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Types of Lightsabers – Deciphered

Discover the forms, functions, and legends behind each saber type.

Whether you’re new to the galaxy or already fluent in the Force, understanding the different types of lightsabers is essential to choosing your perfect match. At Pulse Sabers, we craft combat-ready replicas that channel both tradition and innovation. Here’s your deep dive into the most iconic lightsaber forms and what they mean for collectors, duelists, and lore-lovers alike.


1. Single-Blade Lightsaber

Classic. Balanced. Legendary.
The foundation of lightsaber combat, the single-blade saber is used by Jedi and Sith alike. Its simple, versatile design makes it ideal for beginners and purists. At Pulse Sabers, our single-blade sabers come with dueling-grade durability and full electronic customization, giving you the flexibility to focus on form and finesse.

Recommended for: First-time buyers, cosplayers, competitive duelists.


2. Double-Bladed Lightsaber (Staff Saber)

Twice the blade, twice the presence.
Made iconic by Darth Maul, the double-bladed saber offers power, speed, and a dramatic fighting style. With two connected hilts and blades, this saber demands skill—but rewards with a commanding battlefield presence.

Our take: We design modular options that allow you to combine two single sabers into one staff, perfect for mastering the Maul aesthetic.


3. Crossguard Lightsaber

Intimidation meets protection.
This medieval-inspired saber—popularized by Kylo Ren—features two lateral vents near the emitter, forming a crossguard. These aren’t just for style; they redirect plasma exhaust and offer added defense in saber-to-saber clashes.

Why it stands out: Our crossguard models feature reinforced emitter architecture and real ignition flicker for that raw, unstable aesthetic.


4. Curved-Hilt Lightsaber

Precision and elegance.
Used by legendary duelists like Count Dooku, the curved hilt offers improved control during fencing-style combat. It sits naturally in the hand, lending itself to Form II (Makashi), which emphasizes grace and minimal movement.

Perfect for: Those who prioritize technique, control, and elegant choreography.


5. Shoto Lightsaber

Compact power. Tactical advantage.
A smaller secondary saber, the shoto is often used in an off-hand or by those of smaller stature. Jedi like Yoda or Ahsoka (in dual form) famously utilized shoto sabers to outmaneuver larger opponents.

Pulse option: Light, durable, and perfect for dual-wielding styles or kids.


6. Saber Pike

Reach, dominance, and defense.
Modeled after polearms, the saber pike has a long hilt with a shorter blade. Often seen in temple guards or elite protectors, it allows distance-based defense and crowd control.

Built for: Stage performance, guard roles, and martial-arts inspired styles.


7. Inquisitor Lightsaber (Spinning Saber)

Intimidating. Mechanical. Show-stopping.
Used by Imperial Inquisitors, this saber features a spinning ring around the hilt, enabling theatrical attacks and high-speed rotations. While not duel practical in real combat, it’s a stunning display piece and a fan favorite.

Note: Our replica versions emphasize LED blade balance, spin-ready grips, and optional rotating effect parts.


8. Tonfa-Style Lightsaber

Unorthodox and aggressive.
Tonfa sabers are rare, with side-mounted hilts that resemble law enforcement batons. This gives the user unique blocking and striking techniques, useful for defensive or close-quarters combat.

Great for: Advanced duelists who want something unconventional and visually striking.


9. Proto Sabers / Ancient Hilts

Where it all began.
These early designs required external power packs and cables, a nod to the earliest Force-wielders. While less practical, they’re visually stunning pieces of lore-rich art and history.

Collectible grade: We offer these in limited runs for serious collectors looking to connect with saber origins.

10. Reverse-Grip Lightsaber

Style with substance.
Favored by Jedi like Ahsoka Tano, reverse-grip wielders flip the saber downward, blade extending from the bottom of the fist. This grip shifts the dynamic of movement—allowing sweeping arcs, unexpected counters, and fluid acrobatics.

Why it matters: Any of our hilts can be reverse-wielded, but thinner, ergonomic models give the best control for this unorthodox style.


11. Collapsible / Telescoping Lightsaber

Compact. Stealthy. Smart.
Collapsible lightsabers are canonically used by Jedi on covert missions. These hilts can shrink down for stealth or storage. While not widely available in functional dueling replicas, Pulse Sabers offers sleeker hilt profiles for portability.

For you if: You want minimal carry bulk or something discreet to pair with robes or utility belts.


12. Dual-Phase Lightsaber

One hilt. Multiple blade lengths.
These sabers can shift blade length mid-combat. Canon examples include Darth Vader’s saber, which could extend in a duel to surprise opponents. While true dual-phase is fictional, our Proffie and SNV4 boards let you simulate it with sound and color changes mid-swing.

Cool feature: Customize a “blade grow” effect via ignition settings and soundfont layering.


13. Split Sabers / Twin Sabers

Two sabers. Infinite style.
Split sabers are dual weapons that can function separately or connect into a double-blade. Seen with characters like Asajj Ventress, this form grants maximum versatility—dual wielding, staff-mode, or ambidextrous combat.

We support it: Modular hilts at Pulse Sabers are designed to connect magnetically or via screw couplers.


14. Blaster-Saber Hybrid

For the tactician.
A rare type used by Jedi like Ezra Bridger, this weapon combines a saber with a functioning blaster. While we don’t (yet) manufacture a firing hybrid, we offer stylized hilts with design cues from the series—perfect for collectors and roleplay.

Our twist: Custom soundfonts can simulate blaster fire on activation or clash for a hybrid experience.


15. Lightsaber Whip (Lightwhip)

Unpredictable. Chaotic. Deadly.
Used by dark-side warriors like Lumiya, a lightwhip is a flexible plasma weapon that flows like a whip but cuts like a saber. It’s not practical for real combat, but visually? It’s spectacular.

Collector’s note: These are more decorative than dueling-grade—but we offer curved emitter styles with whip-inspired designs for cosplay builds.


16. Greatsaber / Heavy Blade

Power in every swing.
Wielded two-handed, greatsabers are longer, heavier hilts with high-output blades. These are the broadswords of the galaxy—brutal, bold, and built to dominate. Combat Form V practitioners often favor this weapon for its power-forward approach.

We offer: Longer hilts with heavier pommels and thicker blades for this class—perfect for imposing styles.


17. Electroblade (Hybrid Tech)

Plasma meets electricity.
An Electroblade fuses lightsaber tech with electric charge—designed to disrupt circuitry and stun enemies. Canon users include the MagnaGuards and some bounty hunters. While not energy-charged in real life, our sabers can simulate crackling sound effects with reactive lighting.

Pro tip: Add custom clash sounds with electric sizzle FX to mimic this brutal tech.


18. Lightsaber Spear (Saber Lance)

Reach the unreachable.
A lightsaber built into a spear—used primarily in extended duels or mounted combat scenarios. Rare, but cinematic. Our elongated hilts with extended blade options allow you to mimic this form for theatrical combat or staff fighting.

Use case: Great for stage combat, temple guard cosplay, or arena-style demos.


🔧 Next-Level Saber Engineering

Every saber on this list is possible to reimagine through our modular Pulse Sabers system. With our advanced electronics, blade effects, and real duelling-grade durability, you’re not just collecting—you’re wielding.

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Pulse Sabers™

is not affiliated with Disney, Lucasfilm, or any officially licensed lightsaber franchise.

We aim to balance the saber market with distinctive, high-quality designs. Our mission is to bring cinematic-inspired technology to life — delivering the ultimate saber experience.

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