Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber

Review by Christian Wheeler for Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber
Rating:
We just started carrying these at my store, and I have to say that this is one expensive toy that is definitely worth the cost. Master Replicas consistently produces some of the finest reproductions and replicas on the market, and this is no exception. Powered by three AA batteries (which seem to last about 15-20 hours), the saber features some really cool effects: When you first toggle the activation switch, the blade lights up in a manner reminiscent of the films: The light travels from the pommel to the tip, rather than the whole thing just lighting up at once. The blue blade has a nice glow, especially in lower light. Swing the sabre, and it hums and buzzes. Strike something–how hard is up to you, the sabre seems to be pretty durable–and it makes a clashing sound. Strike two sabres together, and the clashing sound is louder and more pronounced. The saber also has an auto-off feature to save battery life: Leave it alone for a few minutes, and it automatically shuts off. Some people may be concerned about how well this holds up over time and use, especially since this is no mere cheap plastic sword, but an expensive replica. Fear not. So far, our demo unit has seen probably a hundred hours of use between customers and employees, along with a few duels with our Vader sabre replica. So far, so good. So it seems to be pretty durable. It’s well-made, and the chrome handle is nicely detailed and closely modeled after the one Anakin carries in the movie. Highly recommended for Star Wars fans.

I hope this review was helpful.

–Christian Wheeler, Star Wars buff

Review by Mark R. Waldron for Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber
Rating:
I just got both the VADER and ANAKIN models in the mail today. I ordered them without seeing any models in stores. Once they arrived, I carefully opened one of the boxes and withdrew my new toy.

The hilt is awesome. Looks and appears like the real thing (manufacturer disclaimer says they are slightly larger than the movie replicas to accomodate the electronics)with very shiny chrome and all the detail of the movie props.

Quickly I removed the end and searched for some AA batteries. Once I reassembled the hilt there was nothing left to do but throw the switch. It was late evening and the light in my house was dim. WOW!!! Fan-friggin-tastic. Amazing. Even my wife who could care less for Star-Wars said (in an honest-to-god awed voice) WOW! My entire living room lit up with a blue glow as the blade surged to life. The polycarbonate blade is filled with individual LEDs from hilt to tip and light sequentially for power up and down effects.

Then my wife (once again who cares not for Star Wars…tsk tsk) accepted my offer to duel. We fired up the VADER model (which by the way sounds more sinister when in idle mode than the ANAKIN model…it has an evil pop and crack type sound) and we began chasing each other around the living room and kitchen smacking everything in sight and clashing blades. Some of our blows were harder than intended and the sabers seemed to take our beating just fine, and the sound F/X are very cool!!!

To the other reviewer, who’s dog cowered from sight of the blades, mine did too…=)

No STAR WARS fan should deprive themselves of this great toy.

The MACE WINDU model will be available again in the fall, I can’t wait to get it. And I hope they release a Green one, too.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Review by Christian Wheeler for Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber
Rating:
We just started carrying these at my store, and I have to say that this is one expensive toy that is definitely worth the cost. Master Replicas consistently produces some of the finest reproductions and replicas on the market, and this is no exception. Powered by three AA batteries (which seem to last about 15-20 hours), the saber features some really cool effects: When you first toggle the activation switch, the blade lights up in a manner reminiscent of the films: The light travels from the pommel to the tip, rather than the whole thing just lighting up at once. The red blade has a nice glow, especially in lower light. Swing the sabre, and it hums and buzzes. Strike something–how hard is up to you, the sabre seems to be pretty durable–and it makes a clashing sound. Strike two sabres together, and the clashing sound is louder and more pronounced. The saber also has an auto-off feature to save battery life: Leave it alone for a few minutes, and it automatically shuts off. Some people may be concerned about how well this holds up over time and use, especially since this is no mere cheap plastic sword, but an expensive replica. Fear not. So far, our demo unit has seen probably a hundred hours of use between customers and employees, along with a few duels with our Anakin sabre replica. So far, so good. So it seems to be pretty durable. It’s well-made, and the chrome handle is nicely detailed and closely modeled after the one Darth Vader carries in the movie. Highly recommended for Star Wars fans.

Review by Maelstrom for Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber
Rating:
I purchased the Anakin Skywalker model a couple of months ago and was VERY pleased with the item. The hilt is well-detailed, maybe too well detailed, and has the proper weight to make it feel like the real thing. The blade is very bright, and the sounds are crisp and loud. The only problem I had with the saber is the activation switch: It is located right in the center of the hilt and gets in the way very easily. You have to hold the saber just right to avoid the bulbous switch. Also, it is very easy to accidently turn it off while you’re swinging it (Very Annoying). Still, I loved it anyway and you learn to handle it better almost right away.

I loved the Anakin model so much, I just had to get another one: It was a toss up between the Mace Windu Model or the Darth Vader Model. I chose the Dark Side. When it arrived by UPS today, I immediately wanted to grab some AA batteries to compare the two sabers. The Vader Model is just as bright as the Anakin (It IS red, not pinkish) but is noticeably lighter in weight. Also, the digital sound effects are DIFFERENT than the Anakin model (That’s good), but the Vader saber is not as loud, and it also takes a moment longer to power up and power down. It should also be noted that the blue Anakin model has 4 different clashing sounds…..the red Vader model has only ONE. Again, the activation switch is right in the middle of the hilt which makes it awkward to handle at first, but you learn to cope with it. I guess that it makes them more “authentic”. HOWEVER, the actual lightsaber props used in the dramatic fight sequences did NOT have activation switches in the middle of the hilts (It would be difficult to coreograph a fight scene with those switches in the way, so they were removed to give the actors nice, smooth surfaces…..you wouldn’t be able to see the switches since their hands were covering up most of the hilts anyway). All in all, I am very pleased with the Vader model as well. I recommend filming yourself in a pitch-black area and then watch it on your TV. It looks cool! Are they worth the price? In my opinion…..YES, but be careful with them. THEY ARE NOT TOYS.

One more thing: A few of the people reviewing these items say that the sabers are louder when they chash eachother…..not true. You’re simply hearing TWO clashing sounds at once which makes it SEEM louder. The sabers don’t have any sensors that know specifically when another saber smacks it anyway. A strike is a strike.

Next step…..the Mace Windu Saber!

Review by David C. Eichholz for Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber
Rating:
I bought this for my 6 year old who will not take it outside to play…I wouldn’t allow it for one, and the other kids might be a bit jealous for another. ANYWAY, I was showing it to a co-worker (about 10 minutes ago) and to show how the sounds work (when striking an object) I told him to hit my arm “kinda hard”. Well he hits me like a baseball and stung me pretty good (I was expecting a bit of a ‘tap’). It is still solid as a rock and works perfectly. I have a red mark on my arm 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Indoors or outside in the evening/night this is the most amazing looking light sabre ever. 100 bucks? I’m going to buy another.