The main lightsaber hilt types are the classic straight hilt, the curved hilt, the crossguard, the double-bladed saberstaff, and the shorter shoto. Each says something about the person holding it, and each handles differently. Here's who uses what, and what to think about if you're choosing a replica.
Straight hilt
The one most people picture, carried by the Skywalker family and Obi-Wan Kenobi (see Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsabers). It's balanced, comfortable in one or two hands, and flexible enough for any style. If you're not sure what you want, this is the safe choice, and it's a good one.
Curved hilt
Count Dooku's is the best-known example, and it suits his precise, elegant fighting. A curve changes how the saber moves in the hand, which is a big reason it looks so refined. We wrote up the design in Count Dooku's lightsaber, and if you want a hilt that looks like it has opinions, take a look at our Dooku lightsaber.
Crossguard
Kylo Ren's saber has two small side blades beside the main one. They're there because his crystal is cracked and the blade is unstable, and the side blades vent the extra energy. It's rough, loud and unmistakable. The whole story's in Kylo Ren's lightsaber and combat style, and we make a Kylo Ren lightsaber.
Saberstaff
A double-bladed lightsaber has a blade at each end, and Darth Maul made it famous in The Phantom Menace. It takes practice, because there's a lot of blade to keep track of, so people tend to learn on a single saber first. See every lightsaber Darth Maul wielded, and the saberstaff lightsabers we sell. Some models work with a saber coupler, so check the listing.
Shoto
A shoto is a shorter lightsaber, often used with a longer one for dual wielding. Ahsoka Tano is the best-known user, and in The Clone Wars she carries a longer saber with a shorter blade. Our Ahsoka lightsaber set comes as a pair.
Choosing a replica
Start with the look you love. The character or style that makes you smile is the right answer. Then check the hilt length, since it varies by model: our Sidekick has a 10.6 inch hilt and our Kylo Ren has a 13.8 inch one. After that, match the electronics to how you'll use it. Baselit is built for dueling and impact, and Neopixel is best for display and light contact (the best lightsaber for dueling goes through it). And if it's going on a shelf, a Display Stand or Scabbard is the easy upgrade.
Not sure which character to match? Try the movie-inspired lightsabers or the lightsaber color quiz.
