[Help Thread] Puzzle Choice Thread

[kjf]

Hi everyone, I hope this is the place I can ask my question.

I've been into cubing for ages, but I've never attempted "speed cubing". I've got a few "Rubik's" branded 3x3x3 and a 4x4x4.

I've always wanted to try a 5x5x5 and a 2x2x2 (I use my 4x4x4 currently).

I've heard that Shengshou is a good buy, and I found this eBay link.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ShengSho...ys_Hobbies_Puzzles&hash=item3f2a5148b1&_uhb=1

The price seems too good to be true... considering my 4x4x4 was about $40!!

Is this a good deal? I'd like to make a purchase ASAP (considering the shipping times).

If this isn't good, where do you think I should go for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5 (or higher) in a cheap, bulk purchase?

Thanks!

 

[rj]

Hi everyone, I hope this is the place I can ask my question.

I've been into cubing for ages, but I've never attempted "speed cubing". I've got a few "Rubik's" branded 3x3x3 and a 4x4x4.

I've always wanted to try a 5x5x5 and a 2x2x2 (I use my 4x4x4 currently).

I've heard that Shengshou is a good buy, and I found this eBay link.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ShengShou-4-magic-cube-2x2x2-3x3x3-4x4x4-and-5x5x5-First-Choice-For-Beginners-/271292909745?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Puzzles&hash=item3f2a5148b1&_uhb=1

The price seems too good to be true... considering my 4x4x4 was about $40!!

Is this a good deal? I'd like to make a purchase ASAP (considering the shipping times).

If this isn't good, where do you think I should go for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5 (or higher) in a cheap, bulk purchase?

Thanks!

Get Shengshou 5x5 and Lan 2x2. At thecubicle.us.

 

[TDM]

$40 is very expensive for a 4x4, and ShengShous are cheap. Also, they're cheaper here (free shipping too).

 

[kjf]

Thanks for the feedback.

@RJ - I was thinking of that, but I'd prefer to "upgrade" what I already have first. I just figured I might as well get all 4 cubes at once. My main motivation is to get a 3x3x3 that will help me improve my time. I would also like an improved 4x4x4 for the same reason, but I would be concentrating my efforts on the 3x3x3. The other two cubes (2 and 5) are more of a novelty.

@TDM - Thanks for the link! I've just had a look at some of the discussions and it seems there's little to no 'corner cutting' on these (which seems to be important amongst those wishing to shave off seconds).

Well, I suppose I want 4 sturdy "all-rounder" cubes that are *fast*, but won't break the bank. So I guess my question is, if you had to fulfil an order for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5, what brand/model would you choose?

Let's say I am willing to spend about $60US total. I want this to be a one-time-only purchase..

(sorry for being a pain!)

Thanks!


EDIT: I should also note that I am from Australia, so some of the websites that offer free shipping sometimes don't apply to me! eBay is preferred but I am willing to shop around if need be.

Edit again: TDM I realise the link you posted has free worldwide shipping..

 

[AmazingCuber]

2: Dayan
3: Dayan ZhanChi or Moyu Weilong, but I would recommend a ZhanChi for your stage
4: Shengshou v5 or Moyu Weisu
5: Shengshou

 

[TDM]

Well, I suppose I want 4 sturdy "all-rounder" cubes that are *fast*, but won't break the bank. So I guess my question is, if you had to fulfil an order for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5, what brand/model would you choose?

Let's say I am willing to spend about $60US total. I want this to be a one-time-only purchase..

2x2: Dayan
3x3: Dayan GuHong v2
4x4: ShengShou
5x5: ShengShou

Idk how much shipping is from there though.

 

[windhero]

Thanks for the feedback.

@RJ - I was thinking of that, but I'd prefer to "upgrade" what I already have first. I just figured I might as well get all 4 cubes at once. My main motivation is to get a 3x3x3 that will help me improve my time. I would also like an improved 4x4x4 for the same reason, but I would be concentrating my efforts on the 3x3x3. The other two cubes (2 and 5) are more of a novelty.

@TDM - Thanks for the link! I've just had a look at some of the discussions and it seems there's little to no 'corner cutting' on these (which seems to be important amongst those wishing to shave off seconds).

Well, I suppose I want 4 sturdy "all-rounder" cubes that are *fast*, but won't break the bank. So I guess my question is, if you had to fulfil an order for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5, what brand/model would you choose?

Let's say I am willing to spend about $60US total. I want this to be a one-time-only purchase..

(sorry for being a pain!)

Thanks!


EDIT: I should also note that I am from Australia, so some of the websites that offer free shipping sometimes don't apply to me! eBay is preferred but I am willing to shop around if need be.

Edit again: TDM I realise the link you posted has free worldwide shipping..

2x2: Witwo V1; Equal in performance to the Dayan except louder and crunchier. Also cheaper.
3x3: MoYu WeiLong, cheap and very good. Also consider ShengShou Aurora if you're looking for more of an intermediate cube. WeiLong is world class and requires some skill to tame.
4x4: ShengShou v5, you might also want to consider MoYu WeiSu though it is much more expensive than a SS.
5x5. ShengShou

 

[rj]

OK,

2x2: Witwo v1, once broken in, is awesome
3x3: Moyu Weilong.
4x4: Shengshou v5 or Weisu
5x5: Shengshou

 

[kjf]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to place an order from Cubicle now. It's $16 to ship to Aus, which isn't good, but I've come to expect these things...!!!

Here's what I'll get:


1 x Type C WitTwo 2x2
1 x MoYu WeiLong
1 x ShengShou 4x4 v5
1 x ShengShou 5x5

All with black plastic. I was going to splurge and also throw in something stickerless, but then I feared I might prefer that over the others...

I feared that perhaps the WeiLong may have been above my skill level, but I think I will adapt/learn quickly.

Comes in at $45, so overall it will be a little more than I was looking to spend, but I'm okay with that. Comes out at a bit over $15 per puzzle, which is amazing considering I've paid RRP for Rubik's branded stuff in the past.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[rj]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to place an order from Cubicle now. It's $16 to ship to Aus, which isn't good, but I've come to expect these things...!!!

Here's what I'll get:


1 x Type C WitTwo 2x2
1 x MoYu WeiLong
1 x ShengShou 4x4 v5
1 x ShengShou 5x5

All with black plastic. I was going to splurge and also throw in something stickerless, but then I feared I might prefer that over the others...

I feared that perhaps the WeiLong may have been above my skill level, but I think I will adapt/learn quickly.

Comes in at $45, so overall it will be a little more than I was looking to spend, but I'm okay with that. Comes out at a bit over $15 per puzzle, which is amazing considering I've paid RRP for Rubik's branded stuff in the past.

Thanks again for the help.

Excellent choices. You will love the weilong. I promise. Get some lube too. Try assorted weight 3.

 

[kjf]

Excellent choices. You will love the weilong. I promise. Get some lube too. Try assorted weight 3.

I would, but I'd hate to have my parcel held up at customs while they investigate a strange fluid in a syringe that was in a box full of cubes...:rolleyes:

I'll read the diff oil thread and figure something out.

 

[rj]

I would, but I'd hate to have my parcel held up at customs while they investigate a strange fluid in a syringe that was in a box full of cubes...:rolleyes:

I'll read the diff oil thread and figure something out.

True. Get diff oil from a hobby shop, and just order an empty syringe and a disppensing tip.

 

[ComputerGuy365]

Hi everyone, I hope this is the place I can ask my question.

I've been into cubing for ages, but I've never attempted "speed cubing". I've got a few "Rubik's" branded 3x3x3 and a 4x4x4.

I've always wanted to try a 5x5x5 and a 2x2x2 (I use my 4x4x4 currently).

I've heard that Shengshou is a good buy, and I found this eBay link.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ShengSho...ys_Hobbies_Puzzles&hash=item3f2a5148b1&_uhb=1

The price seems too good to be true... considering my 4x4x4 was about $40!!

Is this a good deal? I'd like to make a purchase ASAP (considering the shipping times).

If this isn't good, where do you think I should go for 2x2x2 up to 5x5x5 (or higher) in a cheap, bulk purchase?

Thanks!

thecubicle.us is a great website. They sell great stickers also. cubedepotusa.com is also good.

My recommendations for you:

2x2: Shengshou or Wittwo
3x3: Shengshou Aurora or Dayan Zhanchi
4x4: Shengshou
5x5 Shengshou


Hope this helps,

Computer

 

[windhero]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to place an order from Cubicle now. It's $16 to ship to Aus, which isn't good, but I've come to expect these things...!!!

Here's what I'll get:


1 x Type C WitTwo 2x2
1 x MoYu WeiLong
1 x ShengShou 4x4 v5
1 x ShengShou 5x5

All with black plastic. I was going to splurge and also throw in something stickerless, but then I feared I might prefer that over the others...

I feared that perhaps the WeiLong may have been above my skill level, but I think I will adapt/learn quickly.

Comes in at $45, so overall it will be a little more than I was looking to spend, but I'm okay with that. Comes out at a bit over $15 per puzzle, which is amazing considering I've paid RRP for Rubik's branded stuff in the past.

Thanks again for the help.

Something you might want to consider;

http://www.fasttech.com/products/2115/10002085/1150102-witeden-type-c-wittwo-2x2x2-puzzle-speed-cube

http://www.fasttech.com/products/2115/10004615/1395903-moyu-weilong-3x3x3-puzzle-speed-cube

Includes free shipping worldwide.

Also from zcube.cn with coupon code lucky shengshou 4x4 + 5x5 = 9,19 USD + ~8 USD for the cheapest shipping (18 dollars to get it in 2-4 days)

@thecubicle is 45 bucks for the cubes only + the shipping. Thecubicle is much faster though so you might want to consider it anyway.

 

[kjf]

Something you might want to consider;

http://www.fasttech.com/products/2115/10002085/1150102-witeden-type-c-wittwo-2x2x2-puzzle-speed-cube

http://www.fasttech.com/products/2115/10004615/1395903-moyu-weilong-3x3x3-puzzle-speed-cube

Includes free shipping worldwide.

Also from zcube.cn with coupon code lucky shengshou 4x4 + 5x5 = 9,19 USD + ~8 USD for the cheapest shipping (18 dollars to get it in 2-4 days)

@thecubicle is 45 bucks for the cubes only + the shipping. Thecubicle is much faster though so you might want to consider it anyway.

EDIT: Made a purchase, so no more questions from me. I went through zcube.cn and paid the $20 shipping (4-6 days I think). Total came to about 60AUD, and I threw in a Shengshou mirror cube too! Stoked. Thanks again for all your help guys.

 

[KonKaii]

What to buy?

Hey guys,

I'm a fairly new cuber and I've already learned to solve the 2x2 & 3x3 (and still improving ). Planning on getting a new puzzle to mess with, I'm stuck on the 4x4 and Megaminx.
Which one should I start with? If so, what brand? :tu
Thanks.

 

[SweetSolver]

Either of those choices are great, but I'd probably go with the 4x4 first. As for which brand you should choose, I would recommend Shengshou for both the Megaminx and 4x4.

 

[Renslay]

Okay, there are soooo many new cubes, I'm a bit confused... I need your help.
I'm looking for a 3x3 speed cube. My current one is a Dayan Zhanchi, but I think it's just getting old (even if I relube and recalibrate the tension). I make ~15s average with it. It also does some lock-ups.

Top priority:
- super fast
- super smooth
- no (or minimal) lock-ups, good corner cuts
- has stickers (no tiles or colored plastic)

Medium priority:
- no pops
- ready (or just need lubrication) from out of the box; doesn't require thousands of solves before getting it really good

Low priority:
- price, free shipping
- black cube

Also, where do you reccomend to buy? (I'm from Hungary.)

Thanks!

 

[windhero]

Okay, there are soooo many new cubes, I'm a bit confused... I need your help.
I'm looking for a 3x3 speed cube. My current one is a Dayan Zhanchi, but I think it's just getting old (even if I relube and recalibrate the tension). I make ~15s average with it. It also does some lock-ups.

Top priority:
- super fast
- super smooth
- no (or minimal) lock-ups, good corner cuts
- has stickers (no tiles or colored plastic)

Medium priority:
- no pops
- ready (or just need lubrication) from out of the box; doesn't require thousands of solves before getting it really good

Low priority:
- price, free shipping
- black cube

Also, where do you reccomend to buy? (I'm from Hungary.)

Thanks!

Fasttech.com, MoYu WeiLong. It's under 9 dollars shipping included if I remember right. It pretty much covers every single thing on your list as it is very fast, does not lock up, does not pop, does not really need lubrication like e.g. dayan puzzles, its cheap and sold in black plastic. Also the sticker shades are pretty great as they are so you might not even need replacement stickers.

I had a zhanchi as my main for quite a while and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

 

[Renslay]

Fasttech.com, MoYu WeiLong. It's under 9 dollars shipping included if I remember right. It pretty much covers every single thing on your list as it is very fast, does not lock up, does not pop, does not really need lubrication like e.g. dayan puzzles, its cheap and sold in black plastic. Also the sticker shades are pretty great as they are so you might not even need replacement stickers.

I had a zhanchi as my main for quite a while and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Thanks!

A few more questions:
Which 2x2 do you recommend from fasttech?
Do you recommend the ProStaff or the GuiShou/Ghosthand lubricant?
Is there any cube in fasstech which is easy to turn, but hard to take apart? (For 5-7 year old kids. Doesn't need to be a speed cube, I just want to turn it easier that Rubik's.)