Here it is:
Master Replicas
Mace Windu
FX Lightsaber***Converted by General Grievous (aka. LDM)***
THE STORYThis was the first FX saber I ever physically touched. I was in the underground mall in Taipei just window shopping in a video game/anime shop when I saw this saber sitting on the counter. It was expensive, and so I didn't even think of buying it...that and the fact that the blade didn't come out and I wasn't really a big fan of Mace Windu. :-X
Anyways, after browsing these forums for a while, I decided that I liked the MR version even though it was called a "pig" by many members. I thought the size (at least on camera) was acceptable for my purposes. I saw this saber on eBay, had contacted LDM about it, and waited almost a full month (maybe 2) before going through with the purchase.
THE HILTAnd this is what I got...
0 degrees:
90 degrees:
180 degrees:
270 degrees:
~ Grips ~
This saber has 2 grip sections: upper and lower. The upper grip section is faux leather made of plastic (left) as is the ring of faux leather at the bottom of the saber (right). The lower grips are thankfully made of rubber and
not plastic (right). The Covertech wheel, however, is plastic.
The Maces were notorious for losing their gold paint, and this one is no different. While still in fine condition, you can see the beginnings of wear (left). And while many griped about switch placement, I thought it was cool that the main switch was the middle gold bar (right).
~ Emitter ~
The emitter holes are solid rather than drilled through (left). That could easily be fixed, though. ;) Because of the unique switch placement, the depth of the blade socket is limited to about 1" (right).
~ Pommel ~
MR did a really nice job on the pommel, though. It both looks and feels good.
THE BLADECertainly not stock, this is a finely tuned Tri-Rebel for Tru-Purple. 8) The blade is a Corbin battle blade and the saber is running on fresh Energizer alkaline batteries. All pictures were taken first with the flash, then without.
Powered down in a well lit room:
Powered up in a well lit room:
Powered up in a dark room:
CRITIQUES{ + }
1. rubber grips
{Durability +1}2. switch placement
{Novelty +1}~ IMO, a very cool idea
3. stylish pommel
{Accuracy +1}4. MR really captured the beauty and the sleek design of this saber, despite its being oversized.
{Novelty +1} { - }
1. size
{Accuracy -1}~ see below
2. faux leather made of plastic
{Durability -1}3. Covertech wheel made of plastic
{Durability -1}4. gold paint
{Durability -1}~ comes off with use :P
5. solid emitter holes
{Accuracy -1}6. shallow blade socket
{Practicality -1}7. 6-AA :P
{Practicality -1} 8. Super-sensitive motion sensor
{Novelty -1}THE GRADEA size comparison shot with an MR Anakin ROTS (which is 1:1 with a Graflex). You'll notice that they're pretty close in size...which is what initially drew me to this saber. Unfortunately, I don't have very big hands and it was impossible for me to spin this saber. The OD with the grips is quite large.
~ Accuracy: 4/5
~ Practicality: 3/5
~ Durability: 3/5
~ Novelty: 6/5
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TOTAL = 16/20 =
80%This saber deserves an extra 20% for the LED LDM installed. Completely redefines this saber.
With some extra work, this could truly become an amazing saber. It has a lot of potential despite its size.