Introducing
Reel Saber
We set out to create a saber that delivers the exciting moment of ignition with a blade that actually retracts into the hilt! Our design philosophy revolves around delivering a powerful, reliable, and maintainable device, providing a unique experience for saber enthusiasts.
Lighting
We explored various lighting options, including strip-lit blades. While captivating, it came with its set of challenges — notably, weight and maintenance concerns. Our commitment to a lightweight and durable design led us to opt for a powerful LED and a focusing lens, maximizing color concentration in the retractable diffusion blade. To top it off (pun intended), our innovative reusable blade tip reflects light, enhancing overall illumination.
A New Type of Blade!
While some may wonder about the bendiness of our blade, rest assured that this flexibility is a deliberate feature. To strike a balance between quick blade deployment, rigidity during casual swinging, and overall durability, we built a robust powered device that accommodates replaceable blades. The blade's properties allow it to be rolled up temporarily and rapidly deployed without compromising its ability held at any angle. We’ve managed to swing our blades relatively quickly using a smooth technique, which many people have intuitively discovered while holding a deployed Reel Saber. Here’s an excellent demonstration of that on YouTube!
Customizable
The main shell of the device, which contains the mechanical magic of Reel Saber, is printed in one piece, with incredible detail, using a strong semi-flexible photopolymer. We made this piece as small as possible so the rest of the saber can be swapped out with customizable parts. Reel Saber owners who want to 3D print (or otherwise manufacture) custom parts will have access to files for the bottom sleeve and removable cap of the hilt! We can’t wait to see what the community comes up with!
Programmable
At the heart of every Reel Saber lies a very powerful circuit board. Our custom PCB, featuring a joystick, gyroscope, powerful audio amplifier, and a vibrant LED driver, is programmable over USB-C using Circuit-Python. You can keep your Reel Saber updated with official software updates as we make improvements, or make customizations of your own!
Safe and Maintainable
We’ve opted to make the gears on Reel Saber out of plastic. In fact, they’re 3D printed! We haven’t had a gear break or wear out yet, but we’d rather a gear break if something were to become jammed. Reel Saber deployment also relies on a frictionless path. If deployed against a firm object, the blade will stop deploying and feed from the side access port, preventing injury. Still, we strongly advise against pointing it towards people and animals, the light source is very bright!
Semi-Assembled Kits for Insightful Fun
Understanding the mechanical operation of our device is key to maximizing its potential. Therefore, we're leaning towards semi-assembled kits rather than fully built products. This not only sets you up for success, but also transforms it into a hands-on learning experience. There’s no soldering or mess required, and we’ll provide the tool (you only need 1). We believe that having insight into your device enhances the experience of using it.