[Help Thread] Puzzle Choice Thread

Since this thread is up, and I'm a new 4x4x4 solver... I have a question about the cores in a 4x4x4. I actually just ordered a Dayan+MF8, upgrading from a Ghost Hand 4x4x4. The Ghost Hand wound up frustrating me after about 2 weeks of owning it because when it pops it -really- pops. It's like cubies PLUS other random inside parts.

What's the difference between a ball core and a spider core? What kind of core does the Dayan+MF8 have, and what kind is the ghosthand? (Personally I call the ghosthand core a "core with random parts that get lost under your desk")
 
a spider core is a standard 3x3 core. it has 6 arms and the pieces rotate around a center piece. on a 4x4 spider core, the center piece (core) is hidden under the first layer, under the 4 center pieces (solvable layer). if you spread your cube apart and look in the centerpiece, there is typically a screw or a rivet. a spider core is used on the majority of newer puzzles (since the release of vcubes mechanism). a ball core is used on older 4x4 and 5x5 cubes. it is where there is a ball with grooves in which the pieces slide around in (like a rubiks 4x4). the problem with a ball core was that they were like storebought 3x3s. they are not adjustable. they have no springs in them so they lockup all the time and they do not cut corners that well. also, when the ball becomes loose, the cube becomes fairly unusable.

the dayan+mf8 has a unique design based off a hidden 2x2 screw spring mech (please correct if im wrong, i havent completely disassembled this puzzle personally) it is much like a lanlan 2x2 on the inside in which the pieces on the outside float around on. therefore, the inner layers of this cube work VERY well, however since the pieces are interlocked on the outside of the 2x2 mech, it makes the outer layer sluggish feeling and it has a strong tendency to pop. you did choose a very good cube, just be sure not to be so aggresive when you are heavily alternating between outer layer turns and slice turns. make sure the inner slices are aligned well before trying to perform a outer layer turn. it will pop if you force it ^_^.
 
protocoldoug said:
Since this thread is up, and I'm a new 4x4x4 solver... I have a question about the cores in a 4x4x4. I actually just ordered a Dayan+MF8, upgrading from a Ghost Hand 4x4x4. The Ghost Hand wound up frustrating me after about 2 weeks of owning it because when it pops it -really- pops. It's like cubies PLUS other random inside parts.

What's the difference between a ball core and a spider core? What kind of core does the Dayan+MF8 have, and what kind is the ghosthand? (Personally I call the ghosthand core a "core with random parts that get lost under your desk")
Click to expand...

It seems that everyone is getting their ShenShou/GhostHands to explode. Seriously, mine has never popped. anyone thought of lubing (prefferbly ShenShou or Maru) and tensioning it?
 
I recommend the Lan Lan 4x4 for the following reasons:

I've never had it lock up , ever ( but it can't cut inner layers whatsoever...and it can cut outer layers somewhat)

I've never needed to lube it since it turned smooth out of the box ( I assume it was prelubed)

The cube is sturdy

Sticker quality is good.

It cost me ten bucks
 
I have a friend getting into speedcubing, and this being her first cube, she doesn't really know what properties she wants from it. Just that it should be very fast and cut corners well. Any recommendations for an overall great speedcube? I use the C4U+CII hybrid myself and would normally recommend it to anyone, but she doesn't want to spend money on 2 cubes.
 
randomlugia said:
I have a friend getting into speedcubing, and this being her first cube, she doesn't really know what properties she wants from it. Just that it should be very fast and cut corners well. Any recommendations for an overall great speedcube? I use the C4U+CII hybrid myself and would normally recommend it to anyone, but she doesn't want to spend money on 2 cubes.
Click to expand...

Get a Guhong obviousely its superior to my awful C4U DIY
 
Is the v-cube 2 really good? I mean the non-pillowed one. My Lan Lan is really shaky even though I did the Arcalan mod, and I retensioned it probably about 20 times. It gets internal pops too, sometimes. Can the v-cube 2 compare with the lan lan 2x2x2? I may get one if the general turning and smoothness is quite similar to the Lan Lan. Thanks
 
Ive been cubing for 2 months. My times are arround 40-45 s. I have just rubiks storebought http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?12659-Review-of-Main-3x3x3-Cube-Models-and-Clarification-on-the-Naming-System-of-Type-A).
I think the best choice would be this http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.3x3x3_Type_A_Magic_Cube_V_(Black)-34120, but I´m really confused with the prices. The same cube (if im not missing something) is here http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.3x3x3_Type_A_Full_Sealed_Magic_Cube_V_(Black)-34119 almost two times cheaper. What is the difference ?
 

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Fluxor said:
Ive been cubing for 2 months. My times are arround 40-45 s. I have just rubiks storebought (I found out its name here)http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?12659-Review-of-Main-3x3x3-Cube-Models-and-Clarification-on-the-Naming-System-of-Type-A).
I think the best choice would be this http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.3x3x3_Type_A_Magic_Cube_V_(Black)-34120, but I´m really confused with the prices. The same cube (if im not missing something) is here http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.3x3x3_Type_A_Full_Sealed_Magic_Cube_V_(Black)-34119 almost two times cheaper. What is actually diffrent. For example on ebay I know that there are many different sellers but this is one store right ?
BTW my cube looks very bad now.View attachment 1533
Click to expand...

The two cubes are sealed and unsealed. Basically the first one is the A-V and the second is a supposedly better or 'sealed' version. Most people would get the non-sealed though. Depending on where you live, don't buy from lightake. I heard it takes about a month to ship. I suggest getting the Alpha-V (or A-V). It is pretty good for a beginner's cube.

EDIT: Another good cube is the mf8 3x3 which just came out. It's only good after lubrication though. (Don't lube any of these cubes with vaseline BTW!!! It will ruin the cube!)
 
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