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Yodasnews Review: Ahsoka Tano Lightsaber
Review and Photography by
Mark Picirilli (Yoda027) and Jeffrey A. Gouse (SithLord0498)
Review Date: September 28, 2009
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
“Filthy, obnoxious little pet…”
Asajj Ventress couldn’t have described Ahsoka Tano any better than that.
One part Padawan mixed with one part Hannah Montana, Ahsoka is a blatant attempt to bring the “tween” demographic into the world of Star Wars. While older fans may cringe at her pre-teen dialogue (“Artooey” and “Sky Guy” being the most grating), she has endeared herself to younger fans, proving that Lucasfilm’s marketing strategists still know what sells.
But with Ahsoka being targeted at a school-age crowd, the question is: “Does she have enough popularity to survive in the higher-end collectible market?”
eFX Collectibles is the first high-end licensee to take that gamble by making hers their first lightsaber replica.
ACCURACY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP: Excellent
As with their previous Prequel-era replica, eFX had to rely solely on CGI models as their reference materials. Presumably, this made it easier to examine the hilt’s finer details and secure accurate measurements, but the lack of a physical model has its shortcomings. For example, weight, distribution of mass, and construction materials were all absent components, and it was up to eFX to fill in these blanks. It should come as no surprise by now that their engineers and designers were more than up to the challenge of forging this weapon.
The proportions are extremely accurate to the CGI model, and the placements of its various components (power switch, dials, etc.) are exact as well. The brass-colored emitter has a high luster that catches both the light and the human eye, and the machined grooves in which the emitter rests give the weapon a very industrial feel. That same industrial machined look holds true for the Kenobi-esque pommel at the base of the lightsaber. The curved blade guards and the tabs extending from them have very gentle and precise curves that add to the elegance of the replica. Additionally, the wide tapered cut traveling down each side of the hilt extends to the proper length and has clean, smooth edges. Lastly, the etched lines on the power switch are very crisp although their spacing is inconsistent.
eFX also succeeded in the areas where the CGI model was useless. The weight and mass distribution of the lightsaber feels natural, and it is very reminiscent of the Master Replicas lightsabers. Again, this is of little surprise since many former MR employees are now part of the eFX team. Their knowledge of and experience in crafting these replicas is second-to-none in this field.
PACKAGING: Excellent
Normally, packaging isn’t a common category in Yodasnews product reviews—especially when the standard black and gray 30th Anniversary design is used. However, since this is the first eFX lightsaber replica, it warrants some discussion.
After getting past the standard “brown mailer” with the eFX secure tape and several layers of protection, you will see a protective strip of cardboard with a small insert indicating the item. Beneath that are several different boxes. The one containing Ahsoka’s very securely packed lightsaber is a beautiful eFX-branded black and gray box that is insulated with 2” foam or more on all sides. The display base is packaged next to the saber box with several layers of padded foam protecting it. Another small brown box holds the combination display stand and signature plaque holder—again hidden behind layers of protective foam and plastic. The last component is the eFX “invitation style” Certificate of Authenticity which includes faux-blueprints, an image of Dave Filoni signing the plaques, an eFX sticker sheet, and a few informative cards. It also contains the hand-signed signature plaque (each plaque being unique in their own way) that slides securely into the display stand.
DISPLAY STAND: Above Average
Maintaining continuity with their earlier replicas, eFX again utilized the semi-reflective brushed metal base. The black display stand comes separate from the platform, and the clear saber supports slide onto a track. However, there is a fundamental difference between the eFX supports and those used by Master Replicas. The eFX supports can be interchanged, meaning that collectors can choose whether to face their sabers left or right.
The only element keeping this category from rating as “Excellent” is that once the clear “holders” are attached to the stand, they loose their snugness and shift around on the base. While it is a welcome change to not have the saber stand permanently fixed into a single position on the base, its tendency to slide around and leave its intended position is a shortcoming. However, this should only be an issue for those who keep the saber in areas where it will be regularly picked up and handled. Left alone on a shelf, the sliding is a relative non-issue.
OVERALL RATING: Excellent
Character association aside, the Ahsoka Tano lightsaber is an incredible replica. The craftsmanship and accuracy is up to the typically high eFX standards, and the company’s engineers did an impressive job in creating an authentic feel to the weapon despite the lack of a physical reference model. The addition of Filoni’s signature and a price tag of $349 (low for a Signature Edition replica) make this item even more appealing to collectors.
In the grander scheme of things, the execution of the Ahsoka Tano light saber assures collectors that eFX is more than ready to take up the mantle of producing high quality light saber replicas—the bread and butter of the Star Wars replica market. And considering there are other high-end Star Wars licensees who have difficulty manufacturing production pieces that match the quality of the prototypes, eFX finds themselves ahead the crowd. In comparing the production item to the prototype we saw in February, there are no discernible differences. The prototype used in eFX’s solicitation of the replica is identical to the saber that will sit on your shelf.
A final word for those who pre-ordered the Ahsoka Tano lightsaber direct from efxcollectibles.com.
Please visit the site and finalize your order as eFX does not retain credit card information.
If you ordered from an eFX authorized dealer, expect a shipping notice within the next few days.
