Although neopixel sabers are brighter, more feature rich, and more technologically advanced than in-hilt LED sabers, in-hilt LED sabers retain several competitive advantages.
An in-hilt LED lightsaber is a custom saber equipped with an LED module inside the lightsaber hilt usually near the emitter section. An in-hilt LED illuminates a lightsaber blade and is activated with switch. A custom saber with an in-hilt LED may be configured as a stunt saber (no sound) or as a sound saber.
Let’s examine 3 enduring advantages of in-hilt LED lightsabers over neopixel sabers.
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The Sabertrio Arclyte, shown above, may be purchased as an in-hilt LED saber (stunt saber or sound saber) or as a neopixel saber. For more information, visit Sabertrio (Etsy) [affiliate link] or Sabertrio.com.
1. In-Hilt LED Sabers May Be Simple In Design
Although the complexity of in-hilt LED sabers varies widely, some of the most basic in-hilt LED sabers are extremely simple in design and simple in their electronics setup and wiring. The most basic in-hilt LED sabers are stunt sabers (no sound). A basic in-hilt LED saber may easy to build as a first lightsaber, especially with a Plug and Play lightsaber electronics kit (no soldering required).
Since the in-hilt LED serves as the light source for the blade, the blade itself is static and does contain electronics in the blade, like a neopixel saber blade. A typical standard blade for an in-hilt LED saber is comprised of a polycarbonate tube topped with a blade tip. Blade diffusion film may be used inside the blade in order to promote even blade illumination throughout the length of the blade.
2. Entry Level In-Hilt LED Sabers are Affordably Priced
Some of the more basic stunt sabers equipped with in-hilt LEDs are extremely competitively priced and easier to afford than neopixel sabers. The SaberSourcing list of lightsabers under $100 is dominated by custom sabers equipped with in-hilt LEDs.
3. In-Hilt LED Sabers Make a Great Beater for Dueling
Although neopixel sabers are increasingly being used for dueling, lightsabers with in-hilt LEDs are still commonly used for lightsaber dueling and sparring. Simple and affordably priced in-hilt LED sabers make it easier for someone to try out lightsaber dueling without necessarily spending hundreds of dollars.
Repairing in-hilt LED saber components or replacing the overall lightsaber may be easier and cheaper than repairing or replacing a neopixel saber. Blades for in-hilt LED sabers are cheaper and easier to buy, make and replace than neopixel saber blades. Blades for in-hilt LED sabers are more widely available as well.
Since not all in-hilt LED sabers are duel worthy, make sure you research the specific custom saber before buying it to ensure that it will be durable enough for your purposes. If you’re joining a lightsaber dueling organization like The Saber Legion (TSL), ask the groups for tips and advice as well.
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Will neopixel sabers some day render all in-hilt LED sabers obsolete? It’s possible. In the coming years neopixel saber technology will likely continue advancing, coming down in price, and challenging the market share dominance of in-hilt LED sabers. The simplicity, durability and cost effectiveness of entry level in-hilt LED sabers, however, continue to make the technology an attractive option to buyers.
COVER IMAGE CREDIT SaberSourcing
Image depicts a Sabertrio Arclyte lightsaber equipped with a red LED
