5x5 genuine rubik's cube - not v-cube - is abysmal?

[dada222]

Is it must mine, or is the 5x5 cube of the original brand abysmal? It is very very had to turn a layer using only your finger (impossible for the third/middle layer) and the whole thing's damned slow. The same goes for the 4x4. In fact, as far as the latter is concerned, if I try to cube fast with it and turn layers quick, cubies begin to come off. This takes away all enjoyment that 3x3 and 2x2 cubes provide, and it's so impossible to solve either under five minutes, not because I don't have the skill but because it's physically impossible. So my question is, am I just unlucky or unskilled enough to use them correctly, or do they suck in general? I'm thinking of getting a 5x5 v-cube on holidays if I get the money, will that be better?

 

[Muesli]

In my experience they turn like crap in cube form.

 

[teller]

I have one...it's terrible. However, it makes for a nice decorative paperweight.

 

[RyanO]

V-cube 5x5 is much better.

 

[LewisJ]

Get yourself a Vcube 5 and a Mini QJ 4x4 and you'll realize it's definitely the Rubik's brand cubes.

 

[The3point14]

whatever you do, don't lube the Rubiks 5x5. I did that and now I can't do more than 5 moves before it explodes into pieces. It literally explodes.

 

[Meep]

Before V-Cubes came out, the Rubik's 5x5 actually wasn't all that bad if you put in the effort to break it in. I think I averaged around 2:30 on one at one point, and around 2:40 on my East Sheen back in the day. If you can get a V-Cube though, that's much better.

Edit: I just did a solve on my Rubik's 5x5 and got sub-2 =P

 

[qqwref]

You mean the Rubik's Brick?

Rubik's 5x5s can be pretty good - but only the pre-retooled versions, apparently, I've never heard of one of the new versions being good for speedcubing after getting worn in. They always had the problem of twisting x-centers, but I guess that wasn't too bad. In the days before V-cubes I always used to use Eastsheens, which can actually cut corners a bit and turn well if they have been worn in the right amount... the only problem is that they can explode (or simply collapse), which happened to me in one of my first competitions. I do recommend V-cube for all practical speedcubing purposes, though.

 

[Dave Campbell]

the only problem is that they can explode (or simply collapse), which happened to me in one of my first competitions.

Cornell 2007! I actually vividly remember it happening. I am sure it was completely unpleasant for you, especially since it was best of three format. But i recall Matt Walter and i finding it quite amusing because of how quickly it went from solid cube to a heap of ES pieces on the stackmat in front of you. But we did feel sorry for you, mainly that you had to reassemble it to continue the round. Or did you just borrow one for the last two solves?

 

[qqwref]

Nah, I went into another room and reassembled it. It's kind of funny, actually, how the slightest pop on an Eastsheen makes the entire thing fall apart!

 

[miniGOINGS]

Nah, I went into another room and reassembled it. It's kind of funny, actually, how the slightest pop on an Eastsheen makes the entire thing fall apart!

Do you know which piece was the original culprit?

 

[Radu]

V-cube 5x5 is much better.

I think you mean "the best".

 

[dada222]

Lol, on rubik's 4x4 when a piece explodes, I simply put it back and continue. I'm used to it

 

[hyunchoi98]

I've never had a Rubik's 5x5 but V-Cube is GREAT!!!
You should get it if you have the money.