Feel the force with the best lightsabers for 2023
Since the release of the 1977 original Star Wars movie, A New Hope, to The Mandalorian, lightsaber battles have helped to drive the success of this influential franchise.
In the 46 years since Obi-Wan Kenobi first clashed with Darth Vader, there have been thousands of toys, replica and collectible lightsabers available to buy.
Prices range from entry-level toy lightsabers to purchase for pocket money prices, to lightsabers that command thousands of pounds on the collectible market.
But what should you look for in a lightsaber? For younger children who want to duel, a plastic sword with basic battle sounds will more than suffice, just be sure to search for a lightsaber that will withstand repeated impact.
For the Star Wars fan who’s prepared to invest financially, then the criteria changes. Check pricier lightsabers for their weight and heft, a wide range of sounds, decent illumination, the quality of the hilt and, of course, that the kyber crystal shines the right colour. You wouldn’t want to confuse a Jedi Consular with a Jedi Guardian, surely?
We’ve selected the best toy, replica and collectible lightsabers on the market. In Yoda’s wise words, “face the truth, and choose…”.
Seven best lightsabers for 2023
Best for sound effects
Black Series Darth Vader
Channel the dark side with The Black Series Darth Vader Force FX Elite lightsaber. Hasbro’s Black Series collector’s toys feature movie-precise features and this lightsaber, Hasbro says, is its “most realistic Force FX lightsaber yet”.
The advanced LED light is matched by sound effects including battle clash, duel, and battle sequence mode. It also features progressive ignition, meaning it’ll unsheathe itself slowly, just like you see in the films.
Design and decoration are based on the Fallen One’s weapon in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. With a stand included you can display your lightsaber proudly, either with or without the removeable blade. The kyber crystal can be removed too.
Best for illumination
Black Series Mandalorian Force FX Elite
For those not au fait with Star Wars history, the Darksaber is an ancient blade that was created by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian to be inducted into the Jedi Order. This mighty weapon can be seen in The Clone Wars animated series and The Mandalorian.
Its unmistakable black blade has been faithfully replicated here, complete with metal hilt. Illuminated with LED lights and boosted by official sound effects this weapon is 102cm of pure power.
There’s even a molten tip effect, activated by holding the button down, which can make the blade appear to be cutting through a solid surface. It comes with a rechargeable 2600 mAh li-po battery.
Best for budding Star Wars fans
Lischwert Lightsaber
Budding young Star Wars fans (over the age of six) will be delighted with this aluminium alloy handle and high-light transmitting PC blade.
A built-in lithium battery with USB charging cable means this weapon is fully functioning and loaded after three to four hours. A full charge gives two to three hours’ playing time.
The lightsaber measures 77cm, which is more than enough for smaller hands and little ones will love rotating through the seven light options, and battle mode sound effect.
Best for realistic feel
Disney Darth Vader Legacy Lightsaber
Embody the power of a Dark Lord of the Sith with the Darth Vader Legacy Lightsaber. If you’re going to go to the dark side you’ll need strength and focus as the hilt on this lightsaber has added heft, which is designed to provide a realistic feel.
It boasts sound capture with a ‘swoosh’ as it swings, and an ‘clash’ for battle mode. The menacingly bright red glow is a boon too.
It comes in at a substantial length, measuring up to 76cm, which should be plenty enough for a lightsaber with such a weighty handle. It’s not suitable for duelling as this can damage the blade.
Best collectible lightsaber
Disney Luke Skywalker 40th Anniversary Legacy Lightsaber
Prepare to battle as you raise this elegant replica of Luke Skywalker’s Return of the Jedi lightsaber.
This special edition collectible has been released in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the second Star Wars film and is based on Luke’s lightsaber kept at Skywalker Ranch.
Disney has focused on realistic details with this weapon, which features motion and impact activated light and sounds.
The package includes a weighty hilt along with the blue blade and a display stand, which requires some assembly. It’s not suitable for duelling as this can damage the blade.
Best for advanced light features
The Black Series Rey Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber
The design and decoration of the Black Series Force FX Elite lightsaber is inspired by Rey Skywalker’s lightsaber as seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
It has a fearsome legacy as the weapon used to battle Darth Vader, Darth Sidious and Kylo Ren. Rey built her yellow-hued lightsaber from salvaged materials, replicated here with real fabric wrap grip.
Twist the blade to ignite its bright beam and a molten-effect blade tip. Sound effects include battle clash and blaster deflect.
The lightsaber comes with a display stand so show it off with or without the removeable blade.
Best budget lightsaber
Lightsaber Squad – The Child Extendable Lightsaber
- Buy now from The Toy Shop (£9.60)
Let your child journey to a galaxy far, far away with this adorable lightsaber. Featuring everyone’s favourite cutie Grogu (Baby Yoda) on the hilt, this lightsaber will take little ones straight to adventure in the land of The Mandalorian.
With just a simple flick of the wrist the blade extends, ready for battle. At such a budget price, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t come with light or sound effects, but younger children will easily fill in the gaps with a little imagination.
What to look for in a lightsaber?
Light and sound
A silent, unilluminated lightsaber is not an issue for very young children who tend to have big imaginations and create their own special effects. However, realistic sound and a strong beam is otherwise a key factor when selecting your lightsaber.
There are various sounds available from battle clash to duel and battle sequence mode as well as, of course, the iconic distorted lightsaber hum, a sound that defined so many childhoods.
The intensity of the blade when illuminated is also a key purchasing factor. Nobody wants a dimly lit deadly weapon.
Weight and length
The weight of your lightsaber will be indicative of the quality of the materials used and contribute to its realistic feel. Lightsabers that carry heft will certainly help you psychologically shapeshift into a Jedi or Sith.
The length of the lightsaber should be determined according to the size of its owner. Small Jedi’s won’t benefit from an unwieldy lightsaber. The official Disney lightsabers measure in at around 76cm.
Colour
The hue of a lightsaber is determined by its kyber crystal and each colour carries a different meaning.
Jedi lightsabers are generally blue or green representing loyalty, truth and harmony, while Sith lightsabers are red signifying power, hatred and anger.
There is a rainbow of shades available, all of which bear symbolism so check the meaning before you buy.
Top image credit: Venti Views/Unsplash
from... sciencefocus.com
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