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Licensed Products: eFX Collectibles, Master Replicas, Hasbro and more => MR Force FX Reviews => Darth Maul TPM Reviews => Topic started by: AAYLA SECURA on April 13, 2006, 02:51:53 PM
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Are two blades better than one? In some cases, yes. Sometimes, no. But overall yes. :)
Night after night. Dream after dream. I must say, I've never had so many dreams about a Force FX lightsaber as I did with the Darth Maul FFX. I'm not sure why... I was looking forward to it (who wasn't), but initially it wasn't something I was overly excited about. But for some reason, I was having these recurring dreams every few nights... the Darth Maul lightsaber, two blades long, five feet long (in the dream :D ), being spun around by me in front of my house on a dark night. As time went on, my excitement for the Darth Maul FFX only amplified. When I found out it could be reserved at Border's, I wasted no time in reserving a pair. April 4th was the release date. About a month's wait. In the days approaching April 4th, my anticipation accelerated. April 4th comes along, and no call from Borders. So I call them and am told that the Darth Maul lightsaber has been pushed back until April 11th. :( What a bummer! Another week goes by, and come April 10th, I get a phone call. I answer, and to my surprise, Borders had recieved their shipment of the Darth Maul Force FX one day ahead of schedule! ;D I raced over there and got me two lightsabers. I then zoomed home, opened up both sabers, and applied the batteries. The results? Stellar. ;D
The Hilt
The Darth Maul FFX hilt feels to have a solid build. It also looks authentic. It doesn't get fingerprints, which is excellent. It's not heavy at all. When you pick it up, initially it feels quite heavy. But that's actually the blade. The blade is much heavier than the hilt. It's kind of like the plastic Anakin ROTS in that sense. Up close, the hilt has some very good and authentic detailing. I love the feel of this lightsaber. The ignition switch is unique in the sense that you must rotate it to turn the saber on and off. I like this, as it prevents the blade from accidentally shutting off. It's also just a neat little feature to have. The endcap of the lightsaber is designed to show the details within the battle damaged Darth Maul hilt. It looks almost exactly like that of the .45 scaled replica. I think it's kind of cool. Swinging around the Maul saber is a piece of cake. Since the blade is much heavier than the hilt the balance isn't exactly right, but the grip that the Maul provides makes up for it.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FMaulhilt.jpg&hash=5e9d9dee6c4336cf685734ba37fb94abadacd1d2)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/Maulhilt.jpg
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FSingleMaulCoupler.jpg&hash=48551fc744db3fc925c904d4344c4ef30a06e2a9)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/SingleMaulCoupler.jpg
The Blade
The blade of the Darth Maul FFX is very sturdy. Is it really thicker than other FFX blades? It's hard to say. If you look at it up close, you can clearly see more space between the interior of the blade and the outer edges of the polycarbonate. It's cool, but I think because of that there's a bit less area to be lit up, so it doesn't look as wide when compared to other sabers. The blade may actually be the same width as previous models, but because of the wider gap between the outer blade and the electronics it appears to be thicker.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FSingleMaul.jpg&hash=40e8540754af8fe28570a0033bc8b4fa7815ab52)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/SingleMaul.jpg
Firing it Up
When lit up, the blade glows a deep red color. It's not super dark, but it's clearly red. In a lit room it looks red and not pink like the Vader ESB. It does appear to be less bright, though. I'm not sure if it may appear that way because of the darker red color or not. I was a bit disappointed that there's a faint dark spot near the center as there was with the Anakin ROTS. But all in all, things look good. I think one of my Maul sabers may be a tiny bit darker than the other, but it's not very noticeable. The blade feels to be very securely placed into the hilt. There's no wobbliness of any kind. As for the sound, well, it's the Vader ESB sounds reincarnated. Not my (or anyone else's) ideal choice of course, but it works out fine. The sounds aren't exactly the same. They're clearer, and the tone is quite a bit deeper. When you connect the hilts the sound is slightly more muffled, but it gives off a really cool aggressive and menacing sound, just as it should. :)
Darth Maul saber in lowly lit room:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FMaullit.jpg&hash=8c7635527789147dbd5d447d0eaac2274d60b297)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/Maullit.jpg
Darth Maul saber in completely dark room:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FMaulDarkRoom.jpg&hash=c98e8c063ae91a6b3149595d52317b82712e32ea)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/MaulDarkRoom.jpg
Darth Vader ESB (left) & Darth Maul (right)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FVadervs.jpg&hash=06e0c9e79ab04002e491ca020013d33a0e069e55)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/Vadervs.jpg
Creating the Double-Bladed Lightsaber
To connect both hilts, you need the included coupler (pictured above). You must first remove the endcaps on both sabers and connect each hilt one at a time. This is a bit tricky when you're trying to connect the second saber. It's best to hold the second one to the top and on a flat surface, like a bed. The coupler is cool in that the bolt can be twisted with the included wrench in order to align both hilts evenly. Connecting both Mauls isn't like dust and crops. ;) It takes time and patience if you want to do it just right. But if you tighten the coupler and the hilts too tightly, they're very, very hard to take apart. At least mine are. In fact last night I spent so long trying to get the coupler apart from one of the hilts that my hands were hurting so much afterward. Haha.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FDoubleMaulhilt.jpg&hash=80fd1ed55638c19a7f3a4d08acfae0350f74b848)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/DoubleMaulhilt.jpg
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FDoubleMaulunlit.jpg&hash=c5b8d16064984c8c147db1629d58f69e74a6117b)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/DoubleMaulunlit.jpg
Once you fire up your double-bladed Darth Maul FFX, you have what may be holding the most awesome Force FX lightsaber to date. At 7 feet long, the double-edged Maul isn't exactly a walk in the park to handle. It bumps walls and chairs and anything else easily. Instead of watching that one blade doesn't bump anything (which sometimes is a task in itself), you have to watch two. But once you make it outside of the house and you have all the room you need, you're in for a real treat. The double Maul is surely a sight to behold. The blades burn brightly as the sound hums aggressively and you swing it around and twirl it. Just pure FFX awesomeness at its best. ;D I've been able to do some basic twirls above the head and to the sides, but since I'm only 5'3 and the Maul saber is over 7 feet long it isn't easy to do. I have found that wielding the Darth Maul saber has helped me in swinging around my single bladed FFXs. It makes them feel like a piece of cake to swoosh around. :)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FDoubleMaullit.jpg&hash=a05e2e16127d83de6b5a905428975fabcf4deafe)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/DoubleMaullit.jpg
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FFullMaullit.jpg&hash=3655d6b39cf8e02280856de8cb599ffc934b59dc)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Vickyrose85/FullMaullit.jpg
Fin
All in all, you can't lose with the MR Darth Maul Force FX lightsaber. You've got a detailed and accurate hilt, a sturdy blade... which lights up a nice red color, and cool sounds that work fine, even if they're not movie-accurate. You can use one saber, two if you want to pull an Asajj Ventress, or go all out with the double-bladed (my favorite way). ;) The Darth Maul lightsaber is quickly becoming my favorite FFX. With plenty of options, excellent accuracy, and lots of downright awesomeness, how could it not be?
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Good review!
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VERY NICE!!! UBER COOL!!! FRIGGIN SWEET!
once again you amaze us with your attention to detail and the ability to convey your thoughts into words on screen.
KUDOS!
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nice review,.. and you are cute!!
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Man, that comparison next to the Vader ESB blade is NOT flattering, it honestly just looks dim.....I suppose I could see it just being a darker shade, but what gets to me is that its not throwing off much light around it and it doesn't give off a "white core" look in the least. Too bad, because Maul's saber has always been my favorite.
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Never judge the saber by its picture. Cameras almost always make it look a little different. This saber looks so awesome when it is powered up. If you look on the picture next to the vader, the light they are casting on the wall is about the same, so they are around the same brightness, but the maul red seems a lot more "menacing" to me.
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Excelente caliente!!!! And Ijbrekke, the blade is JUST as bright as the vader. Its a little deeper red, but dont worry, Ive had the pleasure of taking many pics to help my bro N law Nhoj Pas Anner write up a soon to be finished review, and you will see a comparison pic that will put your worried mind at ease.
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Excellant review Aayla, yeah I have to agree the Maul is a good saber although the Vader ESB is still my Fav, side by side the Maul is more red than the Vader
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Nice review Aayla, great detail.
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I can see the dark spot you are talking about...like I said, my Vader ESB is the exact same way. :-\
Oddly enough, the most perfect blade among my FX's is the Mace ROTS that I won on MR trivia. 8)
I guess Amy just happened to send me an excellent specimen.
I might pic up a single Maul later, but if you've been reading my posts, you know the next MR that I am waiting on. ;) ;D
And great review by the way. :)
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(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv199%2FVickyrose85%2FVadervs.jpg&hash=06e0c9e79ab04002e491ca020013d33a0e069e55)
That IS a difference!
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Great review! I just got 1/2 of my Maul today, and I have to say, it is easily in my top 3 sabers already. Great hilt, great blade, and best of all, you can connect to make the double blade! Of all my sabers, I would rank them:
1. ANH Vader (Sentimental, my first saber)
2. 05 Luke ROTJ (great green blade, LOUD)
3. Darth Maul (This might move to #2 when I get the other half)
4. Luke ESB (Great hllt, Original Trilogy)
5. Mace Windu (Purple is cool, unusual hilt design)
6. Anakin ROTS (Still a great saber)
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Nice review, but is "dusting crops" not "dust and crops"
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Excellent review Aayla, now I'm definately picking up one this weekend. I can't get both but eventually will buy the other one later due to my budget.
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Excelente caliente!!!! And Ijbrekke, the blade is JUST as bright as the vader. Its a little deeper red, but dont worry, Ive had the pleasure of taking many pics to help my bro N law Nhoj Pas Anner write up a soon to be finished review, and you will see a comparison pic that will put your worried mind at ease.
I'm looking forward to it, I would love to be able to see and compare these things in person but unfortunately the middle of Iowa is not exactly FX-saber heavy. When you have no immediate access to the sabers (other than purchasing them, obviously), you HAVE to go off of pictures. I truly hope that the Maul's blade is everything people say it is, I was just very surprised when I scrolled down and saw that side-by-side shot. I mean, you have to admit, in that picture the Maul just doesn't "radiate" quite like the Vader does. It just looks less bright. But again, don't have one in person, can't be certain. Anyone wanna send me one to try? ;D
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I agree, great review.
I guess the only two things keeping me from buying this is the fact that they re-used the Vader sounds, and that when its put together, you don't have like a one button ignition switch so you can either turn on one blade at a time or both at the same time. I'd imagine it would be hard to turn them on at the same time as it is with the knobs the way they are. That is kind of disappointing.
Oh yeah, and the other reason I can't get one is that I'm broke as xxx, lol. Forgot about that one. :)
I'll be saving for a Luke ROTJ, then and Anakin ROTS, then a Mace ROTS.
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I've totally forgotten about the Vader sounds. I love the Maul FX as they were my own twin sons. Great review Aayla. Dueling with the Maul is awesome-get two friends and take them both on at the same time. ;)
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Thanks for the compliments, everyone. :)
I've totally forgotten about the Vader sounds. I love the Maul FX as they were my own twin sons. Great review Aayla. Dueling with the Maul is awesome-get two friends and take them both on at the same time. ;)
That would be so fun! I wish I was willing to duel with it, though. I don't duel with my sabers, though... just my spare plastic Anakin ROTS. :)
Nice review, but is "dusting crops" not "dust and crops"
Whoops! My bad. Thanks, DP. ;)
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GREAT REVIEW Aayla Secura As always ..
I feel it in the force that there will be a Aayla Secura appreciation post soon ;D
I have got some Mauls in stock,but due to money issues I got to keep them for stock >:(
I can look at the lovely boxes though :-[ But honestly this is the hardest thing to do,I mean I waited for the mauls to drop for 6 months,even had a Maul FFX dream of my own,and now I have them and can`t afford to open them >:( Life sucks :'(
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isnt that saber freakin awesome???
i actually got the double bladed saber special edition from master replicas! i was so excited when it got here...i was like a little kid ;)
great review! :)
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great review as always aayla,
you have made me want a maul even more now.
however i must wait.....
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great review as always aayla,
you have made me want a maul even more now.
however i must wait.....
Gosh! Amlost exactly what I was about to say!;)
I'm gonna get that amazing Lightsaber in a few weeks;) Just can't wait.
I'll try to make a review of it. But, I don't think it will be as good as yours Aayla.
But I will fight with that twins!;) Oh yeah, for sure I will!;)
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thanks Aayla great review
the ESB comparison leave me shocked :-(
I must stay calm .... I want one before to start with some serious blasphemy ..... ::)
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Very good review. Very informative. I've said it once and I'll say it again you're probably the best when it comes to reviews on this site. I love the pics too.
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Thank you. I do what I can. :)
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nice review Aalya, good details, info and pics..i love seeing these types of MR FX reviews, with lots of info and pics to boot
Darth Bane
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GREAT REVIEW AAYLA!
Once again your review has really given me an idea about what the saber is like. :)
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awesome review! you and Anakin Skywalker do the best reviews here! and qui-gon! nice!
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Well based on what he said before.. turning it on at the same time.. well if you watch TPM you will notice that even maul turns it on one at a time.
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But he used the force to delay the second one to match up with the music. :D
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Hahaha. Nice one Luke :D
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Aayla's pics don't lie. The blade is not as intense as the Vader. On mine, you can easily
see the spaces in between every LED on both blades.
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interesting....some people talk about the new maul as the best thing out there...some say it sux, lol. interesting points of view
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I should say the same that was freakin sweet Aayla. I can't say the same since I converted my anakin ROTS into a Luxeon saber. But since I saw your review I'm really seriously thinking about getting one. I might have to go with the one at a time instead of the double because those things cost money lol. But if I do intend to get a Darth Maul FX I might not convert it just for the fact that it wouldn't be the same when you power it up. I like the realism of the 64 leds to come from the hilt to blade and back. If anyone can make that happen with a luxeon LED let me know. Nice review :)
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im loving the yello linkX
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ya that yellow is mac, i would like to see a red blade in that mace hilt tho, i think thatd be Uber!
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what the heck is an Uber?
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uber jus means like "cool" or something
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Jaden is quite correct, but a more in depth answer might be:
Uber from the German über is slang for "Super cool" substituting the German über for its cognate "super", and than contracting it down to just uber.
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ha ha thanks Luke
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I couldn't wait any longer!!
After seeing all these reviews and pics and hearing the pleas of the masses for some double bladed tutorials...I have ordered the Double pack Maul. I was trying to wait for the storefront to get them in....but I just couldn't do it! Sorry guys.
So expect some new tutorials by the end of May/early June
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i hereby decree......the word "UBER" is never to be used again!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks Bro I appericate it.
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Can't wait for your review and tutorials, Anakin! :)
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Hey Anakin it would be cool to see your review on the darth maul too as well. When I your review was first on the list for the Luke ESB I knew then I had to get one.
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Nice review and pics Aayla...
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i agree.
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Thanks, you two.
A new idea just occured to me today... how cool would it be to see two duelists, both with a double-bladed Maul saber, go head-to-head? :o
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i forsee,
a damaged maul saber
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Thanks, you two.
A new idea just occured to me today... how cool would it be to see two duelists, both with a double-bladed Maul saber, go head-to-head? :o
hmmmmm......
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That would be freakin sweet. The only problem is that the double blades are heavy so the duel wouldn't last very long unless your buffed up with size 32 biceps lol.
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Awesome review once again, really makes me want to one, no matter what ;D
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Hey. Just wanted to say how ur reviews are great. Cant wait till ur review on the Obi Wan FX. I had some problems with my maul fx. For some reason, the bladess lost complete brightnees after about 5 mins of being on an i had to have mine returned. :-[
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That would be freakin sweet. The only problem is that the double blades are heavy so the duel wouldn't last very long unless your buffed up with size 32 biceps lol.
Ha ha ha, I see the scene!!! Too Barbarian-conan like withing with double maul!;) Funny!;)
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aayla, great review, darth maul's and obi wan's are the only two sabers i dont have that would complete my desired collection. and your review is making me doubt which one to get first (i thought obi's but then i read your review ;D)
thanks on the info sweet lethal aayla