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Yodasnews Review: Ahsoka Tano Lightsaber
eFX Final Engineering Pilot (FEP)
Review and Photography by
Mark Picirilli (Yoda027) and Jeffrey A. Gouse (SithLord0498)
Review Date: February 16, 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.
On the eve of our departure for Toy Fair in NYC, the Final Engineering Pilot (aka prototype) for the Ahsoka Tano lightsaber arrived on our doorstep, and Yodasnews is happy to present our review of eFX’s 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.
DISPLAY STAND: Not Applicable
A specific rating is being withheld in this category because eFX has informed us that this is not the final version of the display stand. The stand has been cut too short, resulting in an inability to center the lightsaber over the base. The error occurred because it was originally designed to work with the longer signature plaque. eFX has assured us the issue is being corrected, and the final release version will allow proper centering of the replica.
As for the display base, eFX is continuing with the semi-reflective brushed metal base. The actual 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 last element of the display is absent from this prototype—the product’s identification plaque. As with the X-Wing replica, the Ahsoka Tano lightsaber will be a Signature Edition piece and will be autographed by Dave Filoni, director of the theatrical Clone Wars film.
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 lightsaber assures collectors that eFX is more than ready to take up the mantle of producing high quality lightsaber replicas—the bread and butter of the Star Wars replica market.
