Should beginners use "beginner" cubes?

[Bapao]

Greetings,

I realize that this topic has been discussed numerous times in the past, but I would like to see a discussion on the matter held in a low noise environment. IMO, previous threads led to battles of personal belief as opposed to leading to a possible conclusion.

My main concerns are health related. The store bought Rubiks brand 3x3x3 that I used for the first few months of my cubing endeavors almost put a halt to them altogether. I was suffering from serious pain and discomfort that made me contemplate giving up my newly found hobby.

For my part, I would like to see the following points discussed:

- Is it easier for an experienced cuber to get accustomed to "fast" cubes?

- Does using a stiff/locky cube help beginners learn turning accuracy?

- Does using a "fast" cube as a beginning cuber promote bad cubing habits?

Please share your opinions.

Regards,

Holger.

[Muesli]

Define "Beginner cube".

[Rpotts]

No, I would argue that a cuber should use a good cube as soon as possible, there's no reason to build bad habits of wrist turning and hard/forceful turning on a Rubik's brand before switching to a good cube. That doesn't mean that the best cube for a beginner is a Zhanchi, but it very well may be. Some beginner's may get better times with slightly slower cubes since they may be a little easier to control/not pop (such as the FII or A3f or Guhong perhaps.) That being said, I'd advocate getting an excellent cube sooner, rather than later. Might as well get used to them now, rather than spending months perfecting your turning on a cube that you will eventually "out-grow" or want to trade up from.

[Bapao]

Define "Beginner cube".

The store bought Rubiks brand comes to mind, but the term is hard to pin down. I've often read members post that any cube that isn't considered to be one the best cubes at the time (lets call them inferior due to popular belief) are deemed "beginner cubes".

[Muesli]

The store bought Rubiks brand comes to mind, but the term is hard to pin down. I've often read members post that any cube that isn't considered to be one the best cubes at the time (lets call them inferior due to popular belief) are deemed "beginner cubes".

Then the term is ill-defined and I don't think we should use it. I'd prefer we use "Worse cubes", and in which case I definitely disagree.

[Bapao]

Then the term is ill-defined and I don't think we should use it. I'd prefer we use "Worse cubes", and in which case I definitely disagree.

I agree. What are your thoughts on the phrase/term "fast cube"?

[Muesli]

I agree. What are your thoughts on the phrase/term "fast cube"?

Subjective. Some people prefer smoother cubes, some people prefer crispy cubes. Who's to say which is faster?

[Kirjava]

Subjective. Some people prefer smoother cubes, some people prefer crispy cubes. Who's to say which is faster?

Let us use general consensus and stop being pedantic.

Dayan Guhong > Rubik's Brand

'fast cube' is not a term that requires a strict definition.

[Kirjava]

- Is it easier for an experienced cuber to get accustomed to "fast" cubes?

Probably not. It's likely easier to switch when you're slower as you're not extremely accustomed to a specific cube after thousands of solves.

- Does using a stiff/locky cube help beginners learn turning accuracy?

Probably not. It will just taint their turning style negatively.

- Does using a "fast" cube as a beginning cuber promote bad cubing habits?

No. Opposite is true. It's even in this site's FAQ

[Muesli]

Let us use general consensus and stop being pedantic.

Dayan Guhong > Rubik's Brand

'fast cube' is not a term that requires a strict definition.

I was going to put that in my original post anyway, but shmeh.