This is going to be a review of the DIY Type A III, not Third Model, which is a different cube entirely although still Type A obviously.
I have decided to post this as there is a lack of reviews on this cube both on YouTube and the forum, even the video from Tox|k neglects it.
As Tox|k did I will judge the cube on its ability to do what Rubik's Cubes do; cut corners, its turning speed and how much it pops.
First of all, this is a cube I have recently received so first impressions should be accurate and truthful. I will compare it to some some other popular types such as the 'Old A' and the 'Type D/Yuga'.
Now that's out the way I can actually start the review.
Initial Impressions
Well, as I received this as a DIY kit my first impressions will be of the cube in pieces, this may very well be relevant as some of you know the Type A III is renowned for its apparent flimsiness. The first thing I did was check the tabs, just to find out what kind of strength they had behind them. To me they seem fine, they appear to be very sturdy and would require quite a bit of force to snap them off. I then noticed the tracks that it had on all of the edge pieces, there wasn't a lot to notice but a slightly raised area of plastic!
So my first impressions were good, if nothing else, it was the best cube I had seen pre-assembly!
Ready to assemble!
Post Assembly, Pre Lubed
Although I would not normally say this, assembly was actually quite difficult. Because the core is made from such a hard plastic the screw did not want to go in and the threads would not grip the plastic, eventually I succeeded although my troubles were not over. Due to the fact that the edges are held in by 'tabs' there was not a lot for them to grip onto the centres with, again I eventually got the cube constructed!
Now for the first turn! Bumpy. I could feel the corners as they moved over the raised tracks, not a massive problem but expected. After a few adjustments I had the cube at a good tension, still I could feel the corners brushing the tracks but this was not an issue; the cube was still fast. As far as the weight of the cube goes it is extremely light, that is no understatement. It is almost literally as light as a Type F! I don't mind the weight so much although it may be a key factor in certain people's cube choice. At this point you may be wondering what these so-called tracks are for, well, from what I can see they definitely reduce the surface area of which rubs against each other during a turn. All good.
I popped in the centre-caps, which seem to hold very well, and stickered up the cube raring to solve! I found that still, the cube was bumpy. It did not cut corners, probably as much as a store-bought, yet was still very fast. I was quite pleased with it pre-lubed but I knew it could only improve, so out came the lubricant!
The Type A III core
Post Lubrication
Yey! Lubrication! As with most cubes the Type A III responded instantly to lubrication and was improved two-fold. I worked the silicone based lubricant in well and wiped off any excess.
The speed of the cube is excellent, it is at par with the Type D although not with the smooth, gliding action. Playing with both I would say the Type A III is easier to control, it seems to let you know when to stop after each turn. The corner cutting was not massively improved, in fact, it still cuts corners at around 50% of what my Original Type A does, unfortunate. The tracks also seem to hinder the cubes ability to cut corners at a larger angle. I think this is also the reason that I find it locks up not frequently but at some points during the solve. The cube due to the fact that it is so light also feels cheap and flimsy. Not to say that it is of course but it remains a fact, despite its flimsiness I would not say it was unstable; it has not popped as of yet and, touch wood, it won't start on me!
The Type A III also has quite a nice M slice, I don't use it at the moment (r2', R2 is what I use) but I might very well start! I have also noticed that it has very rounded 'cubies', again like a Type F. I find it gives a 'friendly' look if that's what a cube could be!
Completed core
Rating
To close this review I will try to add a rating system, this won't conform to anything so I cannot confirm accuracy, just opinion.
Assembly - 4/10
Turning Speed 9/10
Corner Cutting - 3 to 6/10 - Improves massively after breaking in, comparable to most DIYs.
Feel/Feedback - 6/10
Appearance - 8/10
Weight - 2/10
Overall - 7/10
A comparison between the original Type and and A III
Final Comments:
Overall I like this cube, it could definitely improve but for now I like it. It's a very average cube so I wouldn't say I would recommend it, but likewise I wouldn't tell you not to buy it. I feel this cube would suit a certain person, I may try some hybrids but as I say, I am happy for now.
I hope you enjoyed the review, don't forget to post comments and questions. I may add some pictures to the review in the future although that is subject to demand. I have tried to remain positive throughout the review so as to let others gauge their own opinions as accurately as possible.
Thanks for reading.
Updates:
I have read comments and have noticed some people mentioning the apparent flimsiness of the tabs on the edge pieces. I have not experienced this, yes they are breakable but not to an extent that you should worry; especially if you are careful.
My tip to remove or replace the edge pieces without breaking them is that you should obviously turn the top layer 45 degrees and put your thumb underneath the edge piece, but, when levering out the edge push down on the edge and corner directly underneath. This should give the edge a bit more room to move and hence will come out easier and not break.
Again when replacing the edge push down on the edge and corner directly underneath where you are replacing your edge.
3/9/2009 - After a good few months of use I have a sealed opinion on the cube. This is now my main speed cube and currently hold my PB Single with it. The Type A III improves over time, it loosens while breaking in helping greatly with its corner cutting. The side effect is that the cube now occasionally pops, or crumbles. Pieces do not tend to fly out of the cube, more just fall out and ruin the solve. I would now recommend this cube to purchase.
Where to Buy:
Also a topic of conversation is where to buy the cube, currently the Type A III is available from
Cube4You,
RubikFans and
Deal Perfect.
Linear Mode
