Foam disappearing act

[skizzoid]

I just looked at my blade yesterday, and I found that there's a good 1/2 inch gap at the tip of the blade where the foam's just gone.  In fact, I can even make out the top of an LED light.  I've stored it vertically for a decent chunk of its life, so that may have played a part in this.  But has anyone else had this problem or noticed anything like this, where some of the foam in the blade's just disappeared?

[Darth Ravage]

it was meant to be like that

[Bandit-Jedi]

My Vader ANH is like that and has been so since day one.

[Mr.Griffin]

Mine isn't like that

[skizzoid]

I'm pretty sure my blade was foam all the way to the tip when I got it, so I'm not really sure how it just disappears, unless it's being pushed together with the rest of the foam.  Even then, I'm not sure how/why it's really happening.  Some people seem to have had this problem from the beginning, if at all, but has this suddenly developed for anyone?

[Blee]

This happened to me after I disassembled and then reassembled my Vader saber. All I did to fix it was hold it so th blade was pointed straight down and then tapped it on the tip untill the foam was back in place.

[skizzoid]

I just tried it, but each time I hit the tip, there was a nasty vibration running the length of the entire blade, not to mention my dreaded rattling sound.  It didn't work for me, but I imagine it worked on your Vader because it was all taken apart and everything.  You have any suggestions for hitting the tip so there isn't a crazy vibration along the blade?

[Yoda]

Hello there

This seems to be an issue with the 2nd generation 6 cell models and
is due to the fact that the foam strip has no top wrapping over the LED
and it only runs along the sides.
It would appear that the foam has about 1/2 room of play from top to
bottom and yours has simply slid down.

The Newer 3rd generation models appear to have a foam strip with a
top as well that prevents this from happening.
However it also seems that some early 3rd generation models used the
old foam strips.
(not exactly quality controlled in this manner)

If it concerns you contact Master Replicas for more information on this
and how it affects performance if at all.
But I warn you you'll want to speak to a designer and not a sales rep
nor customer service as this is a design issue.

always
MERIDIAN

[skizzoid]

Thanks, Meridian!  Helpful as always. :)  If I get the chance, I'll give MR a ring and see what they say about it.

[Yoda]

Yes let us know, because when I've called to ask about heir services they
told me flat out.
They don't do repairs only replacements.
That sucks because at one point intime or another, all of these will be
discontinued and we won't be able to get them fixed?
I hope I was just talking to an inexperienced customer service rep.
anyway let us know how your dealings with MR turn out.
always
MERIDIAN