Late to the game - Are MR FX sabers durable?

[rocketeer25]

Ok, I've never bought a MR FX saber. My kids are getting older now, and their enthusiam for Star Wars stuff is always there, but at times is stronger than others.

Right now, my two oldest boys are seriously into lightsabers. I was thinking of getting them FX sabers for their birthdays (March and April), but don't want to spend the money if the sabers can't take a beating. I can tell them to take it easy, but I know eventually that they'll go at it.

If the MR sabers can't take a beating, I'll probably just go the Hasbro route and get them some toy sabers.

Anyone have any experience with the FX sabers and how they stand up over time?

 

[BrandtFX]

Thats a video I did a while back. Im the "Anakin" in the clip Im using a Anakin FX saber. That one held up really well. In fact I still use that exact one today.

The "Obiwan" in the clip is using my old Luke ESB FX. As you can see some of the LEDs tend to flicker.

The Vader FX isnt recomended for duel. The blade itself isn't set that deep into the handle and has a nack for breaking off.

The Luke ROTJ's LEDs go out as well. The rest I havent had much experience with.

Hope this helps.

-Mike

 

[Gman666]

Display yes. Duelable no. The FX sabers have LED strands. As they are struck LEDs go out. If you want something that lights up and they can duel with I suggest the following. I would go Hasbro for right now.
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/index.php?

Thanks!

Greg

 

[jts1031]

Toward the end of their life, MR made the sabers a bit more sturdy to withstand hits. It was nothing against the LEDs, MR just didn't make them that sturdy. People like Hyperdyne came along and made strands that were super bright and can withstand some serious hits. But for the most part, MR is strictly for display.

 

[Tan Djarka]

Currently, Radio Shack is clearing out the "Force FX Lightsaber Construction Set" for $69.97. YES, most of the parts are plastic, and YES, the underpowered LED makes for a dim blade in direct light, BUT there's no LEDs IN the blade, so that would provide for a bit more durabiltity. That, and the fact that you can change the design of the saber or blade color any time you want, is kind of fun.

 

[rocketeer25]

Thanks for the info, everyone!

And those are great links!!

 

[rocketeer25]

One last question... who has the best prices on MR FX sabers? Any favorites out there?

 

[Gman666]

I have heard different things. Alot of places are showing sold out since MR could not make anymore. I know that there are a few MR affiliates on the forum. Brian's toys has the best prices I have seen if they are in stock.
http://www.brianstoys.com/store/default.aspx

Thanks!

Greg

 

[GoldLdr]

I have some very little ones who love my MR lightsabers, but I try to make them use the Joe Jedi kit or the couple hasbro ones I have laying around. I have an Ultrasabers converted (to luxeon) vader ANH that they can play with some also, as I am not worried about LED strands breaking like in my straight MR guys.

-GoldLdr

 

[Tan Djarka]

In case anyone's still interested, the Radio Shack saber kits are down to $49.97. Pretty soon they'll be cheaper than the Hasbro version!

 

[Lazer Rob]

For durable, useable lightsabers, try this link:

http://www.ultrasabers.com/

He does conversions on MR/FX and also offers stunt sabers, no sound but built for dueling.

 

[rocketeer25]

For durable, useable lightsabers, try this link:

http://www.ultrasabers.com/

He does conversions on MR/FX and also offers stunt sabers, no sound but built for dueling.

Nice stuff there...

I went ahead and got two of the "joe jedi" sabers. The kids love them! The brightness is decent, the sound is great, and they can customize them. I even gave my middle son his, and his birthday isn't until next month.

For $49, it's a great deal!

 

[Funky]

I seem to recall Jeff Parks sabers were pretty damned sturdy. He used to slam them with a hammer at the cons were he sold them to display how durable they were. And the neat thing is HIS blades are removeable from the hilts!

 

[roboprop]

The Vader and Maul Ultrasabers are used in the Jedi Training Academy show at Disneyland.

 

[JediG60racer]

Jeff Parks isn't a popular name around this forum these days due to a falling out with a couple of members, which resulted in a bandwagon boycott by many other members.

I still find his sabers to be the absolute best in terms of aesthetics, work quality, ability to withstand excessive use, and practical prop use. But I'll make no bones about it - I'm also his friend and have been for many years now, so I am biased.

His sabers are probably more expensive than the thread poster was looking for, thought. Parks sabers start at around $200 and go up from there. I do have a custom mini sized Parks saber for my son, which was about $60-, but when I buy my kids or my neices/nephews sabers they tend to be the walmart/target variety since they are less prone to causing injury or damage to property. A serious prop lightsaber is usually sturdy enough to cause significant damage if used recklessly.