TOPIC: Just some quick questions for the forum..

Hello all,

As someone new to the world of professional lightsabers and new to this forum, I was wondering if I could pick the brains of some of this site's members to help me answer some questions before I purchase my first saber. I have done alot of sifting through different topics before I became a member and have had most of my questions answered, but I still have a few, so I'm sorry if they have been posted elsewhere and I haven't seen them.

1. As nerdy as it sounds, I am looking into a blade color similar to the blades used by Obi-Wan and Anakin/Vader in Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Looking at the blade colors in Youtube videos and on the Saber Forge Website, it looks like Medium Blue would be my best bet, but I wanted to get some confirmation on that if anyone has some info.

2. The covertech system, I would love to add it to my saber, but I'm curious as to whether or not my saber will also come with the covertech belt clip, or if I have to purchase it separately.

3. This is a bit more of a delicate question, since I do not want to offend anyone or disrupt the community, but I have unfortunately heard some things about packages not showing up/things not working correctly and there isn't much word from customer service about repairs or replacement parts. I also have some concerns about the electronics, as I've seen that the in-hilt rechargable battery doesn't last very long, and is a bit delicate. Is there any stock in these claims? Would others on this forum be willing to share their experiences with me so I can be a little more certain before spending alot of money on a saber? Preferably within the last year or so, because some of the claims I've seen are from years ago.

Saber Forge seems like a great website for lightsabers, I have fallen in love with the Apprentice Disciple, and I would love to do business with them, but I just want to make sure things are going to be okay and that my order will get to me (I understand wait times) before I spend a good sum of money on one. Again, not looking to speak ill of anyone or offend, just trying to get some confirmation.

Thanks to anyone who can help me out, and I look forward to joining the professional sabers club

1 - Deep Blue is the best match for E3 colors.

2 - SF's sabers (except for like... the Prodigal Son, which doesn't use one...) come with the covertech wheel on the saber already installed (except again for the Bane, which sends it included so you can choose which side to install it on). The covertech belt clip is a seperate purchase, and costs $10.

3 -
I've never heard of anything like that. The couple of times I've had ANY issues with a SF order, customer service (which is lead by our very own DarthMario here on the forums) has been spectacular, on the spot helping and doing everything and more to make things right.

I have never in my life heard a 18650 battery described as delicate... the battery life is estimated around 4 hours runtime, though I've heard of several tales of people getting up to 6 or even 7 on champion sabers. I would personally say no, there is 0 stock to those claims.

^ This. More this, and EVEN MORE THIS.

SF is a company, and much like ANY company on the market, they have their flawless, spot on side, and they have the side where a few slips happen. This is life. This is EVERYWHERE. Of course, for every negative review you see, it's pretty safe to assume there's about 100-200 positive experiences that simply weren't reviewed. People just can't be bothered to rave about a good experience, because we've come to just expect that as natural. We are all, individually, supposed to be treated like Kings and Queens by every business we ever spend money with, and if we get any less, people flip out. The simple fact of the matter is also that some people can never be satisfied. I've worked in customer service for about fifteen years now. There are people out there that you can do stuff for, bend over backwards for, break policy for, go above and beyond in every way for....

And they still post negative reviews for you on social media or call corporate to complain. Where this is a smaller market, more centralized around a hobby, the reactions are even more polar. SF sends out 200+ sabers every week. It's safe to assume that out of those 200+, there's going to be a couple issues. Parts will break. Things will fall out during shipping, or a solder joint will weaken and break when the box is chucked at the back of a truck for the tenth time. Some of it's a weak piece of solder that they picked up at SF, some of it is the tech was in a hurry because he had ten sabers to do in the time it takes him to do three, because they're pushing that hard to keep up with demand, and some of it is shipping.

In the end, SF's customer service has come lightyears, and if you do happen to have one of the unfortunate incidents that exist in this world, rest assured that they WILL handle it, and to the best of their ability.

While I have not been here nearly as long as the majority of others, but being new enough might help you out in this case. I went through the same homework as you did, and everything I found online was about 2-4 years old, with most of it on forums the competition hosts. Those things alone made me kinda wonder about this.

I started poking around on Etsy, as they have a store front there as well and noted there are a lot more recent reviews on there. My wife and I checked random reviews in there to get a better idea of how they're doing and things looked real well so she ordered one as a surprise gift.

You can also read the various reviews in this forum and you'll see a variety of posts within the last year alone that are very positive.

As for shipping and damage in shipping...well, they can't really control that as it's not their trucks delivering. But if it helps you feel better I had one shipped out to Canada and it got here in perfect condition. Not exactly a short trip from Portland Oregon to the middle of this fine country.

I would deal with them again without hesitation should I ever come to a decision on which one to get for a second one.

I would not hesitate to buy another saber from this company. I have three from SF so far, and I expect that number to grow very soon.

I could site many reasons why I feel that way, while simultaneously admitting that they are not perfect. Who in this world is? However, any time I have had an issue, it was dealt with quickly, professionally, and to my satisfaction. That is really all anyone can reasonably expect from any company!

If you read the FAQ carefully, so that you can make an educated purchase, and hang around here engaging in conversation concerning your anticipated purchase, I have no doubt that you are going to be one happy Star Wars fan, like the rest of us.

Well, although I haven't actually received my saber yet, I can definitely comment on customer service.

I have read many, MANY claims from people about the high quality customer service team on Saberforge. Personally all of my emails have been answered within 24 hours and the replies were friendly and helpful.

Although I (and many other people) have had a good experience, there are some who haven't. Usually, those people can still post their questions to the forum, where they are often answered or explained (for instance, thin-necked sabers can't have quick connects).

Yet again, rely on dates for any accurate representation of a company. From what I can tell, saberforge may have had a hard time starting up in its early years (sharp edges, hurried soldering, etc.) but it seems to me like it's definitely gotten its act together lately.

Thank you all very much for the replies, and I would just like to point out that due to (like 70%) of my work experience being in Customer Service, I certainly know that some people you just can't please no matter what you do. I have been just trying to use the forums to make an educated decision on which company to buy from, so I just want to be informed, not treated like a king And Deep Blue for the color? I'll have to keep that in mind, I've just always been a fan of that dark beautiful blue that has been used in the SW prequels (not so sure about Ep. 1, as it looks a little lighter) and I think it would look fantastic on the Disciple. I will certainly try to engage in conversations around here in the future to learn more about everything before I purchase. Thanks again all!

Don't forget to go through this:

Saberforge FAQ

It will answer a lot of questions before you need to ask them, and perhaps propose and answer a few that you had not considered.