Post by flores on Nov 30, 2008 3:57:49 GMT -5
Hello all.
Just want to share my opinions of all the sabers I own and provide some basic details about each hilt also in order to possibly help those who are new in collecting these wonderful items.
Anyway, I want to start off by stating that I have collected a total of 5 Force FX sabers off MR. I have Luke ANH, Vader ANH, Obi-Wan ROTS, Luke ROTJ and Mace ROTS. I will be judging each of them in terms of looks, weight, comfort, brightness, etc.
Secondly, I do not duel with these sabers, however I do occasionally have spin sessions with them with my friends and well, copy and invent moves, which influences the importance of the hilt design in itself.
Okay, let me start off with...
Luke Skywalker - A New Hope
Basic Info: This is my very first lightsaber collectible, mainly because it's also my favourite hilt design. It's basically the same saber as the Anakin ROTS in terms of storyline, but this saber is just a different edition. There is a slight difference in design of both the Luke and Anakin hilts as well as the placement of the switch. I loved the Anakin hilt design, I decided to get this Luke ANH anyway because it's newer and its very similar (well it actually IS, technically) to Anakin. It takes 3 AA Batteries.
Comfort: Probably very uncomfortable at first and takes a while to get used to, due to all the switches and the thick hand grip and the placement of the switch. You'll need to hold it in a certain way while practicing it but once you're used to it, it shouldn't be a problem. Definately not the most ergonomic of the hilts, but I love it all the same. The whole concept behind this hilt design is to accomodate Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber combat form which is Form V. Apparently Form V focuses on power and sheer force, so it makes sense that it has a thick handgrip which you are meant to hold this saber really firmly. The shrouded blade emitter is something I've always been a fan of and the little 'bunny ears' near the emitter can be used for very fun but brutal hilt strikes up close. Since the hilt is slightly smaller than the others, it is also seems ideal for one-handed duelling, but I use two hands anyway to maximize grip. The switch is placed just after the blacke handgrip which may be both either an advantage or disadvantage because it can get in the way, but once you get used to it, you'll probably almost never trip it by accident. Remember when using this saber - firm grip is the whole concept. Djem So is the style of this saber's creator, so this is understandable.
Weight: Since this is my first saber, weight did not really factor in as much as after you experience other sabers. I have found that this is one of the lightest sabers and is very easy to carry. The weight is what really makes the Luke ANH (as well as the Anakin ROTS) just another step towards awesomeness, making it easy for beginners to practice spins and other stunts.
Blade: Of course, the main attraction of these items are the blades. The blue blade of this version seems to be slightly brighter than the Obi-Wan and Anakin ROTS. I cannot show pictures (and even if I did, you'd barely notice) but running these sabers on full batteries, you can notice in person that the Luke ANH is slightly brighter compared to the other blue's. Make sense considering that this is a later model than the others. This is a HUGE plus for me, since blue is my favourite saber color as well. You will hear stories about creaking noises and stuff which can be annoying at first, but don't worry too much about it, its just the way some of them are built and you'll forget about it in no time.
Verdict: Tied for one of the best sabers ever and its very nostalgic although its appearance is somewhat of an unorthodox sword-hilt, as in if you were not a Star Wars fan, you wouldn't know it was meant to be a weapon because of the fact that the design is so unique. I am rather biased towards this saber because its my all-time favorite. Definately recommend it to anybody, whether it be a Luke fan, or even an Anakin fan, or for video shoots, display, ANYTHING.
Next up, we have...
Darth Vader - A New Hope
Basic Info : The hilt belonging to the legendary Darth Vader. Take note that there is also an Empire Strikes Back version, which is an older model. It was my second saber and I love it all the same because its a very tough looking hilt and a good Sith saber. The hilt design is the same as the blue one Anakin used in Attack of the Clones except with a black emitter shroud. Uses 3 AA Batteries.
Comfort: Probably just as bad as the AnakinROTS/LukeANH sabers in terms of ergonomics. This is because Vader's style is pretty much similar in sheer force and brutality, this is to be handled the same way as the previous saber. Thick handgrip is still there, but the annoying thing is the metal thing sticking out of the switch mount which can be uncomfortable. Probably the most uncomfortable hilt next to the Luke ANH, but after getting used to it, it could possibly be your favorite. The switch however, is in a slighty better (or worse, for others) place than the Luke ANH and you'll probably never trip it accidentally unless you're really really clumsy. Having said this, this saber is still probably not recommended for spinning and 'Ataru'-like acrobatic duelling. The next section will tell you why.
Weight: It's heavy. Much heavier than the Luke ANH for sure. I noticed it right away after I took it out of the box. This why you don't want to start of spinning this one unless you're good enough and have nearly mastered the Luke ANH hilt. But it makes sense though, because it suit's Vader's smash-mouth style and he doesn't really do any fancy acrobatic spinning stuff with his saber anyway.
Blade: What can I say, it's VERY red. Although not as bright as the other colors, the good thing about the red blade is that you'll barely notice the dim of it with worn batteries from fresh ones. It is very badass though. VERY badass. Really really gangsta. TOUGHNESS factor is bordering its peak with this red blade. Also, the sound effects are different too which is the synthesized Sith crystal sound effect giving the saber a really evil and distinct hum. The sound effects of this saber probably RIP all the other sabers in terms of sound and it is the best in that department.
Verdict: Another very nostalgic saber and some consider it to be the grand daddy of all sabers. It's definately the beefiest, toughest looking hilt of all. The sounds are really evil and badass, although comfort and weight are not too great, the whole concept of this saber will truely lure you into the dark side. Definately recommend this saber for any collector, because it's the classic Vader, but not really recommended for spinning and choreography. This saber is just so tough-looking that no other lightsaber wielder will want to mess with you once you have this one.
Obi-Wan Kenobi - Revenge of the Sith
Basic Info : The cool, passive and suave Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has a force fx lightsaber that tests the limits of awesomeness. Remember, this is the ROTS version, though if you watch A New Hope, much of the gold and chrome has faded, but of course, when you see it in ROTS, its still at its prime. I believe this is the only version of Obi's saber that's ever released, but I'm unsure. Uses 3 AA batteries.
Comfort : Excellent. Although it feels a little thick, it is very comfortable and really feels a like a traditional sword-hilt. The switch is in the lower end of the hilt and is very secure, so you probably will almost never trip it by accident during mid-spin. This saber feels really nice to hold and it excels in this deparment.
Weight : Oddly, this saber also seems to be on the heavy side too. Almost as heavy as Vader's, but a lot easier to practice with. Still though, there are lighter sabers to practice with. Use this when you're a bit more confident.
Blade : I love blue blades and this one is no exception. A very nice bright blue, although as I said before, the brightness of this one even on fresh batteries may somewhat come a little short compared to the Luke ANH, but there isnt that big a gap of difference. It has your traditional Jedi sound effect, similar to the Luke ANH.
Verdict : This saber excellent in both appearance as well as in efficiency and comfort. The really good thing about this saber is that it shares a bit of the prestige of Mace Windu's hilt, but the comfort and simplicity of the Luke ROTJ. The black and gold makes this saber look very renowned, well deserved for a Jedi Master like Kenobi. There's also something about this one that is reminiscent of a samurai-like hilt. A well balanced saber which I recommend for anyone both collectors, fans or if you just want to buy one, the Obi-Wan is a good idea even if you have no particular fan of any specific character.
Luke Skywalker - Return of the Jedi
Basic Info: The green blade that Luke used in Episode VI. Based on the Obi-Wan Kenobi hilt, it bears striking similarities to Luke's master's design. It appears to be an older model compared to the others, but do not let that fact shy you away from this awesome saber. It uses 6 AA batteries instead of 3.
Comfort : Like the Obi-Wan, this is probably one of the most comfortable hilts you can use. Very efficient, but the switch is in a different place. It's on the side of the big mount at the bottom, which is also convenient and not easily tripped. It is slightly different in design compared to Obi's though. It seems slightly thinner and smoother on the hands. And I mean VERY smooth. The smoothness is probably the only quality of this saber that scores it more points than Obi-Wan's. Otherwise, they're both tied in terms of comfort.
Weight: Surprisingly, despite containing 6 batteries, this saber is VERY light, probably one of the lightest in weight, rivalled only by the Luke ANH in terms of lightness. Very easy to carry, practice and spin with. I cannot tell which is lighter out of this or the Luke ANH unless I put them on a scale myself.
Blade: For some reason, the green seems to be brighter than any of the other colors. It is significantly brighter than anything, and the sounds are very loud. Although I'm not a fan of green, the BRIGHTNESS of this saber is such HUGE PLUS. When you turn this baby on, its bright if you're used to seeing the blue and the red.
Verdict : In appearance, it doesnt really look anything special. It seems like a rough, re-translation of the Obi-Wan saber and very simple-looking. However, what it lacks in prestige, it makes up for in EVERYTHING ELSE. I'll probably go as far as to say that this is probably THE all-round BEST saber of all. Dollar for dollar, this saber is all quality. It's unmatched in comfort, weight AND brightness, and that's really the things you look for if you're really into both collecting and also good as a first saber because its one of the easiest (if not THE easiest) to practice and handle with. If you can only afford one lightsaber and you're not a specific fan of any character or color, GET THIS ONE! There are virtually NO problems with it aside from the extra battery requirements and the lack of flashy appearance.
Mace Windu - Revenge of the Sith
Basic Info: Not sure about this, but I think there's an AOTC and an ROTS version. Not sure which one I have, but I don't think it really matters. Anyway, this is THE John Shaft lightsaber. This is the one that says Bad Mother f**ker. Mace Windu, Master of Form VII combat, second only to Yoda, you'd expect this to be one tough saber... until we discuss why it is one of the more controversial sabers out there. Like the Luke green, it also needs 6 batteries.
Comfort: Not too bad at all. The grips feel nice and very easy to hold. Definately ergonomically better than Luke ANH and Vader sabers. HOWEVER... the one main beef I have with this hilt is the location of the switch. At first it seems that it is in a very convenient spot - well, a bit too convenient in this case. It is on the upper part of the hilt where three gold panels on it which can EASILY be triggered at will... or by accident. Definately not recommended for spinning and choreography unless you're confident and have fully 'mastered' all the other hilts. If you're gonna be using this saber a lot, make sure that you are good enough to wield it without accidentally tripping the switch. Otherwise, you'll just look silly on camera trying to swing and spin whilst turning the saber on and off. If you look at the Mace Windu promo pics, you'll notice that he keeps his hands just under the switch - maybe this is a hint on how you are meant to handle this hilt. I think there's a reason why only a full master like Mace Windu can use such a hilt like this. You need to be a master yourself in a way if you were to stunt, or even duel with this just because of where the switch is located. Other than that, its very comfortable, again much more so than the Luke and Vader sabers and is probably up there with the Obi-Wan.
Weight: This is another one of those heavier sabers. It's probably somewhere with the Obi-Wan and Vader in terms of heaviness. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't weigh a ton. But compared to Luke ANH and Luke Green ROTJ, it is definately heavier. No extra points in this category.
Blade: The obviously unique thing about this saber is that it is purple - a color that no other Jedi or Sith has. Although the purple makes for a very interesting, unique and cool effect, it is also the biggest downfall of this saber. The purple is by far a lot less brighter than all the other sabers. Totally useless during the daytime, the purple almost looks like a dim version of the blue blade, and on camera it already looks more blue than purple unless pair with a real blue one next to it. You really need to be in the dark to truly appreciate this saber (which is pretty much the same for every other saber, but this purple blade stresses that fact to its limits). It is up to your opinion whether the purple gains or loses points for this review or not, but the blue and green are definately much more eye-catching than this one. I might be overexaggerating, because the purple is actually quite cool, in fact, I love it to bits, but dont be surprised if you're friends have blue's and green's that are brighter than yours - but anyway, that wouldn't matter, since you're carrying a saber belonging to ONE BAD MOTHER... shut your mouth.
Verdict: Definately not recommended for a first saber or beginners. If you want to start a collection, I'd say go for the Luke ANH or Luke ROTJ, maybe even Obi-Wan. This force fx of Mace Windu is mainly for PURE PRESTIGE AND RENOWN. Your friends won't be in awe because of your purple blade, but because it is THE Mace Windu. It is definately something to add to the collection, but if you're only after one saber, you might not want to get this one, try the Luke green instead. But if you're a seasoned veteran at collecting force fx's and you believe you're finally worthy to wield an electrum hilt that only senior council members are allowed to have, then you're ready to get yourself a Mace force fx. If you've had it with these motherf**kin' snakes on your motherf**kin' plane, go get yourself one of these sabers. Not recommended for ANYTHING other than PRESTIGE AND CLASS. Not good for spins, duelling, choreography, stunts, etc, but if you're a true Mace fan, or a Samuel Jackson fan, or you really want a saber that's unlike any other out there, the Mace Windu could probably be the best or worst saber out there.
Okay, those are just rough reviews of my sabers those criteria. Please note that most of the verdicts are very opinionated and are probably prone to a bit of bias.
Overall, here's what I'd rank each saber:
Comfort:
1) Luke ROTJ
2) Obi-Wan ROTS
3) Mace ROTS
4) Luke ANH
5) Vader ANH
Weight
1) Luke ANH
2) Luke ROTJ
3) Obi-Wan ROTS
4) Mace ROTS
5) Vader ANH
Blade
1) Luke ROTJ
2) Luke ANH
3) Obi-Wan ROTS
4) Vader ANH
5) Mace ROTS
Just want to share my opinions of all the sabers I own and provide some basic details about each hilt also in order to possibly help those who are new in collecting these wonderful items.
Anyway, I want to start off by stating that I have collected a total of 5 Force FX sabers off MR. I have Luke ANH, Vader ANH, Obi-Wan ROTS, Luke ROTJ and Mace ROTS. I will be judging each of them in terms of looks, weight, comfort, brightness, etc.
Secondly, I do not duel with these sabers, however I do occasionally have spin sessions with them with my friends and well, copy and invent moves, which influences the importance of the hilt design in itself.
Okay, let me start off with...
Luke Skywalker - A New Hope
Basic Info: This is my very first lightsaber collectible, mainly because it's also my favourite hilt design. It's basically the same saber as the Anakin ROTS in terms of storyline, but this saber is just a different edition. There is a slight difference in design of both the Luke and Anakin hilts as well as the placement of the switch. I loved the Anakin hilt design, I decided to get this Luke ANH anyway because it's newer and its very similar (well it actually IS, technically) to Anakin. It takes 3 AA Batteries.
Comfort: Probably very uncomfortable at first and takes a while to get used to, due to all the switches and the thick hand grip and the placement of the switch. You'll need to hold it in a certain way while practicing it but once you're used to it, it shouldn't be a problem. Definately not the most ergonomic of the hilts, but I love it all the same. The whole concept behind this hilt design is to accomodate Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber combat form which is Form V. Apparently Form V focuses on power and sheer force, so it makes sense that it has a thick handgrip which you are meant to hold this saber really firmly. The shrouded blade emitter is something I've always been a fan of and the little 'bunny ears' near the emitter can be used for very fun but brutal hilt strikes up close. Since the hilt is slightly smaller than the others, it is also seems ideal for one-handed duelling, but I use two hands anyway to maximize grip. The switch is placed just after the blacke handgrip which may be both either an advantage or disadvantage because it can get in the way, but once you get used to it, you'll probably almost never trip it by accident. Remember when using this saber - firm grip is the whole concept. Djem So is the style of this saber's creator, so this is understandable.
Weight: Since this is my first saber, weight did not really factor in as much as after you experience other sabers. I have found that this is one of the lightest sabers and is very easy to carry. The weight is what really makes the Luke ANH (as well as the Anakin ROTS) just another step towards awesomeness, making it easy for beginners to practice spins and other stunts.
Blade: Of course, the main attraction of these items are the blades. The blue blade of this version seems to be slightly brighter than the Obi-Wan and Anakin ROTS. I cannot show pictures (and even if I did, you'd barely notice) but running these sabers on full batteries, you can notice in person that the Luke ANH is slightly brighter compared to the other blue's. Make sense considering that this is a later model than the others. This is a HUGE plus for me, since blue is my favourite saber color as well. You will hear stories about creaking noises and stuff which can be annoying at first, but don't worry too much about it, its just the way some of them are built and you'll forget about it in no time.
Verdict: Tied for one of the best sabers ever and its very nostalgic although its appearance is somewhat of an unorthodox sword-hilt, as in if you were not a Star Wars fan, you wouldn't know it was meant to be a weapon because of the fact that the design is so unique. I am rather biased towards this saber because its my all-time favorite. Definately recommend it to anybody, whether it be a Luke fan, or even an Anakin fan, or for video shoots, display, ANYTHING.
Next up, we have...
Darth Vader - A New Hope
Basic Info : The hilt belonging to the legendary Darth Vader. Take note that there is also an Empire Strikes Back version, which is an older model. It was my second saber and I love it all the same because its a very tough looking hilt and a good Sith saber. The hilt design is the same as the blue one Anakin used in Attack of the Clones except with a black emitter shroud. Uses 3 AA Batteries.
Comfort: Probably just as bad as the AnakinROTS/LukeANH sabers in terms of ergonomics. This is because Vader's style is pretty much similar in sheer force and brutality, this is to be handled the same way as the previous saber. Thick handgrip is still there, but the annoying thing is the metal thing sticking out of the switch mount which can be uncomfortable. Probably the most uncomfortable hilt next to the Luke ANH, but after getting used to it, it could possibly be your favorite. The switch however, is in a slighty better (or worse, for others) place than the Luke ANH and you'll probably never trip it accidentally unless you're really really clumsy. Having said this, this saber is still probably not recommended for spinning and 'Ataru'-like acrobatic duelling. The next section will tell you why.
Weight: It's heavy. Much heavier than the Luke ANH for sure. I noticed it right away after I took it out of the box. This why you don't want to start of spinning this one unless you're good enough and have nearly mastered the Luke ANH hilt. But it makes sense though, because it suit's Vader's smash-mouth style and he doesn't really do any fancy acrobatic spinning stuff with his saber anyway.
Blade: What can I say, it's VERY red. Although not as bright as the other colors, the good thing about the red blade is that you'll barely notice the dim of it with worn batteries from fresh ones. It is very badass though. VERY badass. Really really gangsta. TOUGHNESS factor is bordering its peak with this red blade. Also, the sound effects are different too which is the synthesized Sith crystal sound effect giving the saber a really evil and distinct hum. The sound effects of this saber probably RIP all the other sabers in terms of sound and it is the best in that department.
Verdict: Another very nostalgic saber and some consider it to be the grand daddy of all sabers. It's definately the beefiest, toughest looking hilt of all. The sounds are really evil and badass, although comfort and weight are not too great, the whole concept of this saber will truely lure you into the dark side. Definately recommend this saber for any collector, because it's the classic Vader, but not really recommended for spinning and choreography. This saber is just so tough-looking that no other lightsaber wielder will want to mess with you once you have this one.
Obi-Wan Kenobi - Revenge of the Sith
Basic Info : The cool, passive and suave Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has a force fx lightsaber that tests the limits of awesomeness. Remember, this is the ROTS version, though if you watch A New Hope, much of the gold and chrome has faded, but of course, when you see it in ROTS, its still at its prime. I believe this is the only version of Obi's saber that's ever released, but I'm unsure. Uses 3 AA batteries.
Comfort : Excellent. Although it feels a little thick, it is very comfortable and really feels a like a traditional sword-hilt. The switch is in the lower end of the hilt and is very secure, so you probably will almost never trip it by accident during mid-spin. This saber feels really nice to hold and it excels in this deparment.
Weight : Oddly, this saber also seems to be on the heavy side too. Almost as heavy as Vader's, but a lot easier to practice with. Still though, there are lighter sabers to practice with. Use this when you're a bit more confident.
Blade : I love blue blades and this one is no exception. A very nice bright blue, although as I said before, the brightness of this one even on fresh batteries may somewhat come a little short compared to the Luke ANH, but there isnt that big a gap of difference. It has your traditional Jedi sound effect, similar to the Luke ANH.
Verdict : This saber excellent in both appearance as well as in efficiency and comfort. The really good thing about this saber is that it shares a bit of the prestige of Mace Windu's hilt, but the comfort and simplicity of the Luke ROTJ. The black and gold makes this saber look very renowned, well deserved for a Jedi Master like Kenobi. There's also something about this one that is reminiscent of a samurai-like hilt. A well balanced saber which I recommend for anyone both collectors, fans or if you just want to buy one, the Obi-Wan is a good idea even if you have no particular fan of any specific character.
Luke Skywalker - Return of the Jedi
Basic Info: The green blade that Luke used in Episode VI. Based on the Obi-Wan Kenobi hilt, it bears striking similarities to Luke's master's design. It appears to be an older model compared to the others, but do not let that fact shy you away from this awesome saber. It uses 6 AA batteries instead of 3.
Comfort : Like the Obi-Wan, this is probably one of the most comfortable hilts you can use. Very efficient, but the switch is in a different place. It's on the side of the big mount at the bottom, which is also convenient and not easily tripped. It is slightly different in design compared to Obi's though. It seems slightly thinner and smoother on the hands. And I mean VERY smooth. The smoothness is probably the only quality of this saber that scores it more points than Obi-Wan's. Otherwise, they're both tied in terms of comfort.
Weight: Surprisingly, despite containing 6 batteries, this saber is VERY light, probably one of the lightest in weight, rivalled only by the Luke ANH in terms of lightness. Very easy to carry, practice and spin with. I cannot tell which is lighter out of this or the Luke ANH unless I put them on a scale myself.
Blade: For some reason, the green seems to be brighter than any of the other colors. It is significantly brighter than anything, and the sounds are very loud. Although I'm not a fan of green, the BRIGHTNESS of this saber is such HUGE PLUS. When you turn this baby on, its bright if you're used to seeing the blue and the red.
Verdict : In appearance, it doesnt really look anything special. It seems like a rough, re-translation of the Obi-Wan saber and very simple-looking. However, what it lacks in prestige, it makes up for in EVERYTHING ELSE. I'll probably go as far as to say that this is probably THE all-round BEST saber of all. Dollar for dollar, this saber is all quality. It's unmatched in comfort, weight AND brightness, and that's really the things you look for if you're really into both collecting and also good as a first saber because its one of the easiest (if not THE easiest) to practice and handle with. If you can only afford one lightsaber and you're not a specific fan of any character or color, GET THIS ONE! There are virtually NO problems with it aside from the extra battery requirements and the lack of flashy appearance.
Mace Windu - Revenge of the Sith
Basic Info: Not sure about this, but I think there's an AOTC and an ROTS version. Not sure which one I have, but I don't think it really matters. Anyway, this is THE John Shaft lightsaber. This is the one that says Bad Mother f**ker. Mace Windu, Master of Form VII combat, second only to Yoda, you'd expect this to be one tough saber... until we discuss why it is one of the more controversial sabers out there. Like the Luke green, it also needs 6 batteries.
Comfort: Not too bad at all. The grips feel nice and very easy to hold. Definately ergonomically better than Luke ANH and Vader sabers. HOWEVER... the one main beef I have with this hilt is the location of the switch. At first it seems that it is in a very convenient spot - well, a bit too convenient in this case. It is on the upper part of the hilt where three gold panels on it which can EASILY be triggered at will... or by accident. Definately not recommended for spinning and choreography unless you're confident and have fully 'mastered' all the other hilts. If you're gonna be using this saber a lot, make sure that you are good enough to wield it without accidentally tripping the switch. Otherwise, you'll just look silly on camera trying to swing and spin whilst turning the saber on and off. If you look at the Mace Windu promo pics, you'll notice that he keeps his hands just under the switch - maybe this is a hint on how you are meant to handle this hilt. I think there's a reason why only a full master like Mace Windu can use such a hilt like this. You need to be a master yourself in a way if you were to stunt, or even duel with this just because of where the switch is located. Other than that, its very comfortable, again much more so than the Luke and Vader sabers and is probably up there with the Obi-Wan.
Weight: This is another one of those heavier sabers. It's probably somewhere with the Obi-Wan and Vader in terms of heaviness. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't weigh a ton. But compared to Luke ANH and Luke Green ROTJ, it is definately heavier. No extra points in this category.
Blade: The obviously unique thing about this saber is that it is purple - a color that no other Jedi or Sith has. Although the purple makes for a very interesting, unique and cool effect, it is also the biggest downfall of this saber. The purple is by far a lot less brighter than all the other sabers. Totally useless during the daytime, the purple almost looks like a dim version of the blue blade, and on camera it already looks more blue than purple unless pair with a real blue one next to it. You really need to be in the dark to truly appreciate this saber (which is pretty much the same for every other saber, but this purple blade stresses that fact to its limits). It is up to your opinion whether the purple gains or loses points for this review or not, but the blue and green are definately much more eye-catching than this one. I might be overexaggerating, because the purple is actually quite cool, in fact, I love it to bits, but dont be surprised if you're friends have blue's and green's that are brighter than yours - but anyway, that wouldn't matter, since you're carrying a saber belonging to ONE BAD MOTHER... shut your mouth.
Verdict: Definately not recommended for a first saber or beginners. If you want to start a collection, I'd say go for the Luke ANH or Luke ROTJ, maybe even Obi-Wan. This force fx of Mace Windu is mainly for PURE PRESTIGE AND RENOWN. Your friends won't be in awe because of your purple blade, but because it is THE Mace Windu. It is definately something to add to the collection, but if you're only after one saber, you might not want to get this one, try the Luke green instead. But if you're a seasoned veteran at collecting force fx's and you believe you're finally worthy to wield an electrum hilt that only senior council members are allowed to have, then you're ready to get yourself a Mace force fx. If you've had it with these motherf**kin' snakes on your motherf**kin' plane, go get yourself one of these sabers. Not recommended for ANYTHING other than PRESTIGE AND CLASS. Not good for spins, duelling, choreography, stunts, etc, but if you're a true Mace fan, or a Samuel Jackson fan, or you really want a saber that's unlike any other out there, the Mace Windu could probably be the best or worst saber out there.
Okay, those are just rough reviews of my sabers those criteria. Please note that most of the verdicts are very opinionated and are probably prone to a bit of bias.
Overall, here's what I'd rank each saber:
Comfort:
1) Luke ROTJ
2) Obi-Wan ROTS
3) Mace ROTS
4) Luke ANH
5) Vader ANH
Weight
1) Luke ANH
2) Luke ROTJ
3) Obi-Wan ROTS
4) Mace ROTS
5) Vader ANH
Blade
1) Luke ROTJ
2) Luke ANH
3) Obi-Wan ROTS
4) Vader ANH
5) Mace ROTS
" - Berserker