remove and replace.

Initiate Hilts:

PRO:
Each component is pre-aligned.
Guaranteed Uniform Finish.
Ready-for-install through removable pommel.

CON:
Parts are glued together - no mid-section crystal reveals, for example.
Black and Silver finishes not available on all hilts.
Several Week (~two months) wait time.

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ASP Hilts:

PRO:
Delivery within two weeks.
Self-assembly means you decide where to put the seam (split at the switch section instead of the pommel).
All parts available in Silver, Two-Tone, Weathered, or Black Finish.

CON:
Weathered finish varies by part (Some black, some very dark blue) - Shouldn't affect Silver, Two-Tone, or Black finishes.
Parts must be aligned by user (timing shims and/or grinding down female threads)

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Something else to consider is cost. I haven't checked every variant. I did check the Dissident, and either way, you're spending ~$150 for the base hilt with plug and leather wrap. Other styles might be more cost-effective one way or the other.