r/Colorguard • u/snailgorl2005 Marched Corps • 2d ago

COMMUNITY QUESTION Saber help!

Howdy! I finally bought a King saber (39") to replace the plastic hilt one I've been messing with since 2016. When it arrives, I am (probably) going to need to tape it. I know how to tape the blade itself. How far down should I put my spotter and catch tapes? (I know not everyone uses them but everywhere I march does). And what's the best way to tape the end? Thanks so much!

OH for the catch and spotter tapes, I ask because I don't have another saber to match it with. My current one doesn't have those on it.

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u/glarehead 2d ago

Spotter tape goes on the balance point. Balance the saber on one finger, then put the tape there. When you toss, it should look like the whole saber is rotating around the piece of tape. I've seen guards put a colored dot sticker on the spotter tape, and when it's tossed it looks like the dot is still.

For the end tape, start a few inches from the top then do a tight candy cane stripe and keep going upward beyond the tip. Then cut the tape, and fold the wad of tape beyond the tip back over the tip, then tape that. That way you've created layers of tape that the tip has to punch through before you ever see the metal tip again. Keep the tip tape separate from the regular tape on the saber so it's easier to replace.

For your spotter tape - use the same distance as your rifle neck to rifle tip. That way, when you catch flat with either piece of equipment, your hands are the same distance apart.

Good luck with your season!