As some may or may not agree, Darth Maul became one of my favorite SW characters since we had a proper look at him in the Clone Wars series. IMO he should've been the main villain throughout the prequel trilogy. As a fan of the character I was excited when US released the Menace. That and the fact that it is unbelievably beautiful and wrought full of detail.
I actually suffered a small amount of anxiety over which version I wanted(SE, CE, Dark, Azure, Crimson). It came down to the SE and the Dark Menace. I tried to fight the urge to pick the canon look and do something different for me, but in the end I felt at peace going with the Menace SE.
Wow, this is seriously one gorgeous hilt. If you like your precious's shinny, this is the precious to get. For the order specs, I decided on BR, with SY FoC; yellow AV switch, the black blade holder and the classic control button configuration. And US V4 sound. *shudder*
One of my constant favourite aspects of any lightsaber is a flared emitter. With the option to pick from two different blade holders and with the shmexy grill, it checks off all the right boxes. The grill itself is machined so that its edges are comfortable to the touch. To me gripping it here is comfortable and useable for dueling and spinning. And just the overall dimensions of the emitter are functional and very pleasing to the eye.
Knowing this is one of the shortest premium hilt US makes I chose a 32" regular UE blade. Visually it stays the course for the overall dimensions and makes this a quick and compact weapon. It's really light and fast and I so enjoy wielding it. The blade retention is very fortified with three blade retention screws that hide under the grill.
To get at the retention screws, the top portion of the emitter unscrews from the black blade holder underneath the grill. This top emitter piece holds the grill in place with precise pressure against the top of the hilt body. Then the grill simply slides free and exposes the blade screws. Really, just loosen these parts and install/remove the blade. It may be one or two steps more than usual but it's so easy. Sure some design elements could be improved, but
little steps like this add a bit of depth to such a personal weapon like this
The body of this lightsaber has been taken to a new level by US IMHO. It's just so nice. The raised and recessed machined rings, the buttons, jewels, screws... My favourite detail is the small flat sections in between the buttons, and the square cut lines along side the jewels. The jewels do a nice job of subtly catching the light and can give off a little bit of glow.
The covertec wheel is placed close to the emitter which is character specific and true on one end of Maul's full staff. But on any Menace you get one and can remove one from either end to make it more canon accurate if you wish. I like it where it is, it's different and hangs uniquely on your belt. With a blade on it'll swing down in the same way as most sabers will with a covertec wheel. As for grip I've found no issue with where it is placed. The emitter makes for a fine hand hold with enough room without interference from the wheel.
Here are just a few fun shots of the buttons with a macro lens. Of course, the control buttons are removable if you so please.
Some of you may be thinking that with so many buttons along the body that it might be uncomfortable to use other than light play. But I quickly found out that this isn't the case, for
me anyway. I love using this for spinning, there are hardly any drawbacks with the buttons in place when this lightsaber is in use. And for light to medium dueling I'm happy to leave the buttons where they are as your fingers find a way to fit them into place with most grips and with relative comfort.
But if you want to get more serious there is a way. I have spouted much about replacing the control knobs with smoother, low profile button screws for more serious fighting(and for sure not the only one to think this or do it). So I finally have a chance to show you what you could do by making available for yourself these screws for a very quick and easy change out for a cleaner finish for fighting. By far I am no expect when in comes to dueling, but I sure love to get out there and scrap!!!
I found the control screw by the pommel end hard to replace for the fact that the body has a thin wall(in this spot anyway) and even with a super short screw it protrudes to the interior getting in the way of the sound board. The stock screw is fine though. However replacing all other control screws including the covertec wheel is not a problem.
No lightsaber is perfect but as you can tell I haven't had much to criticize concerning the Menace. And if I did I haven't found it worth mentioning at this point in ownership. This is a good example of how US keeps taking it's steps fwd to provide something quality, fun, and affordable for us to enjoy. As far as all aspects of the saber hobby goes I give this one my full recommendation for those who are considering the Menace. I love it...this hilt is an A+.
