Ed, The maul is working great!
It is balanced just right for me. I love the way it fits in my hand. The weight alows me to hold it closer to the head for my swing. Better control I would say.
It is hard to tell if it is any different in the ricochet department than the 19 oz you made for me, as I have been useing the 28oz so far for heavy blows mostly.
I have used it a little on tooling and it works great for getting deep impressions with the first blow. I'll be using it a little more as I get used to it's weight, for tooling.
Rebound is ok, it doesn't sink into the object being hit and stop, but it also doesn't bounce back like a socker ball.
I like it completely. I wouldn't ask for anything to be changed about it. It is a bueaty to behold and a pleasure in the hand.
Joel