How much can you improve by changing cube?

[rubiknewbie]

I am already using a DIY cube. Thinking of whether to change cube because I heard a lot about type A,C,F etc. I am using type D and around 40s.

What is the biggest improvement you ever get changing from one type of cube to another, or with lube or other improvements to the cube? Just purely the change the cube, and keeping other things same.

 

[AndyRoo789]

It wont make much of a difference.
It'll probably just shave off about 5 seconds.

 

[rubiknewbie]

It is strange. Sometimes there is a particular trigger that I can do smoothly 10times before, like R'URU'. Then another day I try it and it keeps getting locked on the RU' a few times in a row. Then maybe I try it another day and it is smooth again.

Has anyone encountered this? Is it the problem with the cube, screws not tight etc, or just psychological or my fingers are just not consistent?

 

[AndyRoo789]

It MIGHT have something to do with the cube.

But if you could do it 10 times before, then you should be able to do it again.
So i think if you just practice it might happen less.

 

[AndyRoo789]

Oh, and if you want info about different types of cubes..
http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12659

 

[LNZ]

On the 3x3 cube, it makes a small (~20s) but noticeable difference.

But on the 5x5, the purchase of the V5 has made a big difference. I can now thrash and use the V5 much faster and with superior corner cutting, I can do much faster switching between algs.

I can't wait until my QJ white 4x4 with tiles comes. I expect to really improve my 4x4 times (currently 6:10) with it.

 

[Faz]

On the 3x3 cube, it makes a small (~20s) but noticeable difference.

But on the 5x5, the purchase of the V5 has made a big difference. I can now thrash and use the V5 much faster and with superior corner cutting, I can do much faster switching between algs.

I can't wait until my QJ white 4x4 with tiles comes. I expect to really improve my 4x4 times (currently 6:10) with it.

Wow, I average 15 on a storebought, so that would mean I get -5 on a DIY!!!!!!!!! xD

 

[mazei]

I'd get a -2

 

[Inf3rn0]

um like 5sec from storebought to diy.

 

[V-te]

MY times took a huge dive after I recieved my ghost hand. I had a PB of 45 seconds, with Intuitive F2L and 4LLL. 30 mins after playing with my ghost hand, my PB became 38 secs, with 45 now being my average. After about 2 weeks of owning the cube, my PB became 30 secs, with a 39-40 average. ( I guess I practiced way more since I got excited) But Getting a new cube really does help you. I am now averaging 32 secs, with a PB of 23.22 (With full PLL) Getting a new cube drops your times, but it will also motivate you.

My previous cube was a famwealth

 

[AndyRoo789]

...Getting a new cube drops your times, but it will also motivate you....

TRUE.
I wasn't motivated to move on from my beginner method and learn Fridrich untill I got my DIY.

 

[LNZ]

My PB on the 3x3 is about 80s and average is 100s. I forget to mention this. Sorry. I have been improving my 3x3 skills stage by stage of late. I still have not done a timed solve yet. That 4x4 time is about 2.5 months old.

 

[AndyRoo789]

My PB on the 3x3 is about 80s and average is 100s. I forget to mention this. Sorry. I have been improving my 3x3 skills stage by stage of late. I still have not done a timed solve yet. That 4x4 time is about 2.5 months old.

What method do you use?

 

[Jimmy]

On the 3x3 cube, it makes a small (~20s) but noticeable difference.

But on the 5x5, the purchase of the V5 has made a big difference. I can now thrash and use the V5 much faster and with superior corner cutting, I can do much faster switching between algs.

I can't wait until my QJ white 4x4 with tiles comes. I expect to really improve my 4x4 times (currently 6:10) with it.

Wow, I average 15 on a storebought, so that would mean I get -5 on a DIY!!!!!!!!! xD

Hah, same. I average 15 on a storebought. I wonder what my times will be after I get my DIY >

 

[dbax0999]

When I went from a storebought to a type-C, I went from about 23s to 20s

 

[Carson]

It really depends on two things...
1st: How BAD is your current cube? If your cube absolutely blows, then yes, it will make a big difference.

2nd: How is your turning speed? If you turn slow and don't cut corners at all, then it won't make that big of a difference. If you are utilizing a lot of finger tricks, then a better cube may very well help.

I just really started spending some quality time with my 4x4. I have a Rubik's and also an Eastsheen, both of which I would classify as one step up from a doorstop. On second though, the Rubik's is on the same level as a doorstop. I am averaging about 4:30 right now with either of these cubes. I have so many lockups however, that I honestly believe a good cube would cut at least a minute off of my time. With any luck I will be trading for a 2nd-hand Meffert's this weekend(thanks Shaden) so I can put my theory to the test then.

 

[TEGTaylor]

I was averaging 45 seconds with my store bought, then I got a DIY my average drop to 40, then I found, what I thought to be at the time, my favorite cube, type A, I was averaging 35 seconds, until I found my true love I now average sub-30.....with my Edison. I suppose that getting a new speed cube could take a lot off your time, but really you need to practice there's no point in having a really good cube if you dont use good finger tricks

 

[rubiknewbie]

I wish to get rid of the lockups while doing finger tricks, especially in last layer. Problem is sometimes the cube seems to be in the mood and have no lockup and sometimes lockups frequently so I don't know is it the cube is bad or I am not controlling my strength well enough.

It is frustrating because those lockups can cause a 15-move algorithm to go from 4 seconds to 6-7 seconds just because of that 1-2 seconds trying to get past the lockup. Sometimes it gets real bad cos 1 screw is really loose, but sometimes it gets good simply with me taking a 1-day break.

If changing the cube allows lockups to disappear it will definitely help.

 

[rubiknewbie]

On the 3x3 cube, it makes a small (~20s) but noticeable difference.

But on the 5x5, the purchase of the V5 has made a big difference. I can now thrash and use the V5 much faster and with superior corner cutting, I can do much faster switching between algs.

I can't wait until my QJ white 4x4 with tiles comes. I expect to really improve my 4x4 times (currently 6:10) with it.

Wow 20s improvement? That's a lot dude!

I was averaging 45 seconds with my store bought, then I got a DIY my average drop to 40, then I found, what I thought to be at the time, my favorite cube, type A, I was averaging 35 seconds, until I found my true love I know average sub-30.....with my Edison. I suppose that getting a new speed cube could take a lot off your time, but really you need to practice there's no point in having a really good cube if you dont use good finger tricks

Wow those are some crazy improvement. So where to get Edison?

Oh, and if you want info about different types of cubes..
http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12659

This is great. Thanks!

 

[pentrixter]

In retrospect, the cube you use does not matter that much. I get very close times with all of my cubes, which is Types A-F, Edison, Cube4you... the list goes on. When you get sub20-15, then you should start worrying about what cube allows you to optimize your performance.

But I must say that getting new cubes give you some sort of renewed motivation. It's good to have variety of cubes when speedcubing. I often get sick of one cube not matter how good the cube is. Something about overusing a cube emphasizes its weaknesses and switching a cube emphasizes the strengths of the cube that you're switching to. But I must say, the Type D is pretty bad. Get anything but a Type D and you'll be fine. Not a Type B.