Originally posted by Proto
Well, I think the main problem is the triangular smudge. It's shape should be bent at the end, taking into account all saber positions between two animation frames. It looks particulary odd when you use force speed or timescale. Just look at the AotC photo. Hope you know what I mean ;).
AJL's saber looks better, but on the other hand, the white core seems too vivid. IMO the transition between the core and the glow should be slightly more blurry.
http://alienjl.homestead.com/files/Sfx2SabersUPD.jpg)
like this maybe: