Note: Vintage review – this review is from an earlier version of our homepage and is correspondingly old!
First impression
With this saber, Hasbro stuck exactly to the previous Master Replicas model.
All details were carried over 1:1. Apart from the slightly larger diameter, you could think you were holding the saber from the film.
Hasbro's model also comes with the connector that lets you join two single Darth Maul FX lightsabers into the famous double-bladed lightsaber.
Still, the single „battle damaged“ saber has its appeal too, since it gives you a look at the inside and the crystal of the saber.
Handling
The saber is very solid and made entirely of metal. That's why it's quite heavy, and the polycarbonate tube, which is a bit thicker than the others, also makes the saber very head-heavy.
The Maul FX lightsaber shows its true strength when you join it into a double. Then the center of gravity is in the middle, and fast tricks and strikes are no problem.
Hasbro thought of everything with the activator too. Like on the previous version, it's operated with a twisting motion. So switching it off by accident is rather unlikely.
Light and sound
Compared to a blue or green blade, the blade isn't as bright, but it glows a nice red.
The Sith sound comes out of the speaker loud and clear, though it only has one clash sound. The sounds are the same ones already heard in the Darth Vader FX lightsaber.
Wear
Since the blade is very sturdy and the hilt is made entirely of metal, this saber is hard to bring to its knees.
Only the black paint on the emitter fades with frequent use.
The activator also becomes very loose with frequent use, and accidentally switching it on or off can't always be avoided.
Verdict
The Darth Maul FX lightsaber shows its strengths in the double version, since as a single saber it's too head-heavy.
If you're a fan of Darth Maul and his fighting style, there's no way around this weapon.
