I'll agree that the general mentality is that the metal, second version of the saber is superior. I think it's more people wanting a better product than one that is possibly inferior. The thing here is that the plastic, first release is not inferior. It has it's strong points that the second release does not from what I've been able to tell in my two sabers (I didn't get the second release because I thought the first was a weaker product, I simply wanted a double of this saber for dueling). Overall the first release is easier to wield and probably better for those who will be dueling. Mine has a bit brighter of a blade, too, than the second release.