Oh! Nice one H2soy!

I'll get on board as I've been on a quest to try out as many hilts as possible in search of my favorite for dueling!


In Order I've tried them:

Arbiter v1
Balance: 4
Comfort: 5
Versatility: 5
Precision: 5
Power: 3
Grip 1/2 Handed
Blade: 32"/27"

The Arbiter v1 has very easy grips between the smooth lower section and the thinner upper section. That said, the most balance grip is one-handed around the emitter. The hilt itself is balanced more toward the base of it which is why it matches VERY well with a 32" blade. (I haven't tried a 27" but that'd reduce power and put precision to a 6 ) - Functions well with one or two hands but isn't a power-hilt by any means.

Arbiter v2
Balance: 4.5
Comfort: 4.5
Versatility: 4.5
Precision: 5.5
Power: 3.5
Grip 1/2 Handed
Blade: 32"/27"
Very similar to the Arbiter v1, the v2 provides a nicer grip section overall at the cost of some gripping-room. The windows at the top unfortunately eliminate the comfort at the most balanced point from the prior version. The weight is a bit more than the previous version which does allow you to generated more power but not much. Overall, it's still as comfortable as the v1 but since the room to hold it is less, I rate it slightly below in comfort and versatility (5 in looks though) Due to the extra weight, it IS a more precise hilt and that's what I appreciate about it. Probably my favorite hilt thus far.



Dissident
Balance: 4
Comfort: 4
Versatility: 3
Precision: 4
Power: 4.5
Grip 2 Handed
Blade: 32"/37"
The Dissident is comfortable in the leather section below the emitter. Unfortunately as the emitter bulges out a significant amount, its 2-handing is awkward and unbalanced. It's got a LOT of power for holding it near the base and would be a great dueler for one with larger hands. - You COULD use it in the off-hand but that reduces most of the stats but a fair amount.


Acolyte
Balance: 5
Comfort: 3.5
Versatility: 4
Precision: 4
Power: 4
Grip 1/2 Handed
Blade: 32"/27"
The Acolyte is the most balanced of the Apprentice line-up at least from the hilts I've held of each. It's also weighted well for a 32" blade but works (at the loss of power but extra precision) with a 27" as well. I have a special place for the Arbiter due to its streamlined nature, but this hilt is my favorite in every other way.


Consular
Balance: 3
Comfort: 5
Versatility: 5
Precision: 3 or 6
Power: 5 or 3
Grip 1 or 2 handed
Blade: 32"/27"
I know this is a lot of peoples' favorite hilts but for me, the blade length effects a LOT of how this hilt functions. A 27" blade allows for perhaps the most precise hilt I've used yet- even lending itself to a reverse grip if one should so choose (and you'd better believe I've tried it. There's not a lot of power behind a 27" blade consular but it's won me more duels than I ever thought it would- becoming one of my favorite sabers to have used.
Flip over to a 32" blade and this hilt becomes entirely different: It becomes seriously weighted toward the blade and thus generates a LOT of power (and I mean a LOT). The precision is fine but definitely decreased when using a 32" blade. With a 27", I love this hilt. With the 32" I prefer the Arbiter or Acolyte


Gladius v1
Balance: 5
Comfort: 5
Versatility: 5
Precision: 4
Power: 4
Grip 1/2 Handed
Blade: Any Length
This might be the only hilt that rivals the Arbiter for my favorite. I love how balanced and well-suited to dueling it IS (comfort and versatility, yo!) Again, the blade length effects the hilt but not near as significantly as the Consular. You can hold it comfortably below the emitter with one-hand or on both the leather and the smooth aluminum for two-hands.

Cool, thank you for your contribution!

Faethien wrote: That I fully agree with, the point of any language is to communicate, so if your listener understands then, mission accomplished. That is not to say we can't strive to do better, myself included.

This chart was a great idea! I actually think they should add these stats next to the saber's descriptions on the main site and etsy. Its definitely helpful. Wanna know something interesting? I grew playing up playing with those huge bulky lightsabers you could get a toys r us for 12 buck, lots of fun, my bro and I called them our "training sabers". If you want to feel something REALLY uncomfortable, try dueling with a bulky graflex inspired plastic toy! Those things were killer! As a kid I got used to those, so when I got older I could make ANY saber into a dueler. It all depends on how you position your hands on specific points of the saber. Anyone remember having saber fights in the garage pretending to cut off each other's limbs with those toys? Ah memories

Nah, this is way too subjective; everyone's experiences are different.

Does anyone have experience dueling with a Resilient? I'm looking at purchasing one in the future and was wondering how it would rate in anyone's opinion? When I was in the show room one time I held one with a blade in it and it felt very comfortable.

greyjediDude wrote:
Back when the Special Editions came out, around 97-98, I was a freaking beast with the electronic Luke saber. Me and a couple of friends used to spend every Friday night saber fighting.

Makes me wonder if I should pick up a Prodigal Son someday and see if some of the magic comes back.

Thought I'd post my thoughts on the Reborn here, although I did post a review in the appropriate section as well .

Balance: 4
Comfort: 3/4
Versatility: 3
Precision: 3
Power: 3
Grip: Mainly 1 handed
Blade Length: 26”/32"
Notes: While certainly a lot more comfortable than it looks, this saber is definitely not the most comfortable saber for spins or dueling. The lower grip section is relatively comfortable to hold. No sharp edges, nothing that makes it feel large or unwieldy. However the upper grip section, while not totally uncomfortable, is a little awkward to hold. I have large hands (I'm 6'4" tall), so it's not difficult for me to find a relatively comfortable position. However someone with smaller hands would find it difficult to get a good, comfortable grip. Again, no sharp edges, nothing that makes me want to wear gloves or anything. Just awkward.

The 32" blade I ordered feels very balanced for a more tradition 2-handed dueling style, but the 26" blade would definitely feel better in a single-handed Makashi or Jar'kai style. While I haven't done any dueling with the saber yet, I feel like it would be average in both power and precision due to the relative awkwardness of the saber design. Still, I know I'd be able to wield the saber effectively once I found the right style for the hilt.

Aesthetically, this saber is GORGEOUS! Elegant, yet aggressive. Paired with the 12W+ Indigo LED, this saber has garnered more attention than any of my other sabers! In person, the LED is a little more blue at the bottom, and a little more red at the top. I know the scientific reason why this happens, and it doesn't bother me, but I just thought I'd mention it. You can see how amazing it looks in pictures though! It's a very deep purple that can either be used by a Jedi or Sith.

I can't quite put it into words (and the images really don't do the hilt justice) but take my word for it: this saber ROCKS! Revan would be proud to wield this blade. Thanks to SaberForge for making such an amazing product!

Great topic !
What about the Sinister Prophecy. Has anyone tested it for dueling?
Its look is amazing, but I plan to buy my first saber for fighting in a ludosport-like academy, and don't know if it would suit for that?
thanks

Nobody has tested it?