Advice Cube/What next?

[lethalleftpeg]

Hi, this is my first post, read my pm and understand this is where i need to be

So, I clocked the beginners method, moved onto the key hole and just last week moved onto F2L. Im solving using my recent method (F2L and Beginners for the last layer) on average in 1:25, with a PB of 1:06 (havent managed that 1 min solve yet ) Ive been casually cubing for a few months now.

Ive just started looking at 2 LOOK PLL/OLL (hope ive got that right)

I read a post a couple of threads down and see ive probably learnt the different methods the wrong way around perhaps. Using the powers of google, ive stumbled across badmephistos vids and have found them very useful and easy to follow and now discovered this forum.

Ive been using an official Rubiks cube and lubed it. Its pretty smooth, but doesnt cut corners and the stickers are starting to peel. Ive decided its time for a new cube.

Ive been looking around and found Puzzlepro and Cube 4 You, which by the sounds of things are the cubes to have. I dont wish to start another 'which cube shall I buy' thread, but what cube shall I get :confused: From what ive read, Puzzlepro seem reliable and have good cubes, but C4U possibly the better cube? Im also intrigued by making my own, so would like to try a DIY.

Also, any tips from the pros on where to go now with my solving would be great.

Thanks for reading and apologies for the long post.

 

[leeho]

Hey there! If I were you, I'd forget about learning fridrich F2L for now and concentrate on keyhole. It's better to concentrate on one thing then trying to learn alot of things at once right? Practice with keyhole method until you get down to around 50 seconds average? Then start learning F2L. As for the cubes, a new cube isn't really required, it won't affect your times very much at this point. However, if you insist on wanting a new cube, Puzzlepros is good if you live in the US. One more thing, do you have a break down of a solve? Like the time taken for cross, corners , edges and last layer?

 

[StachuK1992]

Hey there! If I were you, I'd forget about learning fridrich F2L for now and concentrate on keyhole. It's better to concentrate on one thing then trying to learn alot of things at once right? Practice with keyhole method until you get down to around 50 seconds average? Then start learning F2L. As for the cubes, a new cube isn't really required, it won't affect your times very much at this point. However, if you insist on wanting a new cube, Puzzlepros is good if you live in the US. One more thing, do you have a break down of a solve? Like the time taken for cross, corners , edges and last layer?

I'd have to disagree.
Learn intuitive F2L off of badmephisto's videos.
Get sub-55 avg of 5
Then go for 4LLL (2step OLL + 2step PLL ).
get sub-50 avg of 5
Then go for 3LLL (2step OLL + 1step PLL).
get sub-40
Then practice like crazy.

Also, get a DIY as soon as possible. They really help. Type C's seem trusted by many.
Practice like this until you get to ~25 seconds.

Once at ~25s, you can worry about other stuff them

Yes, I'm actually suggesting learning F2L and 3LLL before practicing, instead of during. Practicing is easy; it can be done whenever. In other words, it can be done in pretty much any environment, while it's MUCH easier to learn F2L and 3LLL in a quiet room.

 

[soccerking813]

Welcome to the forums.

If I were you, I would wait until sub-1 minute to learn fridrich F2L. For now, maybe get better at Keyhole, and start learning 2 look OLL and 2 look PLL.

People say that c4y doesn't have good customer service, so I never intend to order from there, unless you live in Asia. If you live in North/South america, I would order from Puzzlproz.

 

[Daniel Wu]

You don't really need a new cube yet. (I do 17 second averages sometimes on my storebought.) Get new stickers though.

 

[leeho]

Hey there! If I were you, I'd forget about learning fridrich F2L for now and concentrate on keyhole. It's better to concentrate on one thing then trying to learn alot of things at once right? Practice with keyhole method until you get down to around 50 seconds average? Then start learning F2L. As for the cubes, a new cube isn't really required, it won't affect your times very much at this point. However, if you insist on wanting a new cube, Puzzlepros is good if you live in the US. One more thing, do you have a break down of a solve? Like the time taken for cross, corners , edges and last layer?

I'd have to disagree.
Learn intuitive F2L off of badmephisto's videos.
Then go for 3LLL (3look last layer).
Then practice like crazy.

Yes, I'm actually suggesting learning F2L and 3LLL before practicing, instead of during. Practicing is easy; it can be done whenever. In other words, it can be done in pretty much any environment, while it's MUCH easier to learn F2L and 3LLL in a quiet room.

I guess thats a fair point. However, I think if someone learns everything all at once and then practices, it can be demotivating? Practicing and improving then learning something new and improving will keep them motivated.

 

[StachuK1992]

Hey there! If I were you, I'd forget about learning fridrich F2L for now and concentrate on keyhole. It's better to concentrate on one thing then trying to learn alot of things at once right? Practice with keyhole method until you get down to around 50 seconds average? Then start learning F2L. As for the cubes, a new cube isn't really required, it won't affect your times very much at this point. However, if you insist on wanting a new cube, Puzzlepros is good if you live in the US. One more thing, do you have a break down of a solve? Like the time taken for cross, corners , edges and last layer?

I'd have to disagree.
Learn intuitive F2L off of badmephisto's videos.
Then go for 3LLL (3look last layer).
Then practice like crazy.

Yes, I'm actually suggesting learning F2L and 3LLL before practicing, instead of during. Practicing is easy; it can be done whenever. In other words, it can be done in pretty much any environment, while it's MUCH easier to learn F2L and 3LLL in a quiet room.

I guess that's a fair point. However, I think if someone learns everything all at once and then practices, it can be demotivating? Practicing and improving then learning something new and improving will keep them motivated.

Yes, motivation does help, but do you know what helps more? Turning faster and using less moves.

 

[leeho]

Hey there! If I were you, I'd forget about learning fridrich F2L for now and concentrate on keyhole. It's better to concentrate on one thing then trying to learn alot of things at once right? Practice with keyhole method until you get down to around 50 seconds average? Then start learning F2L. As for the cubes, a new cube isn't really required, it won't affect your times very much at this point. However, if you insist on wanting a new cube, Puzzlepros is good if you live in the US. One more thing, do you have a break down of a solve? Like the time taken for cross, corners , edges and last layer?

I'd have to disagree.
Learn intuitive F2L off of badmephisto's videos.
Then go for 3LLL (3look last layer).
Then practice like crazy.

Yes, I'm actually suggesting learning F2L and 3LLL before practicing, instead of during. Practicing is easy; it can be done whenever. In other words, it can be done in pretty much any environment, while it's MUCH easier to learn F2L and 3LLL in a quiet room.

I guess that's a fair point. However, I think if someone learns everything all at once and then practices, it can be demotivating? Practicing and improving then learning something new and improving will keep them motivated.

Yes, motivation does help, but do you know what helps more? Turning faster and using less moves.

Well ultimately you will end up turning faster and using less moves even if he moves on to fridrich later. Its a matter of whether he is motivated enough to get to that point.

 

[teller]

What is this nonsense about "don't buy a DIY yet." Why not? A type C is like $6. GEEZ!

 

[StachuK1992]

Yeah. Well, if all things were fair, I think he/she should switch to another method; something trustable, like ZZ, Roux, or Petrus.

 

[soccerking813]

Yeah. Well, if all things were fair, I think he/she should switch to another method; something trustable, like ZZ, Roux, or Petrus.

Lol, was wondering how long it would take this thread to go to this discussion.

The only reason that I can see for not getting a DIY when you average around minute is that if you don't, and instead get one around 20 second average, then you will appreciate it much more.

 

[lethalleftpeg]

Thanks for all of your responses, again, much appreciated and im really keen to learn.

solving the cross doesnt usually take me too long (for a noob) normally around 10 secs, its the F2L that takes up the time and then the beginners method at the end. I like the way F2l works and can easily identify the cases, its the splitting of pairs the quick way and the forward thinking thats slowing me down. As i say though, ive only been trying this method for a week or so. Im watching badmephistos vids on these shortcuts to try and get faster and practicing whenever i can, which is driving my missus crazy

Ive read C4Y have been un-reliable of late and puzzlepro do post to the UK. From the info ive found googling, I have read the type a's are the best, but alot is down to personal preference, if only i knew what that was exactly!! From the vids ive seen on youtube, the C4Y cubes look like they turn very nicely, but im really put off by what ive read about them.

Cheers!!

 

[soccerking813]

If you just keep working at F2L, it will only take about a week probably until your times start going down to 50-60 seconds.

And the cross shouldn't really take you that long. During your 15 second inspection, try to find all of the cross pieces, then think how to get them into place.

 

[leeho]

Yay. Another UK cuber =]. My general supply of cubes come from dealextreme: http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.iq Usually takes around a week to ship to the UK using the free shipping option for me. Cubes I would recommend from dealextreme are: DIY 3x3x3 Brain Teaser Magic IQ Cube Complete Kit (Black) or (white) they are both good or DIY 3x3x3 Brain Teaser Magic IQ Cube Complete Kit (Purple).

 

[StachuK1992]

If you just keep working at F2L, it will only take about a week probably until your times start going down to 50-60 seconds.

And the cross shouldn't really take you that long. During your 15 minute inspection, try to find all of the cross pieces, then think how to get them into place.

He means 15s, not 15m.

anyway, while people do seem to hate the service of C4Y, I have had no problems with them so far. All of my orders have been correct, and seem to come in the time that I pay for. In my most recent order, I chose the most expensive shipping, and it was at my house in 3 days!

 

[lethalleftpeg]

ok, so my cross needs a little work and keep practicing!!

leeho, thanks for the link, i ordered a white diy, nice and cheap, so i'll see how I go with that and consider ordering from puzzlepro/c4u a couple of months down the line perhaps.

cheers guys!!

 

[JLarsen]

Yeah. Well, if all things were fair, I think he/she should switch to another method; something trustable, like ZZ, Roux, or Petrus.

ZZ is simplified petrus. Actually, I'm officially deeming it a beginners method.

 

[vrumanuk]

???

Yeah. Well, if all things were fair, I think he/she should switch to another method; something trustable, like ZZ, Roux, or Petrus.

ZZ is simplified petrus. Actually, I'm officially deeming it a beginners method.

Beginners method? I would love for you to explain your reasoning.

 

[StachuK1992]

Yeah. Well, if all things were fair, I think he/she should switch to another method; something trustable, like ZZ, Roux, or Petrus.

ZZ is simplified petrus. Actually, I'm officially deeming it a beginners method.

:\
No. ZZ is just a mixture of Petrus and Fridrich. If ZZ were petrus, why would be orienting edges first, rather than as a third step. No matter how good you feel about yourself, feeling as though it's better than ZZ, you really can't compare the two fairly, and can in no way say that ZZ is "simplified Petrus."

One can, however, say that ZZ may be a nice bridge from Fridrich to Petrus, or that Petrus is a nice bridge from Fridrich to ZZ. Either works just fine, although I believe that the first of these statements can be, for a loss of a better way to describe, more backed-up.

 

[Musturd]

I agree (although you probably shouldn't be listening to me)
I wish I had started ZZ from the beginning; I still haven't gotten my ZZ times down to my Fridrich ones.