There are many reasons why Star Wars fans love replica lightsabers. Apart from serving as excellent props for display and cosplay, replica lightsabers are a must-have for lightsaber duelling and combat.
There are several different types and models of replica lightsabers that Star Wars fans can easily purchase online, and while each one of these lightsabers boasts amazing features, not all of them are actually made the same or come equipped with high-end features, so it is important that you know what to look for when ordering lightsabers UK offers online.
In this article, we shall be taking a close look at what you should expect when you order a combat-ready lightsaber online, including important saber features to look for and lightsaber-buying mistakes you should avoid.
What Makes a Lightsaber Combat-Ready?
A combat-ready or duel-ready replica lightsaber is a lightsaber that has all its parts (especially the hilt and blade) made from durable and high-quality materials that are able to withstand the intense swings and strikes that come with heavy duelling.
In addition to high-quality parts, combat-ready lightsabers are constructed in such a way that the electronic components of their hilts and blades are adequately protected and not easily damaged.
To put it simply, a combat-ready lightsaber is a lightsaber that can withstand full-contact sparring without getting damaged.
Some of the important features you can expect when you order a combat-ready lightsaber include;
Quality Hilt Material and Design
The hilts of combat-ready lightsabers are typically made from highly durable and sturdy materials like metal (aluminium alloy metal), carbon fiber, and high-quality plastic. In terms of design, combat-ready lightsabers usually have simple designs (no sharp edges, points, or raised areas) that ensure a good handgrip and usability. Most character lightsabers may, however, have hilt designs that accurately mimic the designs from the movies.
Quality Blade Material and Colour
The quality of a replica lightsaber blade also plays an important role in its combat readiness. This is why only thick-walled heavy-grade polycarbonate blades are used for combat-ready lightsabers. These blades are usually thicker than standard thin-walled or mid-grade blades.
Blade colour is another important feature of combat-ready lightsabers. Many online lightsaber shops like Padawan Outpost sell combat-ready lightsabers that come with a wide range of blade colours and visual effects to make lightsaber duelling more immersive and realistic.
Blade Diameter and Visual Effects
Replica lightsabers come in various blade diameters, from 1-inch blades (most common) to 7/8-inch and 3/4-inch blades (least common). Most combat lightsabers feature a 1-inch blade diameter, and on rare occasions, they may come in 7/8 inch.
In terms of visual effects, combat-ready lightsabers usually feature various special effects and modes that allow a wielder to adjust the mood during combat. Some of the immersive visual effects that they can come with include RGB colour-changing, adjustable brightness, pulsating lights, tip drag effect, blaster bolt deflect, ignition sounds, lock up sounds, and rainbow blade effect. All of these effects can be accessed on the lightsaber’s combat setting or sound font.
Sound Effects
Combat-ready lightsabers feature movie-accurate sound effects that make lightsaber dueling a much more engaging and fun activity. These authentic sound effects range from lockup and mute to blaster mode and flash-on clash. Some replicas feature a smooth swing, which is a sound feature that produces highly realistic and satisfying swinging sounds.
Lightsaber Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Because there is such a huge online market for replica lightsabers, it is not uncommon for eager fans and lightsaber enthusiasts to make certain mistakes when ordering a combat-ready lightsaber online. Some of the common lightsaber buying mistakes that you should avoid include;
- Expecting to get more for less. In the world of replica lightsabers, you get what you pay for, so you should expect that a high-end quality combat-ready lightsaber would cost a little extra. This is a small price to pay for the highly advanced features that you will get to enjoy from these lightsabers.
- Not doing your research on the lightsaber company. There are so many different online lightsaber shops, and not all of them are legit. Doing proper research on a lightsaber store will help you confirm its legitimacy and reliability. Reading customer reviews is also very important.
- Ignoring the risk of pre-orders. Most custom lightsaber shops accept pre-orders for new models of lightsabers that are scheduled for release. As tempting as these pre-orders may seem, it is important that you bear in mind that most of the time, such products are far from complete, and the pre-orders are just a way for some lightsaber companies to raise money to support the lightsaber run. So, if you’re going to pre-order a new model of combat-ready lightsaber, be ready to bear the risk of the lightsaber not being released at the scheduled time.
- Assuming that your order will arrive on time. Even with the most reliable custom lightsaber shop, shipping delays can occur for any number of reasons. Always check in with the seller to confirm your shipping window, and bear in mind that your order may sometimes arrive later than the scheduled date.
Conclusion
A combat-ready lightsabers is a must-have for lightsaber dueling, and one of the best places to find one is online. When ordering a combat-ready lightsaber online, the above lightsaber features are what you should expect. You should also try to avoid the aforementioned lightsaber buying mistakes.