Saber Forum

Oh wow, what a turnout!  I didn't know we could fit this many people in the forum review room.  Okay, before we get started, I hope everyone remembered to bring something for the potluck...

...ZAP!  CRACKLE!  CRACKLE!...  Hey!  No force lightning Continent...  I don't care if it was for popcorn...  And Magic, stop hording all of the raffles and onion dip...  Ziran...  Ziran, don't do it...

Oh, you have got to be kidding me...  Really?  A food fight? 

*Big sigh*

Okay guys...  No, not them, all of you watching this insanity from the safety of your computer screens.  Let's get this review started...  But before we do, there are a couple of aspects that should be kept in mind when considering this potential new release from Ultra Sabers. 

First, and perhaps foremost, the saber were about to look at is a cannon saber.  Or in other words, a saber that has been designed and constructed to be a faithful rendition of a saber used by a specific star wars character.  In this case, the Phantom Menace himself, Darth Maul.

For most, the importance of this consideration is likely self evident.  But for the uninitiated, it is important to understand that movie prop designers rarely take into account whether or not a saber could actually be used proficiently and comfortably.  Or to put it another way, it would be unfair to judge a cannon saber by the same standards one would judge a dedicated dueling saber.

The other important aspect to remember is that this saber is a true prototype.  By which I mean, that unlike the new V4's, this saber well undergo some modifications before it is ultimately released.  So please bear that in mind.

Lastly, to avoid any potential for copyright infringement and to give a nod to the forum members who came up with it, we'll give this new saber and unofficial name...  Ladies and gentlemen of the forum.  It is my honor and privilege to present...  The Menace...

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0190_zps908b4e05.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0190_zps908b4e05.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0154_zps68a7fa6c.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0154_zps68a7fa6c.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0151_zps0e96e60e.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0151_zps0e96e60e.jpg.html)

Starting off with the basics, the Menace comes in at 10 1/2 inches in length and weighs a relatively light 17 oz as equipped.  Used as an individual saber, this firmly places it in the realm of a single handed hilt.  This also equates too limited internal space and a snug fit for Ultra Sabers top of the line electronics package.  Specifically, I found that the wiring coming off the ends of the Emerald drivers would push against the AV switch housing with a fair amount of resistance.  The concern I have, though be it a small one, is that this could lead to wire damage or even a cracked driver board.  Again, I believe the risk of this happening is small.  However, I do feel that it is significant enough to warrant either lengthening the hilt slightly, or repositioning the AV switch slightly forward.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0181_zps6264252a.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0181_zps6264252a.jpg.html)

Note how the speaker is shifted off to one side, caused by the Emerald driver wires pressing against the AV switch.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0180_zps6b60c559.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0180_zps6b60c559.jpg.html)

If there is a single feature of the Menace that is synonymous with the character who wielded its inspiration, without a doubt, it would be the emitter.  In this case, the designers at Ultra Sabers have outdone themselves.  An innovative marvel of craftsmanship, the emitter is a three piece design consisting of a heat sink type MHS emitter head, multifaceted vent cage, and a black anodized MHS extension.  The combination of which results in a near perfect rendition of the movie character's hilt.  Or at least as much as a 1 inch blade pass through will allow for.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0167_zps56bfff0b.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0167_zps56bfff0b.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0166_zpse98b8c12.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0166_zpse98b8c12.jpg.html)

Another aspect of this emitter I find very appealing is the use and placement of the three blade retention screws.  Although having to remove the emitter head and cage in order to gain access to the retention screws would be annoying on a dueling saber, in this case, it's a clever solution.  Furthermore, the blade retention is phenomenal.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0162_zpsa80c0095.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0162_zpsa80c0095.jpg.html)

When first looking at the main body of the hilt, one may have the initial impression of a simple aluminum tube with some knobs attached.  But if you take another look, we find that the hilt is in actuality the benefactor of some rather extensive machining.  In fact, the Menace has no less than four different diameter dimensions producing the sabers silhouette.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0129_zps1a09b903.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0129_zps1a09b903.jpg.html)

Ultra Sabers has also missed very little in terms of detail.  The covertech wheel is where it should be.  Also, the   use of the  AV switch in place of one of the control knobs is not only acceptable, but expected...

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0126_zpse82c092b.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0126_zpse82c092b.jpg.html)

The accent lights, though not eliminated, are actually machined and screwed into the hilt...

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0127_zps221231d6.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0127_zps221231d6.jpg.html)

However, there are a few minor issues with the rest of the control knobs.  The obvious one of which is that the two larger knobs should be red.  But that one is really of no concern as I am sure they will be so on the production model.  But there are two legitimate concerns which I hope are addressed...

As they are currently configured, small thread size and oversized washers, it's not a matter that they may fail...  It is a matter that they will fail.  Whether they snap off, or strip out, they will not survive an impact due to the saber being dropped.  Keeping in mind this saber is a prototype, I suspect Ultra Sabers is already aware of this particular issue.  But just in case, I would strongly recommend the use of a fitted washer and a flat machined mountain surface as was done with the accent lights.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0174_zpsd892a94d.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0174_zpsd892a94d.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0176_zps43793dd6.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0176_zps43793dd6.jpg.html)

This last control knob issue Ultra Sabers may not be aware of, which is the diameter size and/or placement of the rear control knob.  As currently configured, the rear control knob is ever so slightly proud of the hilts end.  This is not an issue with a flash mounting pommel, but it does cause interference problems with the larger ones and it would be advantageous to use a smaller diameter knob.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0178_zps3d8658f0.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0178_zps3d8658f0.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0179_zps19f4c72d.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0179_zps19f4c72d.jpg.html)

The last major pieces of the saber is the pommel.  However, there's not much to cover as the Menace is currently supporting a low profile Manticore pommel...  A feature which I strongly suspect will be changed in the production version.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0168_zpse71727ef.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0168_zpse71727ef.jpg.html)

Accounting for the fact that this saber is a prototype, I am truly impressed with the aesthetics of the Menace and of Ultra Sabers attention to detail.  Now...  Let's take this bad sithy saber for a spin...

Single wield testing was done with both standard and heavy grade 36 inch blades as well as a 32 inch standard blade.  For saber staff I enlisted the help of one of my Manticores with a 32 inch blades only.  In both cases, I kept the maneuvers down to the basics because I really did not want to risk damaging the prototype.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0146_zps962ab514.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0146_zps962ab514.jpg.html)

To be absolutely honest, given all the knobs and covertech wheel, I had serious doubts that I would be able to effectively wield this saber.  Surprisingly, I was...  No, it didn't turn out to be a super saber like the new V4.  Nor could I really light it up the way I can with my V3 Initiates.  But I was able to perform the basics without cutting myself up and could even comfortably perform some crossovers, including a behind the back span.

In practice, I found that my best grip was just below the emitter with my thumb loosely draped over the covertech wheel.  In fact, in this position, the whole grip in general had to be kept extremely loose in order to prevent the saber from binding in my hand. 

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0171_zps9e3cefd0.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0171_zps9e3cefd0.jpg.html)

A secondary grip location, which I used mostly during crossovers to a reverse grip was between the AV switch and the hilt heat sink grooves.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0172_zps70215697.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0172_zps70215697.jpg.html)

As far as how the Menace performed with the different blades, it did best with the 32 and 36 inch standard wait.  Unfortunately however, with the heavy grade 36 inch blade, the saber was extremely sluggish and difficult to control.

In a staff configuration, the Menace performed quite well...  Yes, yes, I know...  It should because it's meant to be a staff.  However, there is a small caveat in that I needed to remove the rear knobs.  Once those were out of the away, look out Qui-Gon...  It's Phantom Menace time. 

Um...  You know, somehow I just don't feel right saying that.  Any-who...  I really only needed to do this for hand over wrist spinning and the knob placement didn't really affect the use of a normal bow staff type grip.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0149_zps71f6d7ea.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0149_zps71f6d7ea.jpg.html)

In summary, the Menace would never cut it as a freestyle saber, nor would it be my first choice as a dueling saber...  And it's not meant to be.  However, it does handle well enough to be enjoyed and I see no reason why it could not be used in choreographed light dueling.  Furthermore, in staff form, it is in fact capable of being used in heavy dueling.  But let's be realistic.  It's a cannon saber, and you're not going to want to beat it up.

Okay, before I bring this review to a close, how about a few photos in bad sithy red and some MHS versatility...

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0187_zps639b76a9.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0187_zps639b76a9.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0182_zps0b1894bf.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0182_zps0b1894bf.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0183_zps027f53e5.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0183_zps027f53e5.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0184_zpscb6d3213.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0184_zpscb6d3213.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0185_zpsd430fb0c.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0185_zpsd430fb0c.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0150_zpse6ac3923.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0150_zpse6ac3923.jpg.html)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0191_zps85ae2e62.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0191_zps85ae2e62.jpg.html)

Just for fun...  A quickly set up shot to illustrate what the emitter could look like if it were vented.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0192_zpsd11cc0e7.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0192_zpsd11cc0e7.jpg.html)

And last but not least...  The current family photo to show size comparison.

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah21/julmax/IMG_0134_zps7e3bb977.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/julmax/media/IMG_0134_zps7e3bb977.jpg.html)

With all of the nit picking I've done in this review, you may be thinking that I'm not particularly thrilled with the Menace.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Remember, this is a cannon saber in the same vein as the Graflex and Chosen One.  That very special saber which is displayed proudly as a centerpiece of one's collection.  That is what the Menace is meant to be, and it excels in this role.  Or to sum it up another way, I would not hesitate to pay top dollar for this saber.

Now for the good news bad news thing...  The good news...  Ultra Sabers does indeed plan to release the production version of the Menace.  Oh, and please remember, that's not an official name. 

The bad news...  I have no idea when this may be.  In fact, unlike the V4 which has seen limited release, I have been informed that there is currently only one of these sabers in existence... 

...And now you know the reason why I don't want to damage it. ;)


Hey!  Who threw that!  Gerrr...  That stain is never gonna come out...  Don't do it...  Don't you da...  EEP!  WOOSH!  SPLAT!   

That it!  Gatling cream pie gun time...  Now who wants some of this!  ...VOOMP! VOOMP! VOOMP!... SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT!...  He,he,he...  I always come prepared. :D

Wow. That looks just amazing. Looking forward to see the finished product!

OMG I love it, another reason to get 2 instead of one
hope to see the final product soon

Fantastic review, have a cookie with light side chocolate chips ;D

Spectacular review and Saber! It's a prototype so I'm sure the team at Ultra Sabers will see this review to help make the final adjustments before its official release. Thanks for sharing!

Hoarding? I wasn't hoarding.. I was.. protecting them.. yeah.. that's the ticket!

Super-awesome review as always! Great job julmax!

That is definitely going to be a popular saber when it gets released!

Have a point m'lady!

Another great review, julmax. The emitter is probably the most exciting part of this because of its versatility and the endless combos you could make with it. It may be nice to see another pommel on it, but US has done this before with other sabers (i.e. Archon/Arbiter, Bane/Raven), but we shall see.

Thank you for another comprehensive assessment of this unique saber. Have a point.

Another fantastic review. I can't wait for the production modle to be releced this one is going in my wish list next to the guardian and consular. Have a point.

Fantastic review! Maul's saber is my favorite one in Star Wars, I can't wait until it is released.

Great review, julmax - and a true one of a kind, huh? Guess I know at least one hilt that's not coming my way :P

I really like the look of the hilt. It strikes a nice line between the complexity of upper end hilts like the Mantises and Reapers, and the simplicity of the Aeons and Liberators. Seeing it with the flat, cylindrical pommel makes me think of this as an evolution of the Shock in a way - similar recesses in the hilt, but that much more detailed.

The potential of that emitter is intriguing as well. I'm presuming the 'cage' part of it is held in place by a ridge on the hilt and the top part of the emitter?

I'm looking forward to the 'Menace' becoming a regular part of the US lineup. I mean, I hate them for keeping on bringing out new hilts for me to buy, but I guess I can live with that... :D

Drooooool.

That is incredible, the emitter gives me tingles. I would love two of these but I don't think the missus would allow it. ):

Point for the review though, they're always so informative, I'm surprised US aren't paying you to do these for all of their sabers. It would be awesome if there was a julmax review on every product page on the site. ;D

Wouldn't be surprised if US gave you this prototype on purpose. :P ;D
Am looking forward for this one to be released, since it did most likely serve as an example for the Manticore and should also work well in contraption as a staff.

ZL wipes onion dip out of his beard. :o

Nice one, Jul.  That thing looks great with the Manticore emitter on it.  As far as your review, nicely done indeed.  You sort of confirmed what I believe that some of us were already wondering about ie: it looks a little "busy" with the various knobs and wondering how it would handle.  I agree that this one, like the Chosen One, may be more of a collector or "show piece" than an every day dueling hilt.

It looks amazing!

Excellent review!  It may be some time before the "Menace" appears for sale, but it is now officially number 2 on my "want" list.   :-)

Yes and no JC...

The emitter cage is held in place by ridges, or more aptly, by shelves.  However, these shelves are a result of the emitter extension being a slightly smaller diameter than the standard MHS components.  As a result, you can place the combination of the extension and the cage between any two appropriately threaded MHS parts.

Although a very simple concept, it's an intriguing designing.  I mean think about it, I could easily see this concept being used for a variety of elaborate vented emitter extensions and vented couplers.

Another fine review Julmax.  I didn't even know that this is a replica of Darth Maul's saber staff.  Jeez that would have been one embarrassing review if I had done it.  Still too busy for me, but I can see why the Sithy types and SW collectors would be enthusiastic.  I liked the combo using part of the Mantoglaver (?) and the one adding the Manitcore emitter.  You provided some very detailed feedback.  Odd that your's is a one and only, so perhaps there are others in various stages of development.  Awesome to own and you should name it.  Thanks and a well deserved point.   :)

You're so lucky Jul. Getting all these cool prototypes. I kinda want the Menace when it comes out. Forget the Manticore at this point. Lol. Just kidding. This is so sick though. Post some more lit blade pics. =] I know you're a chick but I'd love to see you do some Darth Maul inspired costume, would be awesome for sure.

Great review!  I really, really like this saber!!!!  Live with the knowledge that I'm a bit jealous! 😘

BAD!!! A$$!!! Way to go US!!!

I'm not as active on this forum, so I didn't see this until now. This saber looks great and if they were to release a nickel plated version of it, I would get one.

Epic review, I can't wait until US actually releases that, and what a fitting name, the Menace. Perfect. I got a Manticore CE in the silver finish and Chosen One CE as my prizes (emerald winner) and I would've gotten a Consular but they had none in stock sadly or else my order would have been dubbed the TPM collection (the Manticore is like Maul's saber and my winning saber order was for a Guardian).

Excellent review. If you aren't already,
I vote Julmax to be our forum prototype
official product review representative.
Excited for this saber, one of my favs.
US moving in the right direction, bravo!

Agreed. I actually watched a video on how to do Maul face paint and now I kinda want to be a classic Maul for Episode 7 next year. XD Both ends of the sabers would HAVE TO HAVE sound for sure though. Now we'll need a Darth Maul font made but I kinda liked the Clone Wars sounds of his sabers though personally.

always nice to see another Canon saber from US for the movie enthusiasts to drool over and let alone the one Starwars character that really gave the double bladed saber it's life

and excellent review as always. I'm jealous of this saber and it's certainly on my consideration list for a possible future purchase

Spectacular review, along with excellent photos to accompany it. I have long desired a duel worthy replica of Maul's saber, and knowing that US is working on something this spectacular is amazing. I now know what my next saber(s) will be.

man that is awesome! i would love to buy just the windowed extension parts below the emitter to add to a few of my sabers. that is sweet looking! imagine that on a raven hilt! Sexy!

With the release of the Menace, I figured I would bump this up to the top of the review list...  Also, please keep in mind that this review was for the "prototype" version...  And I can already tell that the production version is much more refined. ;) 

HA!  You pegged it, Julmax.  Weren't you the one who suggested the name, Menace?

Although I obviously propagated it in the review... James Casey was actually the first one to suggest the name Menace...  ;)

And now I must buy one!

Official release of this saber was bound to happen. Looks sick too. Wonder what other goodies US has for us later on =]

And I don't even get a free one! ;)

Are you feeling any more inclined to start duelling with yours now you can buy a replacement, julmax?

I'm curious as to where you think the improvements have been made in the release version, too, if you don't mind. I'm *this* close to placing an order, so... :D

Haven't decided if I'm going to get two CE stunts to use as a display piece or one SE with sound to pair up with my existing prototype.  Either way, although capable, I would likely never use them for heavy dueling...  The hilts are just too busy.

Improvements...  As best as I can tell... 

The lengthening of the hilt for those equipped with a recharge port and/or Emerald driver...  Eliminating the potential for damaging the circuit boards and/or wiring.

The replacement of the Manticore low profile pommel with one that is model specific to the Menace.

And as to the question regarding the knobs, I won't be able to answer that until I have a production model in hand.

On the plus side however, the option for the vented emitter sleeve was brilliant...  Even if it isn't cannon.  Hummm...  I wonder if the mockup picture I did had anything to do with that. :-\ 

Okay, okay...  I'm being presumptuous...  But like, think of the irony...  A totally wacky, bad sithy slaying Jedi, influencing the design of an iconic sith saber...  he-he-he-he.  :D