From its very first appearance on the big screen, the Star Wars lightsaber has been an object of fascination for fans and sci-fi enthusiasts. From the sleek and unique design of its hilt to the intriguing way the blade extends from the hilt at the press of a button, the lightsaber is one very interesting weapon. Replica lightsabers are equally as interesting. To Star Wars fans, they are a physical representation of a weapon that they could never get their hands on.
As awesome as replica lightsabers are, many fans (especially those who are new to collecting them) do not have a full understanding of how they work. In fact, it is very easy to get confused by the various lightsaber components whose functions can not exactly be inferred from their names.
If you’re still a novice to the world of replica lightsabers, below is a brief guide to help you understand the functions of the various parts of a replica lightsaber.
The Hilt
As the handle or body of the lightsaber, the hilt is a good place to start. A replica lightsaber’s hilt is very important as it serves a lot of functions.
First, it is the part that you hold while wielding the lightsaber. They can come in a wide range of styles, and two features you should typically expect are the switch (to activate or turn off the lightsaber) and the choke point, which is the narrowest part of the hilt.
The second function of the hilt is housing the saber’s electronics. Most replicas have their soundboard, LED strips and power source located in the hilt.
Finding the right lightsaber hilt does, however, depend largely on your preferences and some practical considerations. For example, if you intend to use your replica lightsaber for duelling, a sturdy and strong hilt without pointy or raised features would be ideal.
The Blade
This is another important component of a replica lightsaber. It is the narrow and illuminated cylinder that is used for striking opponents or objects. Depending on the type of replica you get, blade length and diameter can vary. Most replica lightsabers feature polycarbonate blades that could be either heavy-grade (thick-walled) or mid-grade (thin-walled) in terms of strength and sturdiness. Sometimes the LED strips that provide visual effects (colours) for a replica lightsaber may be placed within the blade.
Heavy-grade blades are the best choice for lightsaber duelling, while mid-grade blades are best for display and cosplay since they offer more brightness.
The Emitter
This part is connected to the hilt of the replica lightsaber, and its function is to stabilise the lightsaber’s blade by clutching it tightly at the point where it attaches to the hilt. Some replica lightsabers have emitters that come with windows which allow the light of the lightsaber’s blade to shine through.
In addition to windows, emitters can also feature blades and claws; however, these are optional and for aesthetic purposes only. If you choose to add these optional emitter features, make sure that you don’t use that lightsaber for duels, as those features are sharp and can cause serious injuries.
Pommel
Although mostly decorative, this knob-like cap at the bottom of the hilt can be useful for adding balance to the weight of the replica lightsaber. The pommel ensures that during combat, the wielder’s hand doesn’t slide off the saber’s hilt. Some replica lightsaber pommels also feature vents that allow the audio effects coming from the saber’s soundboard to be heard more clearly.
Soundboard
Part of what makes a replica lightsaber truly realistic is the sparkling and buzzing sound it makes when you swing or strike an object with it. A good quality soundboard can help you achieve these sounds. In addition to movie-accurate sound effects, some soundboards also allow for customised sound features.
Coupler
This small cylindrical component is more of an accessory. It performs the function of connecting two lightsaber hilts together to create a saber staff (or double-bladed lightsaber). If you want the process of joining and disconnecting the hilts of two lightsabers to be smoother and faster, then a quick-release coupler is what you are looking for.
Blade Plug
This is a small-sized cylindrical piece of polycarbonate that is installed at the end of a lightsaber’s hilt when its blade has been removed. Its function is to improve safety and prevent the lightsaber’s light from shining directly into the user’s eyes. A blade plug can also be for aesthetics, as it makes your replica lightsaber look cool.
Conclusion
As a Star Wars fan looking to collect replica lightsabers, it is important that you understand the various components of a lightsaber and how they function. This knowledge can also be very useful in helping you select replica lightsabers with all the best parts.
