Zain_A24
Veteran
GAN 356M Lite Review - DailyPuzzles
Sections:
- Review of Service
- Review of Cube – GAN 356M Lite
- Unboxing
- OOTB
- Completely Dry
- Lube + Tension
- Break-in
- Final Thoughts
Review of Store
General InfoName: DailyPuzzles
Link: https://www.dailypuzzles.com.au/
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This was my first time ordering from the Australia-based store, and despite being halfway across the world with a global crisis, DailyPuzzles took great care in ensuring the package arrived safely and promptly. Inside featured the GAN 356M Lite, as well as an additional QiYi Axis cube, in addition to a few DailyPuzzles cube stands. A huge thanks to DailyPuzzles for the great service.
Review of Cube
General InfoName – GAN 356 M Lite
Link – https://www.dailypuzzles.com.au/pro...6mm-speed-cube-puzzles?variant=32009559801942
Availability – Stickerless
Price - $50AUD ($32 approx)
Size – 56mm
Weight – 74g
Brief Overview
The GAN 356M Lite is the first mid-tier cube from a company which predominantly produces high-end flagships. The 356M is available in both Lite and Standard editions, with the latter featuring additional GES nuts to allow for the swapping of springs like in the traditional GAN cubes.
GAN IPG Tensioning System
The tensioning system in the M is equivalent to the recent RS, featuring 3 settings. The nut distance can be set to either 0.6 or 0.8, with the third setting being 0 allowing for the nut to be removed. 0.6 represents the tightest setting with minimum centre piece travel and 0.8 is the loosest setting available. The IPG system allows for all the sides to have identical tensions, unlike the IPG V5 screw system found in the original GAN 356X, which provided more freedom but less accuracy.
Out of the Box
First Impressions – Before TurningAppearance
The GAN 356 M has identical shades to the XS, and that is because the cube is based on the 356XS. The surface has a matte finish which will initially hinder grip but will eventually be more comfortable in hand after several solves.
Pieces
The pieces still have GAN’s innovative honeycomb design, allowing for lubricant to evenly distribute as well as an increase in turn speed, something that GAN cubes certainly do not lack. The edges contain magnets in yellow capsules, which I will assume are not exchangeable with other capsules like the 356X, but it is good to see the magnets are securely fastened in the cube.
Feel
This cube as mentioned above has a matte plastic, which has a slippery feel in hand, but based on experience with the XS and RS, this will eventually increase in grip over time and solves.
First Turns
Immediately, the trademark GAN papery feel is noticeable. The cube has a slight amount of friction initially, meaning the turn speed was not quite the same as he XS and RS, but that would soon change with a few solves and lubrication. Magnet strengths are on the stronger side, which is what I prefer on my GAN XS, and those who like strong magnets will very much like the feel of the 356M.
Cornercutting
The cornercutting on this cube out of the box is as follows:
Forward – 40 Degrees
Reverse – Line to Line
The cornercutting on this cube is effortless, and despite not begin able to cut 45 degrees like other branded cubes, 45 degrees is not necessary with regular solving situations.
The IPG setting on the cube out of the box is 0.6, which is the tighter setting. Fortunately, since t he GES nuts are a dark blue, this makes the numbers on the nut more visible and easier to access. I will also be trying the 0.8 setting to see if it is feasible and improves the performance in any way.
Solves
During a few solves with the initial setup, my times weren’t at their regular amount, which is understandable given the cube is not set up to my preferred feel and the plastic doesn’t yet have the friction. The cube is beginning to speed up and the friction between pieces is barely noticeable, allowing for turns to effortlessly glide. Since cornercutting is effortless, turning this cube is extremely reliable, and unlike other releases from the likes of QiYi, cornercutting does not result in a sudden jolt or movement. The magnets are a very good strength, and do a great job in retaining the cubic shape of the puzzle during solves.
Setup
SetupThis cube is one that requires very minimal or no setup whatsoever. This cube will perform very well without setup, but for me was beginning to get slightly too fast so wanted to slow it down. I simply added some sCs Galaxy lubricant, and a small amount of Weight 3 which gave the cube a more consistent feel throughout.
I put the cube on the 0.8 setting, and fortunately corner twisting still requires effort to carry out and it won’t affect my solving too greatly.
Break-in
After a few solves, this cube is able to outperform cubes at a much higher pricepoint and has a very high resemblance to the setup of my XS, a cube which is priced a lot higher than the 356M.
Final Thoughts
Should you buy the GAN 356M Lite?Once again – yes and no.
The magnets and GES nut on this cube give it the feel that many would use on the 356XS – strong magnets and a strong spring. The cube has primary internals, which I much prefer over the scratchier feel of the 356XS, since it gives the cube much more smoothness in turning.
If you do not like setting up cubes or just want a competition-ready cube right out of the box, this is the cube for you. The price of this cube means it sits right around the mid-to-high end, yet still retains features found on top flagship cubes which many have come to know and love.
And here are the downsides. Every cube has good and bad, even the GAN 356M. Understandably, it does not provide the customisability of the 356XS. Some may find that only 2 settings on the IPG may be too few in comparison to the 4 settings available to the 356XS and 3 available on the 356X. However, I found both of these options – 0.6 and 0.8 – feasible to use during solving, the 0.6 providing additional stability and the 0.8 creating a better overall feel in my opinion, both of which are distinguishable. Corner twisting is easier to do than on the 356XS, but are rare in comparison to cubes with a similar price point, and only occurs when turning very inaccurately or when deliberately trying to mimic scenarios not usually found during solving.
I personally didn’t feel the need of wanting additional GES nuts and was perfectly happy with the stock blue nuts installed in this cube, but if you want additional freedom in customising your cube, I would recommend purchasing the 356M standard edition at a slightly higher yet still modest price.
| Pros | Cons |
| Requires minimal or no setup out of the box | Fewer customisation options |
| Lower in price compared to top flagships | No extra GES nuts with the Lite version |
| Primary internals compared to black for XS | Corner twisting slightly easier to do, but not during solves |
| Strong magnets and stiff springs – popular option | Some may find too unstable or fast without lubrication |
| Effortless cornercutting, similar to XS | Only available in stickerless |
| Retains properties found the GAN 356XS |
My previous reviews:
Mofang Jiaoshi Meilong 4x4 and 4x4M – https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/meilong-4x4-and-4x4m-review-vs-yuxin-little-magic-4x4m.75098/
MoYu Aosu WR M 4x4 – https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/moyu-aosu-wr-m-review-vs-aosu-gts2m.75317/
YJ Yuchuang V2M 5x5 – https://www.speedsolving.com/thread...-review-vs-little-magic-5x5m-britcubes.75213/
YuXin Huanglong 5x5M – https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/yuxin-huanglong-5x5m-opinions-thoughts.75435/
DaYan TengYun 2x2M – https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/dayan-tengyun-2x2m-thoughts-and-opinions.76009/
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