Its a very solid saber, tough to the nails by design. The blades are a thicker composite polycarbonite to accomidate the wielder droping it (or dueling with it). As for the detachable blades, just go to Ultrasabers.com, they make conversions to stronger and detachable blades. The issue of the length is not an issue for me (i'm 6'4" tall) but the blades could be a tad shorter, Seven foot plus is a bit much. The weight issue to me is not present, the blades feel quite well balanced when separate or together, the balance point is about one inch up the blade with them detached, that is the desired balance point on a real sword/saber/katana. Not meaning to sound offending or disrespectful, but strength training works out very effctively while practicing with lightsabers (of coures I'm also an Artilleryman, so that helps with my muscles).