5 Rules for Choosing Your First Lightsaber

I remember my first lightsaber, it was a cheap Vader inspired hilt that probably lit up. Even then I thought "wow, this thing isn't all that comfortable to hold". It had all kinds of little buttons and gadgets that to my knowledge did nothing other than make it look mostly like what it was on screen.

Fast forward 15 or so years and I was given the chance to pick out my own custom lightsaber. Things have certainly changed since the early days of toy lightsabers. They are made out of aircraft grade aluminum and involve LEDs powerful enough to blind your dog. So I decided to put a lot of thought and care into my selection. I chose the shiny one.

My lovely wife holding the very first lightsaber of Indy Lightsaber Academy

As it turns out, I chose pretty well. The saber was simple, easy to hold, and aesthetically pleasing. It remains one of my favorite sabers to this day. But then I got stupid and bought something that wasn't simple, horrible to hold and looked like the saber from my childhood. It remains one of my least favorite. I'll let you take a guess as to which one that is later on.

EDIT-
Since then I have learned a lot about what qualities make up a good lightsaber/weapon. I've learned from the best, talked to hundreds of people about their sabers and have personally handled most brands and shapes.

Now then, what about those 5 rules?

Below are 5 things to keep in mind when purchasing your first lightsaber.

1. Figure out what you want it for
2. No control boxes
3. Size is everything
4. Seriously, no control boxes or anything else
5. Don't spend more than $300

1. Figure out what you want it for

Everybody purchases their first saber for different reasons. Whether to hang it on a shelf or twirl it around to break overhead lighting. If you are 100% buying your lightsaber to never touch it and put it in a glass case, then you can skip the next 4 rules and carry on. If you're even contemplating holding it, or *gasp* fighting with it. You might want something that isn't a brick. 

(if you're thinking about coming to class, this list is for you)

2. No control boxes

So you might notice that this is on  here twice. Control boxes are obtrusive rectangles attached to the side of a lightsaber for no reason. These contraptions usually generate in the land of "movie accuracy"and offer no real purpose other than to get in your way. You want something you can pick up and immediately feel comfortable holding.

My poor decision

3. Size is everything

Let's imagine you are buying pants. To put it simply, you can either buy pants your size or not. Same with lightsabers. If you have small hands, you do not want a lightsaber the length of a vacuum. The easiest way to estimate length is the measure your hands. Ideally your saber should be 3 of your hands long.  (edit--I meant width)

Also take into account the thickness of the saber. Which end of a baseball bat do you use? If you are using the thick end to hold onto it, you may have missed a few days of gym class. So try not to get a Pringles can of a saber. (look for reviews and comparisons)

4. Seriously, no control boxes or anything else

Do you remember when I mentioned that this was on here twice? Well it's that important. Not only can control boxes get in your way, but you'll also find an assortment of buttons and such to prevent you from comfortably holding your saber. There are very few instances where adding boxes and buttons to a handle make it more effective. Imagine your steering wheel, or even a mop. Would having a big rectangle in the middle or off to the side help you?

Notice the lack of boxes and buttons

What is even going on at the top?

5. Don't spend more than $300
Unless you've had ample experience handling other sabers and know what you like, keep it under $300 for your first go. Like most, you'll probably be buying a lightsaber blind. Or you'll imagine it handles better than it really does. Just because you grew up seeing Luke swing around a graflex doesn't mean it's comfortable. Wait until you've actually handled a lightsaber to make the leap for the more expensive fair out there.
(edit- disregard this one if you have tons of money. And if that's the case, send me some.)


So there you have it. My 5 simple rules for buying your first lightsaber.

Please comment below or add your experience with picking out your first lightsaber.


Thanks for reading!