Manticore, Scorpion or Menace

[luminousbeing]

Looking to get a little TFA/Xmas present for myself and struggling to decide between the three hilts listed.

Already own an Aeon V4 with Windows so obviously a big fan of Windows and light + size isn't an issue as I'm 6'3"

I'm after either a Violet Amethyst or Guardian Blue blade.

If you own one of the three, show us some pics, tell us some stories and prove how good your hilt is, hoping this thread helps me to decide!

[Lord Canterbury]

I actually have a Menace CE arriving this week and own both Scorpions.

The latter 2 I've actually customized like crazy. 

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=24304.0

Would you mind describing what other qualities you are looking for so we can give you a better opinion?

To get you started though, while I personally think the Scorpion represents some of UltraSabers best work - you need to know it is also one of their biggest hilts.  Compared to a V4 Aeon (which I also have) it's going to feel like you are wielding a tree trunk until you get used to it.

I would also suggest you only get a Violet blade if you are getting a config with Li-Ion batteries & a BuckPuck.

It's a mix of Blue & Red diodes and since Blue requires more power - in any hilt with resistors, the color will trend from Purple to Red as the batteries die.

[hazard502]

Hands down my vote is for the Menace, I don't have anything against the other two hilts what so ever but I just love the Menace a lot to recommend it above the others.

Here's my review for reference: http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=25331.0

[luminousbeing]

Was thinking of getting it with Obsidian Lite (i.e. Standard battery set up) which means Violet Amethyst is probably a no-go.

Hard to describe any other features but I just love hilts that look "interesting", love the idea of crystal chambers and light emitting through different parts of the hilt which is why all three listed are stacked with windows.

This will be more of a showpiece saber, not really used for dueling so aesthetics will play a huge part.

Any other blade colour recommendations?

[Lord Sidious]

I have the Manticore CE nickle plated and Scorpion. They are both essential! I did buy the Scorpion first, and then the Manticore on a later order. Love them both!

I do not have the Menace. I would probably order two Menace sabers to make a staff as per Darth Maul however.

[James Casey]

I have both the Menace and Manticore, and both are really wonderful hilts. The Manticore is a touch simpler, without the various buttons on the body of the Menace, so I'd recommend that if you're planning on spinning etc. However, the Menace is one of the finest pieces of work that US have put together. It's gorgeous, and surprisingly comfortable to hold given the number of buttons on it. Pictures really don't do it justice.

[StarWarsForce]

If you get either the Manticore or the Menace, I'd recommend buying the other's emitter. So if you buy the Manticore, get a Menace Emitter, or vice versa if you get the Menace. I believe the emitter is what pops on both of these sabers, and it'll only be an extra less than $50.

Maybe whether you are a one-handed wielder or a two-handed wielder will play a part. I've heard that's pretty tight for two-handed wielders on a Menace, and one-handed wielding on a Scorpion is tough. I have a Manticore, and with medium-sized hands, I have just enough room for two hands.

Hope this helps.

[Landen Se-Sentien]

I have a Manticore and love it, but it's also my only saber.  I'm 6'4", so if you plan on doing any two handed wielding, I'd get the high profile pommel.  The extra inch it adds is worth it, and it allows a place for my second hand to rest.  StarWarsForce is right about getting extra emitters and pommels to change things up a little bit for a lot less money.

You can check out my Manticore pics here:  http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=26364.msg395142#new