4x4x4 Edge pairing

[chiperten]

I've been meaning to ask this for a while. When you solve the rubik's revenge, do you usually use 2-at-a-time or 6-at-a-time edge pairing. I'm curious as to who uses what, what times they get, and the disadvantages and advantages to each. Thanks in advance.

here's a solve I did... 6-at-a-time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfmsIZgXF30

 

[Erik]

Hey, I use 2 at a time myself. Best avg is 1:07 (and improving). I can do about the same times with 6 at a time, only I'm less constant. To do 6 or 2 is a matter of taste I think...
Ow, btw I am a weirdo who pairs up in the M slice...

 

[AvGalen]

First I developed 1-at-a-time myself, only I performed it at the M-slice. Then I evolved that into 2-at-a-time.

I then saw the movie about 2-at-a-time and 6-at-a-time on the E-slice and learned those. Doing it at the E-slice gives better look ahead for me, so I do that now.

I used 6-at-a-time for about 6 months, but my total times never got below 2.10.
I have been doing 2-at-a-time for about 2 months now and my total times have dropped about 25 seconds on average. I think about 10-15 seconds of this has to do with better look ahead and no "strange" situations. Current times: 1.30 (best) 1.50 (average), with keyhole + 4 look last layer (sometimes 6 look if I have really bad parities)

Advantages of 2-at-a-time: Simpler, more of the same moves, better look-ahead, no strange cases

Advantages of 4-at-a-time: Less setup moves, less slice/matchup moves, less locations to look at after the first matches

 

[chiperten]

One of the problems I have with 2-at-a-time is looking for the pieces I need. I look all over the place and it takes a while. I usually use 6-at-a-time and when I have the first few done, the last ones come right into view. After pairing the six, then I pair the rest 2-at-a-time. I do come accross those awkward situations and it does slow me down. I guess I just need to practice my look ahead.

 

[pjk]

There is a video on bigcubes.com with Frank showing how to do both methods. I believe he uses two at the time, and I believe Chris Hardwick does also (see speedcubing.com/chris and see his advanced guide-- he explains both). I use two at a time, my best average is just below 2 minutes, and that is with almost no practice, or very little. If you are having a hard time finding pieces, work on going really slow, but keep moving at all times, and be looking ahead all the time. Practice is where you learn recognition. Good luck.

 

[FrankMorris]

I use both the 6 at a time and 2 at a time methods, depending on the situation. My fastest average of 1:00.xx was achieved with the 6 method, but I have done 1:05 averages with the 2 method.