Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)"The Return of the Sith" line of lightsaber toys from Hasbro come in three models:
Annakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda.
Each of these toys, beyond the basic 'light up' plus 'battle clash' sound effects (the authentic-sounding effects the lightsabers make when struck against another lightsaber or object), also 'hums' like an activated lightsaber in the movies. Also, each "ROTS" model lightsaber has one special feature:
Comparisons of special features:
Annakin = his saber has a button near the hilt of the plastic blade that transforms the blade's color from blue to red or vice versa. Whatever color you've chosen upon deactivating the saber is the same color that shows up first upon reactivating the toy -- a nice touch.
Obi Wan = his saber has a 'rumble' feature -- a small motor inside the handle -- that vibrates so that the user can supposedly have a more realistic battle experience when the blade strikes other sabers or objects. In practice, the motor tends to make rather too much noise, however the noise is somewhat less discernable when actually pretending to duel others. Unfortunately, the rumble feature is not optional, so it must always be "on."
Yoda = his saber has a "training mode" where in upon striking the blade a small speaker in the handle will say random things Yoda said in "The Empire Strikes Back." It is cute that Yoda's voice is coming from the handle, but in practice the speaker isn't loud enough to hear in the 'heat of combat' and anyway the things yoda says aren't the least bit helpful.
phrases Yoda says in his lightsaber "training mode"
- "you are reckless"
- "fought well you have"
- "you must face vader"
- "concentrate, feel the force flow"
- "remember, a jedi's strength flows from the force."
- "train with me! afraid, are you?"
Thankfully, the "training mode" is optional and can be turned off.
Comparison of blades in practical "play combat"
In practice, Annakin's blade and Obi-Wan's blade are equally matched. Both take 3 'AA' batteries, which last a long time. Both blades are extremely light, which belies their size. Both of these toys are an excellent size and are well priced. They provide a good workout and are a fine alternative to lazy video games. They also improve your reflexes as you both try to reenact the movies and make up your own moves. Even people who are in fine physical condition can easily work up a great sweat when 'play sword fighting.' One of my friends is in fencing at school and he says the colored blade actually is helpful in training, as it forces greater concentration. Also, the sound effects of both Annakin's and Obi Wan's blades are fun and easy to hear. The handle of Obi Wan's blade is slightly more comfortable and the plastic blade shows the color blue better than Annakin's. Annakin's blade offers two colors which is convenient if both you and your friend have the same annakin blade and you want yours to be a little different.
Yoda's blade is inferior to both Annakin's and Obi-wan's. It is shorter (as per the movies) by a full 'segment' or about fifteen centimeters, which on paper seems like a good 'handicap' for a skilled play swordsman against novice friends who have longer blades, but in practice yoda's blade suffers disasterously from its higher weight, bue to its 2 C battery power supply. The blade is seriously unbalanced, as the handle accounts for nearly 3/5 of the total length of the extended toy and it is overweight and uncomfortable to hold besides. As if this weren't enough, the heavier batteries die faster and the plastic used in the green blade is too thick for the bulb to light up in any impressive manner. It always looks a little dim.
the only advantage yoda's blade has is that the retracted blade stays in place if you invert it and clip it to your belt (the other two models slide out easily). This avantage quickly turns to a disadvantage because it is harder to EXtract, too when you want to pretend to go into combat. No matter which blade model you get, none of the blades retract fully into the handle, making each of these toys strictly for play combat and not for imaginative 'props' for a play costume or other imaginative games.
My advice -- buy annakin's or darth vader's blade. Both are light weight and a good sword length and overall superb toys. The batteries last a long time for either. Overall I say I like Obi-Wan's the best, even though it has the annoying rumble feature. It has the best handle comfort, which is what counts when 'playing swords.' Annakin's is good too though, so you can't lose no matter which you get. Get both!
Yoda's blade is clearly inferior and unless you like a heavy uncomfortable blade that's too short to use effectively, avoid it, avoid it, avoid it please.
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Star Wars Episode 3 Electronic Lightsaber Anakin Skywalker LightsaberArm yourself with this authentically designed Anakin Skywalker lightsaber and the force is definitely with you. Press the button to"ignite" the weapon and extend it to more than 3' in length. Hear real electronic movie sound effects, including awesome battle-clashes and the now-famous lightsaber hum. Changes from blue to red at the press of a button. Imported.
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