Introduction

[Cube Equation]

Hello, I'm Cube Equation (the name is a reference to my interests in physics). I think I'll just make a short introduction.

I'm a 14 year old boy from Sydney who started cubing in 2009. I learned LBL and progressed to F2L that year, averaging around 50 seconds. But last year, I only cubed when I was bored and my times did not decrease. Recently, I have decided to finish learning CFOP. I have learned full PLL and am in the process of learning OLL. My average is around 28 seconds, with a PB of 22.14. I hope to reach sub 15 averages eventually.

Unfortunately, I use a Rubik's brand cube and I am not capable of switching to any DIY cube in the near future. I lube my cube with the only thing I can find in the house: soap (which is not the most effective lubricant). I also have a 4x4 and a 5x5, which are both Rubik's as well. When I disassembled them to explore their internal mechanisms, pieces broke and I was only able to save the cube with super-glue. As a result, I am very careful about my twists and therefore only average around 3.40 for the 4x4.

I would appreciate any help with improving my time. Thank you.

 

[Akash Rupela]

May i ask Why are u not capable of switching to any DIY Cube? Financial problems ?u dont have a paypal account?

 

[Cube Equation]

Parents.

 

[Akash Rupela]

If you can try convincing them, then it would be good, but otherwise too, wont be much a of a problem. Personally, i have a feeling that a rubik's brand cube lubed with soap does not have very much potential to give sub15(i m just saying intuitively, you know better how much scope there is). Categorise your CFOP into cross, f2l, oll,pll. Time yourself individually. Then compare yourself with general cubers who average 15-20 seconds. Then see which part of your solve needs more importance. Watch videos of people like breandan(jammyman3014 on youtube), or just search my PLLs, or PLL finger tricks, and try bringing them to such an extent that u can perform them quite consistently at that pace and where u see no more scope of improvment. Then do the same for OLLs. for F2l, if you use intuitive, learn up some algs(+finger tricks for the cases that involve too much time or utilise unneccesary hand and wrist movements ), if you use algorithmic, then you can just master the performance of algs.
For your cross, i think it would be quite optimal and you would have watched badmephisto's videos on advanced cross and stuff. If no, then please go for it.

Your times will improve slowly, but they will, soon you will approach a consistency stage where all your times lie in a 3-4 second region(Except some lucky solves). Just keep practicing, do not lose hope if your times freeze at a stage, if you keep up your practice, whenever your parents let you buy a DIY, your times will eventually improve sweetly and sub15 wont be difficult .

Also, if you are done with all this things, and find not much scope, then you can get into learning some algorithms for OH solving(like one handed PLLs and stuff), or you can learn other methods for fun. Or you can master CFOP even more by learning things like ZBLL or MGLS.

All the best

(Also if you have not read this yet, please do http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?27870-How-to-practice )

 

[Cube Equation]

Thanks. I am currently trying improve my looking ahead skills by solving the cross blindfolded. But I'm struggling to balance the turning speed and looking ahead for F2L.

 

[Akash Rupela]

Try it with a metronome . You might know about it. If no then (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfE7jYOXbgg) this might be of help.
But the main thing, you needs loads of patience, it will come very slowly with consistent practice