[Help Thread] Puzzle Choice Thread

[Wagnit]

I've been trying to decide on a main 3x3 for a while now (ever since I started a few months ago), and I still haven't come to conclusions. I'm gonna get a 3x3 to practice with in the summer, and I don't have much of a budget limit, I'd just rather it not be from a custom-line.
I have a somewhat harsh turning style, so I need a lot of stability, but I also want the cube to be relatively quiet. I don't have much of an opinion on feel and magnets, but I'd probably rather have a smooth feel and lighter magnets, and I don't have an opinion on weight, as it doesn't seem like an issue to me.
I'm maining a stickerless Little Magic currently, but I don't like the clacky feel, the lack of stability, and the loud sound. I've also tried my friend's Gan Air (I believe lite version) and stickered Aolong v2. I liked the feel of the Gan Air, but it was too flexible for me to get high tps on it, and I often overshot. I didn't like the Aolong's feel, as it felt somewhat bumpy to me, and I don't think I performed very well on it either.
I've mainly been looking into the Valk Power M, as it seems to fit everything I've said so far. However, since few people main the Valk Power, I wanted to know your opinions on it before buying it.
Side notes
-I'd rather use a stickerless cube.
-I wouldn't mind performing long maintenance on the cube as it would be my only expensive hardware
-I currently have lubicle silk and silicone weight 5, and I wouldn't mind getting a few other lubricants (planning to buy dnm-37 soon)

 

[UnknownCuber]

I've been trying to decide on a main 3x3 for a while now (ever since I started a few months ago), and I still haven't come to conclusions. I'm gonna get a 3x3 to practice with in the summer, and I don't have much of a budget limit, I'd just rather it not be from a custom-line.
I have a somewhat harsh turning style, so I need a lot of stability, but I also want the cube to be relatively quiet. I don't have much of an opinion on feel and magnets, but I'd probably rather have a smooth feel and lighter magnets, and I don't have an opinion on weight, as it doesn't seem like an issue to me.
I'm maining a stickerless Little Magic currently, but I don't like the clacky feel, the lack of stability, and the loud sound. I've also tried my friend's Gan Air (I believe lite version) and stickered Aolong v2. I liked the feel of the Gan Air, but it was too flexible for me to get high tps on it, and I often overshot. I didn't like the Aolong's feel, as it felt somewhat bumpy to me, and I don't think I performed very well on it either.
I've mainly been looking into the Valk Power M, as it seems to fit everything I've said so far. However, since few people main the Valk Power, I wanted to know your opinions on it before buying it.
Side notes
-I'd rather use a stickerless cube.
-I wouldn't mind performing long maintenance on the cube as it would be my only expensive hardware
-I currently have lubicle silk and silicone weight 5, and I wouldn't mind getting a few other lubricants (planning to buy dnm-37 soon)

Gans air sm is nice: just swap the ges nuts to something like yellow coloured ones
For lube, you might try getting angstrom lubes paired with dnm-37, i think the feeling might be like the angstrom wuque m (from hearing the sound from reviews, not owning it)
P.s: I've only got the wushuang, valk and wuxia but I've got to try my friends' gans sm, gts 2m and a few other cubes.

 

[CubingIsAwesome]

Ok, so I am really sick of people asking what kind of cubes should they get.
It seems that I have started the "The XXX Thread" wave at this forum, although some of the threads are pretty useful, the invarible title really annoys me.

anyway, as the tile have said, this thread is for those of you who does not know what cube you should buy or is struggling over choosing from a certain cubes. This thread is for questions, as some of the reviews on the forum may not satisfy your need.

Rules:
1. Please try to look at the previous posts to see if there are other people who are in the same dilemma as yours have already posted or being answered. This could save a lot of space in this thread, and make it easier both for people to answer or ask.
2. Please make sure that you talk about your preferances/choices, or maybe previous experiances that may affect your decision, with as much details as you can. I am really tired of people just posting the exterior of the cube without any descriptions at all at the cube ID thread. Giving as much details as possible will help us to find exactly the "best cube" for you.
3. Make sure you follow the rules, and be as nice as possible. I don't was to see stuffs like "Why would you want XXX? It's the worst cube ever" or "Only people with real mature tastes will like the AV. FIIs are for kids."



Soo, have fun!

Well said...

 

[THERAGINGCYCLOPS]

I've been trying to decide on a main 3x3 for a while now (ever since I started a few months ago), and I still haven't come to conclusions. I'm gonna get a 3x3 to practice with in the summer, and I don't have much of a budget limit, I'd just rather it not be from a custom-line.
I have a somewhat harsh turning style, so I need a lot of stability, but I also want the cube to be relatively quiet. I don't have much of an opinion on feel and magnets, but I'd probably rather have a smooth feel and lighter magnets, and I don't have an opinion on weight, as it doesn't seem like an issue to me.
I'm maining a stickerless Little Magic currently, but I don't like the clacky feel, the lack of stability, and the loud sound. I've also tried my friend's Gan Air (I believe lite version) and stickered Aolong v2. I liked the feel of the Gan Air, but it was too flexible for me to get high tps on it, and I often overshot. I didn't like the Aolong's feel, as it felt somewhat bumpy to me, and I don't think I performed very well on it either.
I've mainly been looking into the Valk Power M, as it seems to fit everything I've said so far. However, since few people main the Valk Power, I wanted to know your opinions on it before buying it.
Side notes
-I'd rather use a stickerless cube.
-I wouldn't mind performing long maintenance on the cube as it would be my only expensive hardware
-I currently have lubicle silk and silicone weight 5, and I wouldn't mind getting a few other lubricants (planning to buy dnm-37 soon)

Overshooting is easy to fix!
Speed can be adjusted by using lube and you can get used to the speed to overshoot less
Try a valk or GTS2M?
Or you could try the new huanglong m, which very few people have had the chance to test

 

[CornerCutter]

Anybody have the any of the SS Tank series yet? How are they for budget cubes?

 

[The Pocket Cuber]

Here’s my situation:

Problem: 3x3x3 main is outdated and am not happy with it.

I have weird preferences, please try to help me out

I like:
Smooth, moderately fast cubes and extremely light magnets in my puzzle. The cube must be reliable stability wise, and can’t be over 56mm. 55mm is preferable, 55.5mm is okay. I also prefer black and white plastic, not a fan of sticker less.

 

[CornerCutter]

Here’s my situation:

Problem: 3x3x3 main is outdated and am not happy with it.

I have weird preferences, please try to help me out

I like:
Smooth, moderately fast cubes and extremely light magnets in my puzzle. The cube must be reliable stability wise, and can’t be over 56mm. 55mm is preferable, 55.5mm is okay. I also prefer black and white plastic, not a fan of sticker less.

A factory made GTS2M sounds like it fits what you want.

 

[The Pocket Cuber]

Okay, thanks!

 

[ophir]

hey! so I've started cubing around a year ago, and I still use Cyclone boys 3X3 without stickers (not sure how to spell stickerless...) and it's really bad. so I decided to get as a birthday present a huge set of puzzles. now here are my questions:

1. should I get The Valk 3 or the Valk power? (magnets are not important).
2. Should I buy Moyu WeiLong GTS1 or GTS 2?
3. To get the GAN Air 356 SM or the GAN 356 Air (master)?
4. Wich GES nuts to use in the GAN?

*please notice that all cubes will be purchased from TheCubicle.us and I can only buy one cube from each brand (one GAN, one Valk, and one GTS).

please answer with your thoughts.

 

[DGCubes]

hey! so I've started cubing around a year ago, and I still use Cyclone boys 3X3 without stickers (not sure how to spell stickerless...) and it's really bad. so I decided to get as a birthday present a huge set of puzzles. now here are my questions:

1. should I get The Valk 3 or the Valk power? (magnets are not important).
2. Should I buy Moyu WeiLong GTS1 or GTS 2?
3. To get the GAN Air 356 SM or the GAN 356 Air (master)?
4. Wich GES nuts to use in the GAN?

*please notice that all cubes will be purchased from TheCubicle.us and I can only buy one cube from each brand (one GAN, one Valk, and one GTS).

please answer with your thoughts.

Here are my two cents:
1. The Valk Power is only preferred by some people, so the Valk 3 is probably your best bet.
2. GTS2.
3. SM.
4. I'm not really an expert on that, but I think people generally prefer either clear or yellow (somebody correct me if I'm wrong).
Also as a general rule, magnetic > not magnetic.

I am curious though, why are you limiting yourself to just 3x3s? You really only need one high-end speedcube, so it might be a better use of your money to invest in different puzzles.

 

[ophir]

Here are my two cents:
1. The Valk Power is only preferred by some people, so the Valk 3 is probably your best bet.
2. GTS2.
3. SM.
4. I'm not really an expert on that, but I think people generally prefer either clear or yellow (somebody correct me if I'm wrong).
Also as a general rule, magnetic > not magnetic.

I am curious though, why are you limiting yourself to just 3x3s? You really only need one high-end speedcube, so it might be a better use of your money to invest in different puzzles.

Well thanks for your opinion, it helped alot! I'm not limiting myself, it's just that I needed help about chosing a few good cubes to start off my collection. Im also ordering in that set a megaminx, a pyraminx, a 2X2 and possibly a 4X4 and a shapeshifting one....
And about the magnets: it's less important because I'm will also buy a cheap magnetic set to megntaize 3x3s.
I have a friend who had the valk 3 power M, and it's really nice to turn, but I haven't tried the valk 3 yet so I can't compare. If you say valk 3 then that's what I'll take.
Please keep sharing your opinions, as long as I get more and more opinions I can make a smarter decision about my collection...

 

[DGCubes]

Well thanks for your opinion, it helped alot! I'm not limiting myself, it's just that I needed help about chosing a few good cubes to start off my collection. Im also ordering in that set a megaminx, a pyraminx, a 2X2 and possibly a 4X4 and a shapeshifting one....
And about the magnets: it's less important because I'm will also buy a cheap magnetic set to megntaize 3x3s.
I have a friend who had the valk 3 power M, and it's really nice to turn, but I haven't tried the valk 3 yet so I can't compare. If you say valk 3 then that's what I'll take.
Please keep sharing your opinions, as long as I get more and more opinions I can make a smarter decision about my collection...

Sounds good to me, I was just wondering if you had considered other puzzles. Seems like you've done your research.

And yeah, you can't really go wrong with the Valk 3 or Valk Power, but from what I've heard and tried, the Valk 3 seems to be more of a crowd-pleaser whereas the Power fits a more specific turning style. (But of course I could be wrong about this, so hopefully some more people share opinions!)

 

[ophir]

Sounds good to me, I was just wondering if you had considered other puzzles. Seems like you've done your research.

And yeah, you can't really go wrong with the Valk 3 or Valk Power, but from what I've heard and tried, the Valk 3 seems to be more of a crowd-pleaser whereas the Power fits a more specific turning style. (But of course I could be wrong about this, so hopefully some more people share opinions!)

Hey, I just realized that I know your name on youtube! I saw a few of your videos, your really good! oh, and, sorry this isn't the place to talk about it.... so to make this comment "legal" I'm gonna ask this:

what is the best 2x2 and 4x4 to get (my average on 2x2 is 15-7, and 4x4 I never really timed myself...)?
and also, does someone have any recommendations on other good puzzles other then Megaminx, Pyraminx, 2x2, 4x4, 3x3? maybe a square-1, skewb, or a killomonx?

 

[CornerCutter]

Hey, I just realized that I know your name on youtube! I saw a few of your videos, your really good! oh, and, sorry this isn't the place to talk about it.... so to make this comment "legal" I'm gonna ask this:

what is the best 2x2 and 4x4 to get (my average on 2x2 is 15-7, and 4x4 I never really timed myself...)?
and also, does someone have any recommendations on other good puzzles other then Megaminx, Pyraminx, 2x2, 4x4, 3x3? maybe a square-1, skewb, or a killomonx?

The best 2x2 is either the Wuxia M or the Gan 249 M. Both are great puzzles, but the Wuxia takes a little while to break in. Best 4x4 is the Wuque M.

For square-1 it's either the Qiyi or X-man Volt. Qiyi is smooth but slower and the Volt is fast and doesn't have as good cornercutting. The X-man Wingy Skewb is amazing! The Shengshou Kilominx is the only real Kilominx on the market right now. It's good, but has a few lockups . And finally for 5x5 the Wushuang is best.

What is funny is I released an episode yesterday of The CornerCutter Podcast and this is the main topic - the best and budget cubes of 2018. I talk through all the cubes you mentioned and more, including big cubes and OH.

 

[cubeshepherd]

Hey, I just realized that I know your name on youtube! I saw a few of your videos, your really good! oh, and, sorry this isn't the place to talk about it.... so to make this comment "legal" I'm gonna ask this:

what is the best 2x2 and 4x4 to get (my average on 2x2 is 15-7, and 4x4 I never really timed myself...)?
and also, does someone have any recommendations on other good puzzles other then Megaminx, Pyraminx, 2x2, 4x4, 3x3? maybe a square-1, skewb, or a killomonx?

For all the cubes that @CornerCutter recommended he is spot on with, but for the Square 1 the Volt M I think has really good corner cutting, especially once you break it in and loosen it a bit, it then becomes really great. I got the Cosmic Volt M from SCS and I would highly recommend that if you are looking for a great Square 1 and if you do not mind paying a little more for it, because you will not regret it.

For Megaminx the X-man Galaxy v2 M or non M is the cube to get> I was just at a competition and I scrambled pretty much every Megaminx from most of the cubers that competed in it, and that gave me the opportunity to try them all out and pretty much every Megaminx was the Galaxy v2 M or non M and I have the V2 non M and there (in my mind) is not a better Megaminx then the Galaxy v2, especially if you get the M version. I know that some cubers prefer the non M, so it really comes down to if you like the feel of the magnets in the cube, but if you are not sure then I would recommend that you try a couple out to see if you like it.

For Pyraminx the X-man Bell is the best by far, I know that some cubers like the Moyu Magnetic Pyraminx, but for me it was to slow and not as crisp at turning as the Bell is.

If you get a Kilominx the for sure the ShengShou, and although it does catch a bit when you first start cubing with it, it will break in really nicely and if you practice turning fast but smoothly then the catches are minimal.

Well thanks for your opinion, it helped alot! I'm not limiting myself, it's just that I needed help about chosing a few good cubes to start off my collection. Im also ordering in that set a megaminx, a pyraminx, a 2X2 and possibly a 4X4 and a shapeshifting one....
And about the magnets: it's less important because I'm will also buy a cheap magnetic set to megntaize 3x3s.
I have a friend who had the valk 3 power M, and it's really nice to turn, but I haven't tried the valk 3 yet so I can't compare. If you say valk 3 then that's what I'll take.
Please keep sharing your opinions, as long as I get more and more opinions I can make a smarter decision about my collection...

Having both the Valk Power M and the Valk M, I would recommend both but that really depends on you turning style and what kind of feel you like when you turn. The Valk Power M has a much nicer and smooth feel when you turn (as I am sure you know) and compared to the Valk M it is much quieter, it has a little resemblance in feel to a Gans M cube that has tighter springs, and compared to the Valk M it can feel a bit sluggish.
The Valk M has a bit more clackey (if Clackey is even a word) and crisp way about it in the way it turns and compared to the Power M it is a bit louder. I use the Power M as my main 2H cube, but I use the Valk M as my OH and FT main. The reason I use it as my OH main is mainly because I have it a little looser then the Power, but also because I like the crispness in it and not the sluggishness of the Power M.

 

[ophir]

thank you, everyone, you really helped a lot! so I think these are my decisions:

3X3s -
1. The Valk 3/The Valk power - not sure, leaning towards The Valk 3.
2. GAN - GAN 356 Air SM with yellow GES nuts.
3. GTS - Moyu WeiLong GTS 2
2x2s -
1. GAN 249 V2
4x4s -
1. Wuque (not sure what is it, but you recommended it)
Pyraminx - X-Man Bell Magnetic Pyraminx.
Megaminx - X-Man Galaxy Megaminx V2 M (Concave)
about Skewb, Square-1, kilominx and other puzzles, I'm not yet sure if I have enough money, so I don't know.
any thoughts about my decisions? corrections? other recommendations?
and lastly - any recommendations about lube? I'm thinking lubicle black for core and premium lube bundle from cubicle.us for pieces.

 

[Duncan Bannon]

Sounds good.

Lube-

Spoiler

 

[JustAnotherGenericCuber]

Looks good, but I think most people like the sculpted Megaminx over the concave one

 

[THERAGINGCYCLOPS]

GTS
Valk
MGC

Which one should I choose or should I get something else

 

[ophir]

what is the difference between fitted stickers, fully fitted stickers and factory fitted stickers?
and which should I get?