New vs. Old DIY Type-A Cubes

[TheBB]

U-shapes? Are you talking about the odd-looking tips on the inner parts of the edges? In that case, they seem to be there to prevent popping. They also have the downside of preventing you from disassembling the cube without actually popping a center cap and unscrew a few turns though.

 

[Dyste]

I think they're actually on the corner pieces. Take a look at the two near the front. They may also be on the edges, but I'm not sure, as there aren't any that are clearly visible.

http://www.cube4you.com/index.php?gOo=goodspic.dwt&goodsid=247

 

[masterofthebass]

I ordered one, and when my stupid cube4you order comes I'll figure it out. I do think it's a pop deterrent. It's been 15 days though... I really hate shipping from China.

 

[VooX]

I ordered one, and when my stupid cube4you order comes I'll figure it out. I do think it's a pop deterrent. It's been 15 days though... I really hate shipping from China.

I've been waiting almost 4 weeks now myself. Between shipping and customs, I'll get arthritis before my cubes come.

These aren't even the new type-A's!! They were sold out before. I am going to order a few of the new type-A's but I think I'll splurge and go for express shipping!. What's a few extra dollars to get it in a week!

 

[VooX]

A month ago I built three new type-A DIY, so I want to give my 2 cents after testing them...

I think the new type-A DIY is better than the old type-A DIY for several reasons. First and foremost it is the fastest and smoothest cube I have ever built (I build and tweak a lot of DIY cubes for friends as I have a rep for having super fast cubes). The new type-A is amazing for finger tricks and if you have good technique will really reward you with blistering cornering.

Other benefits:

1) The extra fins on the center pieces really do work... the screws can be kept very loose and the fins prevent popping while doing finger tricks. The new DIY type WILL pop, but much less often than the old DIY type... and when it does pop usually one or two pieces gently pop, instead of 2-6 pieces exploding all over the floor like the old DIY.

2) Being more hollow, the cube is lighter and gives less hand fatigue over long sessions.


There are a couple of drawbacks:

1) All the fins, and less weight mean more pieces to assemble. I use super glue to assemble them and they are a real pain in the butt. This is not a beginner's DIY kit as glue and sanding will be necessary.

2) The small washers are inferior to the old DIY and sometimes get jammed in the thread of the screws, losing the tension on that side. Care must be taken to ensure when the pieces are assembled the spring still has tension.



I took my new type-A DIY cube (assembled for 2 days) to the Toronto Open Winter '08 and one of the scramblers (a speedcuber) actually told me that I had the smoothest cube in the entire competition, and it turned corners amazingly. In the same field was a few world-class cubers (like Harris Chan) so I know the judges had some people serious about their cubes to compare mine to.

I have fully converted to the new type-A DIY cubes, and now own two and have built three.

 

[dave]

Does cube4you still carry the new type A's in black? I can't seem to find it in their 3x3x3 diy category. The direct link on one of the previous pages still works though. Not sure what that's all about.

 

[terisiare121]

Cube4you hasn't had the new types in stock for quite a while.

 

[Lofty]

Hmmm, I don't really like my new type. I think mine will only pop if it breaks off one of the anti-pop mechanisms. I fear taking it apart to lube or clean because I broke one edge piece trying to get the cube together (it came with extra parts luckily) and it feels like it will break trying to get it open. But yes it is a smooth cube.

 

[VooX]

Here you go, a link to the NEW type-A DIY that is in stock...

http://cube4you.com/247_New-type-White-DIYKit-3x3x3-second-model-(a).html

Please be aware that right now I only see the white model in stock. They used to carry the new type-A DIY that was yellow, but I no longer see it listed.

I highly recommend the express shipping method. Although it is much more expensive, the regular shipping can take over a month.

I usually by several cubes at once so that I get more value out of the express shipping costs, and I will also have back-up cubes in case I lose mine, or want to give away a speedcube to a friend.

edit: they just sold out... but keep an eye on the site, they will be back in stock soon.

 

[Ron]

If anyone still has some old DIY type A (the ones with the ribbon on the inside of the edges), then I am very interested in buying them.
I gave away 3 and 1 of the remaining 2 is almost end-of-life.

Please let me know by e-mail. Especially if they are not assembled yet.

Thanks!

Ron

 

[VooX]

Hmmm, I don't really like my new type. I think mine will only pop if it breaks off one of the anti-pop mechanisms. I fear taking it apart to lube or clean because I broke one edge piece trying to get the cube together (it came with extra parts luckily) and it feels like it will break trying to get it open. But yes it is a smooth cube.

Assembling this cube can be tricky as you mentioned. Although I did not break any edges trying to assemble, I have messed up the spring/washer arrangement by over stretching one side.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the small washers can get caught in the screw's thread jamming the spring and losing tension on that face. I have to be very careful assembling my cubes, both to prevent breaking, and to prevent jamming the spring with the washer.

Altogether a cube I would only recommend to someone who has built and tweaked a speedcube already.

 

[alexgoldberg]

Does anybody know when the black/white new type diys will be selling again? I'm hoping to get one before Denver.