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TOPIC: 12w vs 12w+ LED

12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18039

  • XvExecutorvX
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So this may or may not be listed in another place on the forums, I didn't see any similar topics at first glance...

I just ordered my first saber about 4 weeks ago, and after reading about how they would allow the upgrade of pending orders to the new 12w+ LEDs with a small surcharge, I e-mailed customer service and asked them to upgrade my LED. Within 36 hours the process was complete and I will now have the upgraded LED in my new saber. During the course of our e-mail exchanges, here's what they told me regarding the difference between the LEDs:

"Our current 12w LED is made with four CREE XB-D dies, our new 12w+ LED array uses four CREE XQ-E dies. The new dies are smaller and sit closer together under the focusing lens, this produces less base flair and a much brighter and more evenly lit blade. The brightness increase of the 12w+ LED is about 30% over the current 12w LED. "

Might not be new information for most people, but I thought I'd share in case anybody was wondering! Once people start receiving these new LED modules, I'd love to see some comparison pictures. I bought two sabers, one for myself and one for a friend, and I only upgraded the LED in my saber, so once they arrive I'll post side by side pictures for folks to see the difference.
Last Edit: 10 months 2 weeks ago by XvExecutorvX.
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18048

  • Knytiri
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Already been discussed at length.... there's a topic a page or two back about it, plus, it's in the FAQ. (The FAQ should always be anyone's first stop for information... it's hellaextensive.) ;)
Q - So, they're releasing a new 12W+ LED. When will it be available fully and what are the details?

A - Let's start with a rundown of what the new 12W+ LED is. As stated by Phil: "Our current 12w LED is made with four CREE XB-D dies, our new LED array uses four CREE XQ-E dies. The new dies are smaller and sit closer together under the focusing lens, this produces less base flair and a much brighter and more evenly lit blade." So, this is not only an upgrade to the lumens but an overall LED upgrade. That being said, it is currently (as of today, 7/12/15) available to purchase for an extra $25 fee for a new saber order. All colors and combinations (even for Hero Tiers!) are now available for purchase. These are slated to release fully with the new ASP system, and will be available for regular purchase at that time for $5 more than the regular 12W LED.

Edit: Check out my Exhalted review on the review section; there's some comparison pics in it with the new 12W+ vs 12W.
Last Edit: 10 months 2 weeks ago by Knytiri.
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18049

  • h2soy
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Comparison pics can be hard cuz camera filters go "OMG!" and do weird things. That said here's one:

Green is the 12w, red is the 12w+. You can make out how the red blade is more evenly lit while the green has more base flair. It's hard to see the brightness differences since the camera is trying to compensate for both.
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18055

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How much would upgrading to 12w+ cost? I tried setting up my Paypal to upgrade before my order shipped but, alas, it has moved to the shipped list before I could order the upgrade. If I send it back to be upgraded in the next couple months, how much would that cost?

Or could I order the 12w+ LED unit and install it myself? Would there be any special electronics or would it just be as simple as swapping the LED out?
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18057

  • Lord Callous
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Upgrading to 12W+ is $25. You have to send the request to Etsy or SaberForge and then pay through PayPal.

If you have quick connects installed I believe that it is something that you can do yourself as well.
"Destiny is a lie. Fate is the falsest of hopes. I am beyond prophecy. I forge my own path by making the difficult choices..."
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18059

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How much would upgrading to 12w+ cost? I tried setting up my Paypal to upgrade before my order shipped but, alas, it has moved to the shipped list before I could order the upgrade. If I send it back to be upgraded in the next couple months, how much would that cost?

Or could I order the 12w+ LED unit and install it myself? Would there be any special electronics or would it just be as simple as swapping the LED out?

Depends on the route you take. If you send it back in, to have SF install the LED, it'll be the cost of the new LED module (30 for a 12W, 40 w/ quick connects) plus the $25 upgrade fee, plus the cost of the labor to instal it. If you have quick connects on your saber, you can order a 12W+ w/ quick connects module off of Etsy, which is 40, +$25 upgrade fee. Or, without quick connects, 30 + 25 fee. Doing it yourself is just swapping the LED unit out, but be advised doing so may void the warranty on a new saber, as it will be altering the original internals of the saber. (Going through SF to do this would not void the warranty.)
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18064

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The Exhalted doesn't do quick connect, correct? And I probably don't want to void the warranty... I like having quality warranties
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18066

  • Knytiri
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Nope, thin necks do not, because of where the LED is located, you have to disassemble the emitter to get to it.
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18070

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Ah, that's a shame. Well, Jedi don't change the color of their sabers and neither should I, I suppose
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18078

  • Knytiri
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Hey, that's the spirit! lol. That's pretty much how I feel. I only have quick connects in one saber (my gladius) and only two colors planned for it, and those two are directly related to my cosplay and character backstory I'm currently in the progress of writing (and posting! lol)
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18082

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I don't want to change the color of mine, but having QD would have allowed me to change out the Arctic Blue 12w for an Arctic Blue 12w+ without all the shipping, labor, and other fees. Now, it will likely run me $100 plus to get it upgraded. I will eventually do it, but probably not until after by end of the year saber purchase.

Yes, I have a plan....
Imagine what you will know tomorrow....
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18084

  • Knightwolf
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I side with the Jedi but the option to change based on developments is nice. I think of it like an alignment change in D&D in a way.
Champion Acolyte Deep Blue
Champion Vengeance Indigo
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12w vs 12w+ LED 10 months 2 weeks ago #18134

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One thing I haven't seen specifically mentioned related to this topic: If you have a 12W+ hero saber presumably your 6W colors will be 30% brighter as well? And your 3W if you have an RGB switcher blade? Seems like an obvious point but I haven't seen it specifically confirmed.
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12w vs 12w+ LED 5 months 1 week ago #40062

  • GTech7007
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Can you use 12W+ on a 12W Hilt?
Only a Sith deals in absolutes
-Obi-Wan Kenobi
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12w vs 12w+ LED 5 months 1 week ago #40064

  • RyanRising
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What is a "12w hilt"?

But yes.
The above post may be subject to editing. A lot of editing.
Last Edit: 5 months 1 week ago by RyanRising.
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