The design and powerful strikes keep the lightsaber top from the energy sword. However, both these are weapons that have their specialties. A lightsaber typically has a longer blade compared to an energy sword. Also, one can operate a lightsaber with both single-handed and double-handed, whereas an energy sword only supports single-handed use.
There few more dissimilarities between energy sword and lightsaber, which distinguish the differences quite well. If you are interested in having in-depth details about these two weapons, you must continue reading.
What is an energy sword?
The energy sword is a sci-fi weapon, which is used by the Sangheili of the covenant empire. It is a single-handed weapon. The Sangheili assumes it as a holy weapon. Now let’s talk about different aspects of this weapon in detail.
Design
This one-handed weapon comes with a curved hilt design. The curved hilt houses an energy storage module and a device, which is used to project plasma and ultimately forms the blade. The weapon is designed with two partially ionized blades, which creates the oval-shaped ionized blades.
The ionized blades have free moving electron-based gas, which is held in a blade-like form by two small magnetic field generators built into the handle.
Size and weight
There is a slight difference noticeable in the length of the sword in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. The sword is 1.265 meters long in Halo: Combat Evolved but 1.317 meters long in Halo 2. However, the width and thickness remained the same respectively 45 cm and 9.3 cm.
As the sword is made of one-handed use, the weight isn’t too much. Swords used in both editions weigh around 2.36 kg.
Power-source
The blade of the sword is made of plasma and they operate by battery-powered. Due to the plasma structure and battery-powered design, the sword creates an electric current on the blades. Due to the electric current, there is a crackling sound produced.
However, the battery life drains on each successful strike produced by the sword. Each successful strike will consume 10% of the battery, which means only ten strikes are possible with one full charge of the sword.
Fight
Energy swords are used by the Sangheili in close-quarters combat. The sword produces melee fire during the fights.
Color
There are several colors available for energy swords including green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, and so on. But the matter is the colors have nothing to do with the performance of the sword. It only changes the outer look of the weapon.
What is lightsaber
A lightsaber is another sci-fi weapon, which is typically used by the Jedi, the Sith, and other force-sensitives in star wars. This type of sword produces a laser light for which is also known as a laser sword. Let’s talk about some crucial details of a lightsaber.
Design
The lightsaber is designed with a plasma blade. The hilt of the sword has Kyber crystal. There is a switch designed on the handle of the saber to manual controlling of the sword. The handle of the saber allows the user to use it single-handed or double-handed.
The design of the sword often makes it comparable to some real-world swords like katana, broadswords, or rapiers. The hilt is made of metal.
Size and weight
Aesthetically, lightsaber comes with a longer blade, which provides a better reach to the opponent during any fight. The length of the sword varies from 32 inches to 36 inches. It might seem sometimes the sword becomes heavier when it is turned on due to the strong force created.
Typically the blade of the sword has the minimum weight, but the other parts of the sword define the actual weight. In most cases, lightsabers weigh around 2 pounds.
Power source
There is a Kyber crystal designed on the hilt of the lightsaber, from where the power of the saber comes. Although the crystal is small, they are very crucial in producing the power. Moreover, there is no definite use of the sabers as they require no manual charging.
Another interesting side is that you can manually turn on and off the power of the lightsaber through the switch situated in the handle.
Fight
Lightsabers are used for both offensive and defensive fights. They are specialized for melee combats as well.
Types
There are several types of lightsabers depending on the user. They are Sith lightsaber, double-bladed lightsaber, dual-phase lightsaber, broadsaber, curved-hilt lightsaber, cane lightsaber, training lightsaber, darksaber and so on.
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Energy sword or lightsaber: Which one is better
Before going on to the final decision and keep one of these weapons over another, let’s compare the two weapons first in detail. If you want to know the cost of sword see the article.
Hilt design
The hilt design of the energy sword allows only one-sided handling. If the user tries to do change the grip style, he will endanger his wrist literally. On the other hand, lightsabers are good to operate anyhow the user likes. It also allows the weapon to use a guard.
Powerful strike
Talking about power and producing powerful strikes, lightsaber seems to be a clear winner here. Even if there is combat between these two weapons, a lightsaber could easily damage the energy sword through one powerful strike. However, when an energy sword produces great power behind the strike, it turns out more devastating than a lightsaber.
Defensive weapon
The easiness in handling the weapon makes the lightsaber a worthy option to create a shield against the opponent’s strike. The user can defend him with a lightsaber, but not with an energy sword.
Versatile usage
Except for combat fights, lightsabers can be used as defensive weapons. In both offensive and defensive manners, the sword performs well. Also, it is used as a great cutting tool.
Long-time use
The main problem with energy swords is the battery life. With every successful strike, 10% of its battery is drained. It means you can only produce ten strikes from this weapon and it is used only when it recharged. But lightsaber lasts forever requiring no recharge as long as the Kyber crystal functions well.
Produces noise
One superb side of the energy sword is the quieter operation. You can get ready to defeat the enemy without making any noise. But lightsaber produces heavy noise while manually turning on.
Skills and training
One needs to be skilled and properly trained to operate a lightsaber, but an energy sword doesn’t require such skills or training.
From the above discussion, it seems that lightsabers are a clear winner compared to the energy sword.
Advantages & disadvantages of energy sword
After reading the detailed discussion about the energy sword, you might be thinking what are the advantages and disadvantages of this weapon? Here are they.
Advantages of energy saver
- Energy sword doesn’t require any skills or training to operate.
- The sword has two blades design.
- The design can produce powerful blows sometimes, which can be devastating.
Disadvantages of energy saver
- This sword is only made of the use of the Sangheili.
- The battery life degrades after every strike.
- It allows only one-handed use.
Advantages and disadvantages of lightsaber
Now let’s get through the good sides and bad sides of the lightsaber, even it is a clear winner in the battle against the energy sword.
Advantages of lightsaber
- The design offers several holding positions with both one-handed and double-handed usability.
- They are easier to strike.
- They can be used as both offensive and defensive weapons.
- They offer manual turn on and off.
- Lightsabers will last forever as long as the crystal works well.
Disadvantages of lightsaver
- The sword requires expert training and skills before use.
- The handle is a bit heavier.
- It isn’t powerful enough on some occasions.
Final words
Whichever of these two weapons is the winner is not a matter of concern here. If you dreamt of handling one of these swords someday, you should rely on your preference.