What are the handles made of?
We build our handles using three primary materials–carbon fiber, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, and ABS plastic. To reduce cost and build time, we use carbon fiber only where necessary. For instance, some regions, like the saber neck or “choke” endure significant stress due to the forces put on it by the swinging blade, which only carbon fiber can withstand (or expensive, machined aluminum). Others, like the mid-section or “clamp” endure little stress at all, requiring only industrial-grade plastic. These parts are then threaded together, bonded with epoxy, or fastened with heat insets and machine screws, depending on the use. This allows us to keep costs low, but quality high. We 3D printed the handles in our photographs using Markforged’s patented Onyx filament and direct carbon-fiber inlay technology. The results really are amazing–strong, yet featherweight, with a beautiful satin finish.
Last updated: May 07, 2018 13:00
Why is it so expensive?
Two main components push up Rainsaber’s cost–the LEDs inside the blade and the FX board that powers them. We use two addressable lighting strips packed with LEDs, each with their own microprocessors. These enable the blade’s “scrolling” ignition effect and the instant color change. In the demo video, we use an off-the-shelf board from Plecter Labs, which includes an advanced accelerometer and studio-mixed sound fonts. These components aren’t cheap, but they create the Rainsaber magic. With enough backer support, we can reduce these costs through bulk pricing. Our goal is to give you both a quality umbrella and saber experience in one product.
Last updated: May 07, 2018 17:34
Aren't LED umbrellas already available on the market?
Yes, you can purchase LED umbrellas from a number of vendors online. However, these products use only three simple LEDs (red, green, and blue) to illuminate a plastic stem filled with air bubbles or other diffusers. Rainsaber uses over 200! We think the difference in brightness, color combinations, and special effects make Rainsaber worth the extra cost. Also, keep in mind that our handles come equipped with incredible motion-activated sound effects, which cheaper options available today do not have. We also build our umbrellas with the highest-quality materials.
Last updated: May 08, 2018 07:47
Can the lighting effects be customized?
Yes, most of Rainsaber’s special effects can be customized. The “activation” and “deactivation” speeds, the intensity of flickering, brightness, volume, blade color, even the hum. All can be adjusted to your liking through changing parameters on the SD card. You can even keep at least three separate profiles loaded, so you can switch from style to another by pressing a certain button combination before powering the blade on.
Last updated: May 20, 2018 06:09
How well does it handle wind?
Rainsaber’s canopy handles winds as well as comparable umbrellas in the $20-40 range. We did our best to make the ultimate weather-proof experience, but we had to make some design trade-offs. For instance, more robust umbrellas use multi-tiered skeletons and springs to endure high winds (which still isn’t a guarantee), but in our testing we found that these blocked the LED light, significantly affecting the saber experience. To accommodate this, we developed a removable canopy. If on the off chance a gust of wind breaks the canopy, you’ll be able to replace it at near-cost, keeping the rest of the saber intact. We want Rainsaber to last.
Last updated: May 20, 2018 06:09
How long does the battery last?
In bench tests with full light and sound, Rainsaber’s rechargeable battery lasts approximately 30 minutes. On mute, battery life extends around another ten minutes, depending on the blade color. The high-density LED strips we use inside the blade consume a lot of juice, and the interior hilt volume limits the size of the battery. We are working on design solutions to improve this (larger hilt interior diameters and/or swappable batteries), but current battery life seems to suit most everyday walks in the rain.
Last updated: May 20, 2018 06:40
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.