These energy swords were the weapons famously wielded by the Jedi Knights, Sith Lords, and other Force-users in the Star Wars films. They were of different types, and each individual weapon was uniquely suited to its owner. Lightsabers also came in different colours, with each blade colour holding a different meaning.
For Star Wars fans, owning replicas of these iconic weapons is the best way to show love and commitment to the franchise while also fostering a connection with the Force. There are so many different types and models of replica lightsabers on the market today, and finding a quality model that has all the best features usually involves spending a lot of money.
But what if you’re on a budget? Is it still possible for you to own a realistic lightsaber while saving on costs? Read on to find out.
Realistic Star Wars Lightsabers: Features to Look for
Before we dive into how you can go about finding affordable, realistic Star Wars lightsabers, let’s take a look at some of the important saber features you need to be on the lookout for.
Hilt Design – The design and material of the hilt is one of the most important features you need to consider when buying a replica lightsaber. In the Star Wars universe, no two lightsaber hilts are exactly the same, although they may share some similarities. This is because lightsaber hilt construction is a highly individualised process, and the design of each character’s hilt is a reflection of their personality and personal preferences.
When buying a lightsaber, the appearance of the hilt matters, so it is important that you go for a saber that has a realistic hilt design. If it is a character lightsaber, make sure that the hilt design accurately matches the hilt used in the movies. The hilt should also be made with a high-quality and durable material (preferably metal).
Weight – A realistic lightsaber should look and feel like a real weapon when you handle it. This means that low-quality plastic handles and blades are a no-no. Check that the lightsaber has a realistic weight (an average of 425 grams) that allows for balance, flexibility, and better handling.
Blade Lights – A realistic replica lightsaber should have visual effects that allow its blade to light up in different colours, just like the plasma blades used in the Star Wars films. It should also come with other visual effects such as RGB colour-changing, rainbow blade effect, pulsating lights, tip drag effect, and flash-on-clash.
Sound Effects – The visual effects of a replica lightsaber’s blade need to be accompanied by movie-accurate sound effects in order to bring more authenticity and realism. This means that you should be looking for a saber that comes with the characteristic buzzing and humming sounds that lightsabers are known for.
Power Options – Most realistic lightsabers are either rechargeable or powered by AA batteries. Regardless of its battery type, what you should be looking for is a saber that offers good power-saving abilities.
Tips for Buying Realistic Lightsabers on a Budget
Now that you know what lightsaber features to look for, below are some tips to help you find a realistic lightsaber that is budget-friendly.
Buying Online
The Internet is one of the best places to buy a realistic lightsaber. This is because there are several online stores and custom lightsaber shops that sell a wide variety of replica lightsabers at affordable prices. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores (comic book stores, costume shops), many of these online lightsaber shops don’t have to deal with the overhead costs of renting retail storefronts, so their products are sold at relatively lower prices. Some stores even offer different kinds of discounts (flash sales, free shipping, and first-time buyer discounts) that you can leverage to get yourself a quality saber while saving money.
Buying From Other Collectors
Another way to save money on replica lightsabers is to buy them from other Star Wars fans or collectors who are looking to sell them. If you take this route, make sure to carefully inspect the lightsaber and confirm that it has all the desired features before making a purchase.
Buying Only What You Need
Most high-end replica lightsabers are expensive because of the plethora of features that they come with. Chances are, you may not need all these features. Buying a realistic lightsaber that has only the features you need can be a great way to save money. For example, if you intend to use your replica lightsaber for light sparring only, spending extra money on a heavy-grade polycarbonate blade won’t be necessary, as a mid-grade blade would do just fine.
Building Your Own Lightsaber
You can also save money by building your own realistic lightsaber by yourself. Most of the components that you need can be found in local hardware stores. Many online custom lightsaber shops also sell lightsaber parts and electronics. All you need to do is purchase them and assemble the parts yourself. Although this approach saves you money, the process of constructing your own lightsaber can be quite time-consuming. A good alternative would be to visit a lightsaber customisation workshop so that the experts can guide you.
Conclusion
As a Star Wars fan, owning a replica lightsaber is a great way to feel the Force and show your love for the Star Wars franchise. Unfortunately, most realistic and high-end lightsabers tend to be pricey, but that is no reason to lose hope. By following the tips above, you should be able to get your hands on a realistic and quality lightsaber at a cheaper price.
