The Maul saber takes some getting used to, even if you're an accomplished martial artist, like myself and some of the other members on here. Master Anakin Skywalker is another top notch authority on the topic, as he did the FX-Saber Spin video.
Now in my style of martial arts, the bo staffs we learned to use (many eons ago...lol) were typically from the floor to your eyebrow in length. That was the standard way of gauging how you should cut your staff. Now that was for a standard staff, not to include a tapered staff or any other variety.
The problem with the Maul is that it is VERY LONG. Now, you could do what Master Kit Fisto did, and get one customized by ULTRA that has shorter blades (I believe his has dual 28" blades instead of the normal 36" blades, but he may be able to add to that information.)
I personally chose to get the normal size Maul, because I wanted one more specific to the movie. Ray Parks isn't all that tall of a guy himself, so I figured it would just take some practice, because the total length from floor up goes WAY higher than my eyebrow at 5'8". LOL...
The major problems that I had to make adjustments for was twirling behind the back. I find that I have to bend over at the waist more than taller people, or else the saber will hit the ground and scratch/catch.
Here's another idea I recommended for my friend, who was getting upset about consistently dropping/banging his Maul and was afraid to scratch it.
Purchase yourself from Asian World of Martial Arts or any other Martial Arts vendor that allows you to get a bo staff to length, or get one that is longer that you can cut down and practice with THAT. If you drop it or damage it, you won't be bummed because a full STAFF SABER Maul will run you $140+. If you get the Luxeon converted ULTRA SABER, I believe it is $269 or so.
So, if you practice with the bo-staff first, then in no time you'll find that you can handle the Maul with little problem.
Also, if you get a bo-staff, I recommend getting one made out of cocobola wood. It is a denser, heavier wood but it will act like a medicine ball like in sports. Rattan is lighter, but if you practice with a heavier wood, then when you pick up the Maul you'll find that your twirls are MUCH faster.
This is how I practiced ESCRIMA/ARNIS in American Kenpo Karate. I spent the extra money on cocobola sticks, and I never regretted it. By the time I picked up the rattan sticks, I looked like a 2 rotor helicopter :D
A lot of information for you here. Hope it wasn't too long winded. I'm sure some of the other martial artists and self-taught saber spinners will add their input also.
Welcome to the forums and get yourself that Maul. You won't regret it!
:D