The Best Lightsaber Replicas
The Best Lightsaber Replicas for Star Wars Fans, Reviewed
Ever since the release of the first Star Wars film in 1977, the iconic lightsaber has been one of the Star Wars toys of choice for millions of people. And who can blame them? The lighting effects. That amazing "whoosh" sound whenever they're swung. These blades are coolness personified, and their association with both the Jedi and Sith (only those who feel the force can wield this dangerous weapon) makes them even cooler.
Then, there are the changes in design seen over the years. While the lightsabers from the original trilogy looked more like traditional swords, the introduction of Kylo Ren's unique "Crossguard Lightsaber" sparked a whole new wave of collectibles that inspired replica designers to look beyond the standard and toward more unique designs.
Those designs are what you'll discover here in this list of eight of the best lightsaber replica toys available today.
Best Replica Lightsabers
If you're heading into battle (or just want a fin display piece), then you need the best-quality lightsaber around. These eight options run the gamut in price and realism to ensure you find a replica lightsaber that suits your needs.
The Black Series Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber
With their "Black Series" lightsabers, Hasbro has introduced lightsabers that are collector-grade quality thanks to their realistic sound effects and solid construction. Almost any lightsaber from the range would be a great choice, but the Luke Skywalker is the choice for a simple reason - who doesn't want to wield the lightsaber of the series' biggest hero?
Designed for people aged 14 and up, this saber has a real metal hilt and comes with a special stand that makes it a perfect choice for collectors. Give it a swing and you'll hear that iconic "whoosh" sound effect to go along with the light that accompanies every smooth swing.
Price: Approx. $200 to $300
The Black Series Darth Vader Force FX Lightsaber
Every great hero needs an equally great villain against whom to do battle, and you can be that villain with this Hasbro-made replica of Darth Vader's iconic red lightsaber. Like the Skywalker variant, this Black Series toy is a good quality lightsaber that uses advanced LEDs to provide a more realistic look.
It's also rated for ages 14 and up, and it's functionally the same as the Luke Skywalker model outside of a slightly different hilt design and the red coloring. And the lightsaber hilt doubles as a useful stand - ideal for collectors. The only way to get closer to the real thing is to go custom.
Price: Approx. $200 to $300
Galaxy's Edge Star Wars Legacy Lightsaber (Luke Skywalker)
There's an upside and a downside to the Galaxy's Edge lightsaber.
On the upside, it features a super attractive hilt that's the perfect base for your lightsaber blade. But that brings you to the downside – the hilt doesn't come with a blade included. You have to buy the blade separately, taking this from being one of the more affordable lightsabers to one that can be surprisingly expensive.
Still, assuming you're willing to pay extra for the blades (or you already have a few lying around), this take on Luke Skywalker's famous lightsaber does a great job of replicating the look and feel of those you see in the movies.
Price: $238.99
Master Replicas Anakin Skywalker
A perfect addition to a Star Wars retro collection, this saber is a perfect replica of the one that Anakin Skywalker wielded in Episode III, only in miniature. It's built to .45 scale, with every detail being lovingly replicated from original screenshots of the film to create a movie-quality lightsaber hilt.
"Hilt" being the operative word – this lightsaber doesn't come with a blade. But it does come with a handy stand, as well as a certificate of authenticity, making it a great choice for collectors.
Price: Not Provided
Four Limited Edition or Customized Lightsabers
The four lightsabers highlighted above can serve as the best lightsaber toy for people who want something that's readily accessible without a hefty price attached. But for the true collectors (or duellers), the following four limited edition or customized sabers are musts.
Saberforge Crystal Sabers
With their stunning crystal chambers and high-powered LED lights, Saberforge's Crystal Sabers put a unique spin on an iconic weapon. They're offered in limited edition runs (once they're gone, they're gone forever), making them highly valuable on the reseller's market if you happen to snag one from an original run.
Light colors vary depending on the saber, and each comes with a removable blade and a recharger – no batteries required. The hilts are full metal, made using CNC-machined aluminum in most cases, and you get a nice leather bag in which to store the saber when you're not in battle.
Price: $299.99 to $499.99
Vader's Vault Starkiller Lightsaber
The force is unleashed with this lightsaber, which may be the best replica lightsaber for fans of the top-selling videogame Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Coming with a crystal chamber and the weathered finish of the saber that Starkiller uses throughout the game, this is a collector's piece through and through.
You'll see that from the price tag (over $2,500), but you'll see where that money goes when you get the saber in your hands. The CNC machined hilt has a number to denote which of the limited edition runs it is part of – perfect for collectors. You also get a certificate of authenticity and your choice of blade size, glass eye, and weathering options.
Price: $2,600
Ultra Sabers Diamond Controller Sabers
Custom sabers are from the Ultra Sabers game, and every single weapon in the Diamond series emphasizes that fact. Each comes with a handy computer interface that you can use to change light coloring and sound effects, making them perfect for mimicking the sabers of your favorite characters.
All of them are made using aircraft-grade aluminum and feature a tough polycarbonate blade that means these are far more than toy lightsabers – they're among the best lightsabers for battling. Having said that, they're also expensive lightsabers. Expect to pay over $600 for some models, going up to over $900 for others.
Price: $600 to $920
Nsabers Duel on Naboo Lightsaber
When Darth Maul burst onto the scene in Episode 1, his double-bladed lightsaber was an immediate hit with fans. Unlike anything seen before in the series, it switched his entire battle stance from the sword-like work of single lightsaber wielders to something more akin to a staff-based martial art.
This high-end replica is a limited edition run that comes with a handy stand for display. It also comes with a pair of blades – perfect for the Darth Maul imitators out there.
Price: $278
What to Look for in a Quality Lightsaber Replica
Authenticity is the key when searching for who makes the best lightsaber. The presence of movie-inspired sound effects (sometimes even with sound effect adjustment tools) and extremely bright LED lights are musts. So, too, is authenticity in the hilt – the best sabers replicate what you see in the movies exactly.
Then, there's the blade material.
The material used varies depending on whether the saber is intended for display or battling. For those who need to be able to handle crashes against other objects, look for blades made and reinforced with polycarbonate plastic.
Finally, those ordering custom or limited edition lightsabers should check for certificates of authenticity, warranties, and shipping protection – the latter is especially important as you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a lightsaber only for it to get lost in transit.
Key Features
Before splashing the cash on your latest addition to your Star Wars vintage collection, keep these key features of a good lightsaber replica in mind:
- Battery life – The more you spend on your lightsaber, the more likely you are to get a rechargeable lithium-ion battery built into the toy. Less expensive models tend to use standard AA or AAA batteries – cheap enough if you don't mind replacing the batteries every few hours.
- Durability – Look for ultimate durability. You need more than a comfortable grip, with the best hilts using aircraft-grade aluminum to offer strength without adding tons of weight to the saber.
- Sound effects – Is a lightsaber replica really a lightsaber replica without those classic whooshing sound effects? The best even have volume settings that allow you to adjust the sound emitted based on what you're doing.
- Illumination – LEDs are the way to go with illumination as they offer exceptional brightness while placing minimal drain on the saber's battery.
- Color – You can't cosplay Darth Vader if you don't have a red lightsaber, right? Colors tend to denote the characters in the Star Wars universe, so keep an eye on color if you're buying the saber for a specific purpose.
- Customization – Though not available for all replica lightsabers, customization options often allow you to switch colors and hilts depending on what you need.
Care and Maintenance for Lightsaber Replicas
These replica lightsabers may be fictional weapons, but they still need regular maintenance.
Generally, that's pretty easy – a wipe with a clean and damp cloth, followed by a second wipe with a dry cloth, is usually enough to get rid of marks without you worrying about water residue getting into the saber's electronics. Keep the cloth away from the saber's battery compartments, and you're good to go.
As for storage, always start by removing the batteries – you don't want them leaking through non-use. Then, store the saber in a cool and dark place – ideally protected by a bag or box – to keep it safe.
Troubleshooting Blade Issues
There are two issues that may hamper your enjoyment of your lightsaber - LED malfunctions and sound issues.
In both cases, there are two common fixes. First, try changing the batteries, as a drained battery often causes malfunctions in these areas. If that doesn't fix the problem, check the blade's connection to the hilt – you'll often find that an insecure connection results in power failing to flow from battery to blade.
If neither of those fixes works, your next action is to call the manufacturer.
Where to Buy Authentic Lightsaber Replicas - Our Favorite Brands
Finally, you need to know where to buy your lightsabers. The following is a list of trusted vendors (apart from ToyShnip) who make official or limited edition customized sabers:
- Ultra Sabers
- Vader's Vault
- Disney Legacy Lightsabers
- TXQ Lightsabers
- Saber Trio
- Saber Forge
- Roman Props
- KR Sabers
- Korbanth
Most of these retailers offer certificates of authenticity or have proven rights to the Star Wars trademarks to ensure you're getting the real deal.
You can also buy from the second-hand resellers market, though authenticating the saber is harder that way. Again, look for certificates of authenticity. But failing that, look for little details, such as the presence of a trademark symbol and the details built into the hilt. Forgeries and poor-quality replicas usually forgo these details, thus making them easier to spot.
Embracing the Force: Join the Lightsaber Community!
There you have it – eight of the best replica lightsabers available today. Remember, always look for the signs of authenticity (a certificate is ideal) before spending hundreds of dollars on your new weapon. If you're struggling, seek out social media groups, online forums, and local clubs for lightsaber enthusiasts, all of which can lead you in the right direction for your purchase.
Or, trust one of the best collectibles retailers in the game – ToyShnip. Along with classic lightsaber replicas, ToyShnip offers Star Wars busts, Star Wars statues, and a host of other amazing toys from the film series. Check them out today and start building your collection.
FAQs
What is the best replica lightsaber company?
This is a tough question to answer because there are a lot of custom lightsaber design companies. Korbanth, for instance, creates toys that are as close to a real lightsaber as you can get – sans the slicing – with spectacular light effects to boot. But they're expensive. Companies like Hasbro offer a wide range of cheaper, mass-produced lightsabers, but you're not always going to get the most elegant weapon with them.
What is the most realistic lightsaber brand?
Ultra Sabers is probably the cream of the crop when it comes to developing a realistic and durable lightsaber. Why? They're designed for combat so they give you an authentic experience of what it feels like to be a Jedi (or Sith) in the middle of battle.
How expensive is the most realistic lightsaber?
Vader's Vault's Starkiller lightsaber tops the pack thanks to its eye-watering $2,600 price tag.
What is the best company for dueling lightsabers?
Again, Ultra Sabers stands out as the best place to buy replica lightsabers for the purposes of dueling. But Saber Forge is another good option, especially if you're looking for the best cheap lightsaber that's also sturdy enough to stand up to a clash or two.
How do I maintain my lightsaber replica?
You'll find more details about maintaining the blades on your toy sabers in the article. However, on the basic level, wiping the blade down every couple of weeks with a clean cloth and some warm water (perhaps mixed with a mild soap) is enough to keep most good lightsaber replicas in solid condition.
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