Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit

Review by Douglas Equils for Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit
Rating:
Opened and assembled the Lightsaber FX Construction Kit and here are my impressions.

First thing I noticed was that all of the pieces to build the hilt are plastic (save 2). Given the quality of the other lightsaber fxs made by Master Replicas (I own 4 and love them all), I was expecting metal. A downside of these plastic handle pieces is that when fully assembled, the plastic parts squeek when you swing the lightsaber and they rub together, like a cheap toy.

Second and most significant disappointment is the light. The blade doesn’t light up like the other Master Replica lightsabers. It is bright at its base (comparable to other FX lightsabers) but then grows darker as the light travels up the blade. There are a string of LEDs I believe in the previous Lightsaber FXs but not in this one. But when you put it side by side with the other lightsabers, it just looks different.

Third, the sound effects are the same sample loop but quieter when compared to the previous lightsaber FXs.

Forth, the blade is about 6 inches shorter than the other Lightsaber FXs but I think this is advertised on the box so not a surprise.

And fifth, this set does not include a stand. Not sure why not…

And when it is all finally assembled, it feels like a cheap immitation of the previous lightsaber FXs produced by MR. Given that MR no longer owns the license to make lightsabers, I am guessing this version of the FX lightsaber was a way to produce the cheapest possible set for the same amount of money with little or no reprocussions.

Overall, I am very disappointed and think that anyone who is expecting comparable quality to the other FX lightsabers will be as well.

Review by G. Beresford for Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit
Rating:
I bought this at Radio Shack for $40. It was the last one in the store, and since it had a couple of dings and the red button switch was missing (still had the other two switches), the guy gave me a deal.

This is the first saber I’ve owned. I recently went to a lightsaber training class put on by my local Star Wars costuming group. A martial arts expert taught us some basic moves and helped us coordinate a short duel. I noticed that my saber wasn’t as bright as others, and am aware that this is because the light comes from an LED (or a cluster of them) in the hilt, rather than a string of them up the blade. While this looks cooler and more realistic, my sword has one advantage in that I don’t need to worry about one of the lights in the string breaking or burning out due to combat. It would be nice if the blade were a little longer (it’s actually about as long as the blade on the short Yoda saber, which is weird to think about…but because of the hilt, it makes the overall product longer), but I was able to hold my own against the other Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader blades out there.

It is a little annoying that the plastic creaks as much as it does, but I figure with something like this, where you have multiple components that you can switch around, it’s a given that it won’t be as solid as a non-customizable saber.

Overall, I’m well chuffed with it. It’s not perfect, but for the money you really can’t beat it.

Review by Douglas Equils for Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit
Rating:
Just opened and assembled the Lightsaber FX Construction Kit and here are my impressions.

First thing I noticed was that all of the pieces to build the hilt are plastic. Given the quality of the other lightsaber fxs made by Master Replicas (I own 4 and love them all), I was expecting metal. A downside of this is that when fully assembled, the plastic parts squeek when you swing the lightsaber and they rub together, like a cheap toy.

Second and most significant disappointment is the light. The blade doesn’t light up like the other Master Replica lightsabers. It is bright at its base (comparable to other FX lightsabers) but then grows darker as the light travels up the blade. There are a string of LEDs I believe in the preious Lightsaber FXs but not in this one. But when you put it side by side with the other lightsabers, it just looks different.

Third, the sound effects are the same sample loop but quieter when compared to the previous lightsaber FXs.

Forth, the blade is about 6 inches shorter than the other Lightsaber FXs but I think this is advertised on the box so not a surprise.

And fifth, this set does not include a stand. Not sure why not…

And when it is all finally assembled, it feels like a cheap immitation of the previous lightsaber FXs produced by MR. Given that MR no longer owns the license to make lightsabers, I am guessing this version of the FX lightsaber was a way to produce the cheapest possible set for the same amount of money with little or no reprocussions.

Overall, I am very disappointed and think that anyone who is expecting comparable quality to the other FX lightsabers will be as well.

Review by clang_the_o for Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit
Rating:
I have to disagree with the other reviews of this product. While not “movie quality,” one has to remember that the official movie props are just metal hilts with colored wooden dowels as a blade. The “lightsaber” effect is put in during post-production! So to say that this lightsaber is not movie quality is a bit like comparing airbrushed cover models to real women. It’s simply special effect.

This lightsaber construction kit is definitely a thrill, especially since I got mine at Radio Shack for 25 dollars! The power on/power off sound effect is especially realistic, and the hilt (which features metal emmitters as well as metal pummels) feels heavy and “real” in your hand. I love the interchangeable parts, allowing the user to truly customize the lightsaber, like a “real” Jedi would as part of his/her training. The light within the blade is very strong, and mine goes all the way to the end. All three colors are vibrant and incredible, although I’m currently practicing with green. The display in the store didn’t light all the way to the end and the sound was weak, so perhaps a battery problem is to be blamed for any negative reviews.

In all, compared to what I’ve always had (a generic white toy store version with telescoping blade), I feel like a real Jedi! I would suggest this kit to any fan who wants a truly realistic Star Wars experience, not to mention an incredible amount of fun!

Review by Jonathan Barrios for Star Wars “Become A Jedi” Lightsaber Construction Kit
Rating:
In one word, awesome. I’d bought the Ultimate Lightsaber kit which is the equivalent of the $20 electronic lightsabers but being customizable, so as soon as I found this, a Force FX Lightsaber that you could customize, I had to get it. Worked awesome, with one switch the color of the blade and the sound effect can be changed, and the sound quality is really good. All the parts that come with it are made of a metallic alloy, probably not high grade or anything, but very durable and realistic. Granted even with the templates that it comes with, you wont be able to make a photo realistic copy of any Lightsaber from the movies, but thats not the point, the point is to make your own. It uses 3 AAA batteries and takes a while to eat through em, even with continuous use. The blade lights up all the way and looks great, even in well light rooms. All in all, an awesome addition to any Lightsaber collection, just keep in mind it’s not built for dueling or anything like that, just to look really cool.