Hey guys, this guy doesn't even cube
He's just getting one for his friend, so let's not confuse him with our languange
For you, (the topic starter) you've probably seen "Get an A5", "Get a F-II", but i'm almost sure you don't know what these are. These are some of the many different "types" of cubes you can get. The A5 is also known as the Alpha (make) Five/V (Model). The "F-II" is made from a company known as "Sheng-En", and the F is their series, and II is the model. I myself would recommend the F-II, along with some quality stickers to replace. It is no easy job, for a beginner, I know that I had a hard time replacing my stickers the first time. Rest assured, if any problems arise, you can expect help from the forums here. But, many other "types" of cubes exist, such as the GhostHand, and YongJun (YJ). Both manufacturers produce great beginners cubes, pre-assembled and lubricated. If we knew what kind of cube your friend has, we could probably match it to something she likes, and is similar to the cube now. Here, if you go to our Hardware section, there will be a topic that will help you identify her/your cube. If I were you, I'd go for something good, but for beginners, and you can't go wrong. This cube would be the Maru 3x3 Beginners version. This cube is already set to even tensions that allow your cube to be speedy, yet good (amazing speed can have it's downfalls
), but the tensions have been set permanently.
Short reviews:
A5: has a slightly rough feel to it, may be awkward for a beginner to use.
F-II: Good, creamy feeling, allows the cube to turn though the layers aren't aligned, to some extent (Corner cutting) but stickers wear out fast, so get cubesmith stickers.
Maru: Don't own one personally, but have tried one, and it's just amazing. I can't remember the feel of it, though.
Ghosthand: Very quiet cube (hence the name
), great out-of-the-box, but the orange and red are very similar.
YJ: There are many versions, but the most common one (D-II. the YJ 3x3s are also known as "Type D's".) is good, and has decent stickers, but all stickers should be replaced with cubesmith stickers (Cubesmith = brand, these stickers are vinyl and are VERY durable. The F-IIs and Ghosthands will require the smaller sized ones.
Links!!!
Maru:
This is the beginner's version of the Maru 3x3.
This is the DIY version of the Maru 3x3 (adjustable tensions)
Sheng-En F-II
Sheng-En F-II. This cube is pre-assembled, and lubricated
Type A/Alpha Five
This is the Alpha Five. It requires assembly.
This is also the Alpha Five. It is pre-assembled.
GhostHands:
This is the GhostHand 1. It is pre-assembled. If I am not mistaken, it comes with a pouch.
This is the GhostHand 2. It is pre-assembled.
YJ
This is the YJ-II. It is only available in white, however, it is pre-assembled.
Links are up.
I hope the was useful to you, or else I wasted quite a bit of time.
edit: I forgot the link to cubesmith stickers
This is the main site.
These are the normal sized 3x3 stickers.They will work with "Storeboughts"(Bought from physical store, like walmart), and the Maru, YJ, and A5 that I mentioned above. These stickers will fit almost any regular sized 3x3, though.
These are the "Smaller" sized 3x3 stickers.Although they are smaller, they won't be able to fit mini cubes (If you want links, then just ask for them
)They will work with the F-II and GhostHand cubes. The F-II and Ghosthand cubes are more "Pillowed" or rounded, so the regular stickers go on the rounded parts, but the "Smaller" stickers will stay on the flat part.
I don't know how to attach picture, but in the mean time, I'll just link it to you.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dillz/4963248597/
this is how the cubies are shaped, but not very accurately, They are rounded slightly at the top, but nonetheless, this is the best I can do. If the stickers go over the rounded part, it will chip and peel away more easily.
Most cubies will be shaped as a square, with nice 45 degree angles.
The diagrams sucked, but I hope you get the idea.
