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Licensed Products: eFX Collectibles, Master Replicas, Hasbro and more => MR Force FX Reviews => Darth Maul TPM Reviews => Topic started by: jack3auer on May 04, 2006, 12:43:27 PM
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Hello all
today i am one happy man, my double maul arrived and exceeded my expectations.
i have decided to do a review, i hope you like it. click on the pics for larger versions....
The saber arrived in a box bigger than your usual force fx lightsabers, once opened i was greeted with a really nice new box design. i was really impressed with the look of the box.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2370.jpg&hash=6c6a1fec90004743952b32c52b8793da21cacd2d) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2370.jpg)
it even has a bit of a prop story on one side
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2372.jpg&hash=ce8d1f97cfd2aec76d63ed09c0dbdec536ef74a1) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2372.jpg)
once i had cut the seals and opened the box up i found the two sabers and two force FX stands, to my surpise they recommend the use of only one of these stands for display the double. as i will be displaying it as two separate halves thats fine for me.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2373.jpg&hash=53f9b686af3cdbaf2d552892f8c99cb5d0d3b796) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2373.jpg)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2376.jpg&hash=2808d2bfb02fdd49af343964b4a5aa05f85aa850) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2376.jpg)
once i had got one half of it unwrapped the first thing that struck me was just how small a diameter this thing has, it is a lot thinner than i was expecting. i immediately looked at the now famous endcap to check out the split crystal, i was not disappointed.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2384.jpg&hash=b89565b42fd9c6ea3fbffae7b9b3d1e55e89e9ef) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2384.jpg)
this is a really nice thing to see, the crystal and the two burned wires.
here is a view on the inside of the endcap.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2388.jpg&hash=5675b5caa32ac20cfeaf1a6e08acc82505283109) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2388.jpg)
the battery holder
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2389.jpg&hash=5435270b8ac239e2d3a89555042a7e2c8873c98f) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2389.jpg)
turning my attention to the actual hilt, i was very impressed with the detailing. here i have tried to capture the nice LED
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2386.jpg&hash=6c89768d80a33403d03e5d9b00849c65ab333ab9) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2386.jpg)
the emitter area is also really good, these pictures dont do it justice
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2387.jpg&hash=fdd0733545a872e843d8583a109cd11ac9f28776) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2387.jpg)
so how does the blade look ignited.
well IMO pretty good in full daylight. there are visible blotches but the overall quality of the piece stops me worrying about this right away. in the dark its a little bit less noticable but the blade is very bright
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2391.jpg&hash=7968412c2f09e38ea58417f41ae6efb579dd18a2) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2391.jpg)
The coupler to join the two halves together is a great piece, in order to get the buttons to lign up MR had to enable this piece to be adjustable, it does a very good job IMO
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2393.jpg&hash=025143a52c7377601a35871bc8e8cc1ec1d2df6e) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2393.jpg)
Here is a look at the double ignited in medium room light, twilight outside
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2395.jpg&hash=5918c9fbf3fd609733feafef12a1bf12fc9112fb) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2395.jpg)
and finally a comparison with my vader ESB
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe174%2Fjack3auer%2FIMG_2396.jpg&hash=399d739a95230820cfe1d5cd7ca60c908d0a35e6) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/jack3auer/IMG_2396.jpg)
here are my thoughts on the saber.
Hilt.
Best FX design yet, really well machined, beautiful to look at and hold. nice diameter is much closer to the prop than some previous FX's. i think this feels more like a real saber than any of the other FX'x i have owned/own.
Blade
Very red, some blotching, but really vivid, i am yet to see it in complete darkness, but i know i wont be disappointed.
Sound
hhhmmmmmm most of the regular members and the mods here will know my feelings on this issue. i was very put off when i heard that the maul fx was to have the vader sounds. honestly now i cant believe it bothered me that much, i have already stopped thinking about it. the sounds are very crisp and the motion sensors perfect, perhaps this is because its so big, you cant move it as quickly in the house (i am yet to try outside). with the coupler on as a double uint the sounds are altered slightly but not muffled to my ears. the sound of the idle hum is menaciing like the vader ESB/ANH.
Overall i would give this saber a 9/10. one point shy of perfect because of the recycled sound and the slightly blotchy blade. this has surpassed the anakin ROTS as my fave saber already (mear hours of getting it) the quality of build and look of the hilt are amazing. master replicas have really excelled themselves with this saber, they will be hard pushed to top this FX.
considering i prefer Jedi sabers to sith, i must say how amazed at this saber i really am, i cannot recommend it enough, if you are on the cusp of investing, stop hesitating and go for it. IMO as a single saber it does not hold up against the anakin ROTS but doubled up as it is supposed to be, this is awesome. it is a testament to Obi Wans skill with a saber that he beat the wielder of this incredible lightsaber.
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COOL! ;D The double looks awsome. I have the double ani and its cool, and i really like how if you swing the double, there is like not 1 spot when there isnt a swing sound playing.
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Im glad to see you finally got home to your new saber Han, i know you were very anxious at work today. I still have to wait till tomorrow afternoon :( oh well thanks for the pics now i really cant wait i am very excited that looks like an awesome saber
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Nice pics. I am also very pleased with the Maul. The slim hilt feels fantastic in the hand, and it's nice to know the blade should take more of a beating than the previous versions. I also prefer jedi sabers over sith, so the Maul isn't my favorite.. but I do like the Maul more than both of the Vader FX's I've owned.
Unfortunately, I doubt the new Obi-Wan will have the same thick blade or AAA powered battery pack. :-[
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it really is awesome saesee, i am so happy with it i cant tell you. i just had both halves and the vader ESB on, the hum was fantastic. the blades not very different in appearanceTBH.
i am continuing fixing my new sabers to my wall above the PC. one day when the desk is clear of my wifes paperwork etc i will upload a pic of the display.
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Wonderful review, Han! 8)
As cool as this saber is, I will pass on it. I am completely happy with my Vader ESB.
But I am glad that you are a happy owner nonetheless. :)
Unfortunately, I doubt the new Obi-Wan will have the same thick blade or AAA powered battery pack. :-[
I hear that it too will have a thicker blade, though I don't know about what batteries it will take. ???
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thanks for the comments guys and gal. i really appreciate it
i know what you mean about being happy with the vader ESB joclad, but seriously this is in a different league. i have never been this happy with an FX. i have surpised myself, i nearly passed on this one myself, but am so glad i didn't.
as for the Obiwan ROTS i dont mind if it has AA batts, since thats what i am used to i guess. i have decided i need it now though becuase i have more sith blades than jedi and that cant be.
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I understand. I may get it later, but right now, it's the last saber I am thinking of...and there is no telling how I will feel about any saber ever again when my Hyperdyne kit comes in and I install it.
If it turns out to be what I think it will, I will NEVER, EVER be able to look at another FX the same way again, so I must hold off on any other FX's till I see what Hyperdyne has done in person. ;)
-Joclad
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Excellent review, Han. :)
Reading it and looking at your pics makes me want to whip out my double Maul and take it to the streets. ;)
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Nice review Han! I want to get one of these myself but as I have told you on MSN haha I am strapped for cash.
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Congrats!
Nice review, simple yet informative, and the close up pics r cool, i never saw the crystal endcap the other way around.
I need to do more freelance jobs to buy these.. but now im waiting for the new Obi-Wan, im sure it has the new electronics n blade like the mauls.
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That is one sweet review. Well once I get a double bladed darth maul I'll have to convert it since I saw in your pics how bad the bloches are. I'm also am gonna try to get two corbin drivers and try to install them in the hilts. Or I can just order one convert either way. Can't wait to see the Obi Wan reviews soon. :)
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One of the best reviews ive seen , really like it, Congrats Han Solo , this really made me want to buy the maul!
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Excellent review, Han. :)
Reading it and looking at your pics makes me want to whip out my double Maul and take it to the streets. ;)
lol remember your training AS....calm down..... ;)
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I don't know if anyone has asked this but did it come with two seperate stands? I mean how does it get onto the stands? haha
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Yeah, it comes with 2 separate stands of the same design. I just wish MR could produce a stand specificly designed n built for this awesome piece.
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thanks for your comments guys i appreciate the feedback.
Hang kenobi is right, Ki Adi, you get two stands. MR recomend the use of one stand for displaying the double maul. the covertec clips apparently line up either side of the see through supports to aid in holding it in position.
due to the space it takes up and the way i have my other sabers displayed, i have it displayed as two halves. you get two stands in the double maul box. you only get one coupler though, not to worry, i dont intend to lose mine :D
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Nice review Han. ;)
When the Maul was originally anounced, I wasn't that interested, to be honest. But as the reviews flood in I am becoming more and more tempted.
It seems as though it is the saber with the highest build quality of them all, I hope future sabers are up to the same standard.
This bodes well for the soon to be released Obi-Wan FX. ;)
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i have to have the obiwan ROTS now. i too wasnot excited about the maul but i eventually buckled. i know i need the obiwan aswell now.
if you go to www.r2dtoys.com and look at their ebay auctions you should see the double maul for about £130. absolute bargain chewie. £50 cheaper than play.com.
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Cool. Thanks for the info Han. ;)
I'm really not sure what my next saber purchase is going to be. ???
I am considering getting a Hyperdyne kit but just can't bring myself to part with that kind of cash for a toy, especially as I think you really would need two to fully appreciate them.
I have a Luke ROTJ and a Vader ESB buy yet before I get around to the Maul, and if the reviews are favouable for the Obi-Wan, I will probably want that as well. ::)
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i have to have the obiwan ROTS now. i too wasnot excited about the maul but i eventually buckled. i know i need the obiwan aswell now.
I might get the Obiwan too, but I sincerely doubt it will have the same thick blade the Maul has. I believe MR used the thick blade solely to make coupled Maul sturdier, and will recycle the Anakin ROTS in the Obiwan. I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm confident that's what will happen.. and MR, why make the ROTS Obiwan with the Maul.. hasn't enough interested been expressed that a Phantom Menace Obiwan is in order? :'(
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When is the obi-wan going to be released?
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around the fall of 06
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Ah very good review indeed Captain Solo...I'm very impressed with the pictures....I think this will be the next saber I buy.
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Great review Han,
and great supporting pics :)
I may have to get this one if i can score one on discount.. :P
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Great review Han,
and great supporting pics :)
I may have to get this one if i can score one on discount.. :P
Yeah the lowest I've seen well ever seen at all was $99 at Border's. I was suprised since the Luke ROTJ I just bought was $125 at the same place. But I really don't see myself getting both halfs because the whole double blade thing just doesn't suit me too well. But being able to see that red crystal is pretty sweet.
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That was a cool review I just bought a Double Bladed Darth maul and waiting for it in the mail. I live in Austin and they don't believe in FX Lightsabers I guess I'm the only one out here who owns some of them and I think it's great and yet expensive hobby to get into.
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yep its expensive to be sure,
everyone loves lightsabers though. young and old.
the maul is wicked fun.
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Nice review Han! Keep up the good work. :)
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Nice pics dude... the blade looks HOT!
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Oh yeah I forgot to say great review by far the Darth Maul has the most reviews since also more folks are beginning to except the FX Sabers into the world instead of wondering what they are.
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Oh yeah I forgot to say great review by far the Darth Maul has the most reviews since also more folks are beginning to except the FX Sabers into the world instead of wondering what they are.
Ya most people won't be like OMG WHAT IS THAT!?!?! Mostly because of the craze at Bestbuy and Futureshop, Toys R Us, and anyother main store that held them around christmas.
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Nice review, love the pictures. They just seem to get better and better with each generation. The hilt is really beautiful, I wonder what the Obi-Wan ROTS will end up being like.
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the ObiWan fx will end up being a nice lookin saber with a big fat neck for sure..