[Help Thread] Puzzle Recommendations

[ruffleduck]

From what i've seen on yt, the mgc is a fast cube, especially when compared to the valk, so it may be the best option for you.

From personal experience, the MGC isn't nearly as fast as people say it is. I've mained the MGC for a year and if anything I find the cube too slow. And no i'm not spoiled by the speed of other cubes, in fact I main a valk elite for 3x3 which is generally considered slow/moderate speed.

That being said, it is a great cube and it is my main. I do not own an Aosu wrm but i've tried it and I still prefer the MGC. The WRM is basically a flexier version of the MGC for over twice the price.

I've not tried the XMD Ambition, but many top level solvers have switched to it making me think that it might be the best 4x4.

 

[tetraaa]

It may just be me, but I actually hate my Yuxin Cloud 5x5. I tried putting lube in, breaking it in, doing a million and one solves, and it's not any good. Plus, one of the red side tiles are darker than the rest, which just adds insult to injury.

 

[povlhp]

From personal experience, the MGC isn't nearly as fast as people say it is. I've mained the MGC for a year and if anything I find the cube too slow. And no i'm not spoiled by the speed of other cubes, in fact I main a valk elite for 3x3 which is generally considered slow/moderate speed.

That being said, it is a great cube and it is my main. I do not own an Aosu wrm but i've tried it and I still prefer the MGC. The WRM is basically a flexier version of the MGC for over twice the price.

I've not tried the XMD Ambition, but many top level solvers have switched to it making me think that it might be the best 4x4.

Outer layer is OK fast. Inner layers are slower, and like to stay together, making it great for Roux solving in the end.

 

[alexstore06]

Will update this shortly.

Any update?

 

[White KB]

Recommended Skewb:

• Budget: QiYi QiCheng Skewb - $7.50
• Great: X Man Wingy Skewb - $13.99
• Expert: X Man Wingy Skewb - $31.95

I think the expert one is supposed to be GAN Magnetic Skewb, based on the link.

 

[qwr]

Recommended 2x2x2:

• Budget: YJ YuPo V2M - $6.95
• Great: MGC 2x2 - $9.99
• Expert: QiYi Valk 2M - $19.95

Recommended 3x3x3:

• Budget: Yulong V2M 3x3- $7.95 or QiYi MS 3x3- $7.95
• Great: MoYu RS3M 2020 3x3 - $8.95
• Expert: GAN 11M Pro 3x3 - $64.95 or Dayan Tengyun v1 $25.95 or or MoYu Weilong WR M - $38.99

Recommended 4x4x4:

• Budget: QiYi Thunderclap Mini 4x4 - $12.95 or Meilong 4x4 - $4.99
• Great: Qiyi Mini Wuque M - $31.95
• Expert: Angstrom WuQue M 4x4 - $69.99 or MoYu AoSu 4x4 GTS2 M - $44.99

Recommended 5x5x5:

• Budget: YuXin Cloud 5x5 - $5.49 Yuxin Little Magic M 5x5 - $16.99
• Great: MoYu AoChuang 5x5 GTS M - $39.99
• Expert: QiYi Valk 5M $49.95

Recommended 6x6x6:

• Budget: YuXin Little Magic 6x6 - $14.95
• Great: Shadow M - $49.95
• Expert: Cosmic Shadow M 6x6 - $75.95

Recommended 7x7x7:

• Budget: QiYi QiXing 7x7 - $14.95
• Great: MoFang JiaoShi MF7S 7x7 - $19.99
• Expert: Yuxin Hays 7 M - $54.95 or XMan Spark 7x7 - $49.95

Recommended Megaminx:

• Budget: Qiyi Qiheng - $7.95
• Great: X-Man Galaxy Megaminx V2 (Sculpted) - $19.99 or YJ MGC Megaminx $22.99
• Expert: X Man Galaxy v2 M - $29.99

Recommended Skewb:

• Budget: QiYi QiCheng Skewb - $7.50
• Great: X Man Wingy Skewb - $13.99
• Expert: X Man Wingy Skewb - $31.95

Recommended Clock:

• Budget: Lingao Clock - $9.95
• Great: Shengshou Clock - $9.95
• Expert: QiYi Clock - $34.95

Recommended Pyraminx:

• Budget: Yulong v2 M Pyraminx - $7.99
• Great: MoYu Magnetic Pyraminx - $13.99
• Expert: GAN Pyraminx- $18.95

Recommended Square-1:

• Budget: Qiyi Qifa S - $6.99 or Yuxin Little Magic Square 1 - $6.99
• Great: X-Man Volt - $13.99
• Expert: Cubicle Labs X-Man Volt $59.99

Recommended MBLD cubes:

• Budget: Yuxin Little Magic 3x3 $4.95
• Great: MoYu RS3M 2020 3x3 - $8.95
• Expert: MoYu Weilong WR M $29.95

These are my recommendations based on my personal experience and mostly what other people have said.

2x2: Add Meilong M 2x2 into budget.

3x3: Add Meilong M into budget. Also I argue the RS3M 2020 belongs in budget category and Tengyun goes in midrange, although not many top solvers have adapted it. I would throw in the valk 3m at $25 in midrange just because of how popular it still is.

4x4: I think thunderclap and wuque are a little outdated, maybe recommend the mini yj 4x4 instead of mini thunderclap.

5x5: I would guess the little magic (non magnetic) 5x5 is better than the cloud, but i'm not sure.

6x6: replace shadow with MGC 6x6

7x7: Hays7 is outdated. Put in MGC 7x7

megaminx: you HAVE TO add the yuhu v2. Also the new dayan megaminx has good reviews so that also goes in expert.



Also I think it's extremely important for beginners to know that budget 2x2s and 3x3s are outstanding in performance, but budget cubes get worse the bigger the cube gets. Budget 4x4s and 5x5s are only ok and budget 6x6s and 7x7s are pretty garbo.

If you guys agree with my assessment, which I think you will because everything I've said is mainstream, let me know.

 

[Sub1Hour]

A list with non wca puzzles would also be pretty cool. There’s less variety in what you can get but it would be nice to get an idea of what the meta is for events like kilominx or master pyra

 

[povlhp]

I agree with qwt.
4x4 - 7x7 - We need to have the MGC at top tier. The Zhilong Mini at least as great options.
YuHu V2M is the most recommended Megaminx. Should be listed

But for 2x2 Expert, most says MGC Elite. So at least add that as a second option. Mine is great.
A Yuhu V2m that has been loosened up a bit and received a lube job is VERY good. Better than MGC Elite unless the elite has been setup.

Meilong 3M as a budget 3x3 option. Many recommends YLM here as well, I have it and do not like it. Prefers QiYi MS, but Meilong cheaper and still good.

How about Ultra-Budget non-magnetized for giveaway ? Meilong 3C for sure, but what about the other $0.70 options from ziicube ? QiYi Sail-W vs Warrior-S ?

And keychain/pocket cubes ? The GAN is fine after setup. Meilong 45mm is too lose IMHO, but OK.

I am one of those RS3M owners (one lubed and better magnets, one stock) that think it is overrated. It has the spring compression system, but apart from that, it is not that great. Feels more solid and heavy. GuHong V4M is a great low/mid level cube if you do not have the rough turning that breaks centers.
Why is the Tengyun V2M not in here ? Often recommended. And I like it.

And get ready to update Square-1 with MGC. I am eagerly awaiting it. Maybe a recommendation to wait if you want expert level. It is up for preorder at $20. Rumrs says it will open up for new world records.

 

[HumbleZ]

I am returning to the speedcubing scene after a few years. I used to solve on a Cubicle Silk Custom Modded Zhanchi but now I need a new cube.
If anyone is familiar with the cube I used to solve with, can you provide me a suggestion of a best new cube. There is no price limit and I am willing to try a few cubes.

Based on memory, the Silk Zhanchi sacrificed alittle speed for more stability and was quiet compared to the original 2012 Zhanchi. So I am looking for something that is new that has a similar style.

 

[SH03L4C3]

I am returning to the speedcubing scene after a few years. I used to solve on a Cubicle Silk Custom Modded Zhanchi but now I need a new cube.
If anyone is familiar with the cube I used to solve with, can you provide me a suggestion of a best new cube. There is no price limit and I am willing to try a few cubes.

Based on memory, the Silk Zhanchi sacrificed alittle speed for more stability and was quiet compared to the original 2012 Zhanchi. So I am looking for something that is new that has a similar style.

Welcome back!

Haven't been cubing for that long, but I think I know what you are talking about. So a few cubes came to mind.
Valk 3 elite: It is more on the stable side and was Qiyi's 2019 Flagship. This one has a unique edge-center magnet system as well as the normal edge-corner system.
Dayan Tengyun v2: This is the last Dayan flagship. It is on the faster side, but its one of the quietest cubes on the market (behind the Tengyun v1) It is a hit or miss though.
Dayan Zanchi Pro M: This is the latest Dayan flagship. So far it is currently on pre-order (I am pretty sure) They say its a lighter tengyun v2 with a more classic dayan plastic feel.

All of these cubes have adjustable tensions and magnets. The one with the easiest system for both magnets and tension is the Zanchi (as I have heard)

 

[ruffleduck]

I am returning to the speedcubing scene after a few years. I used to solve on a Cubicle Silk Custom Modded Zhanchi but now I need a new cube.
If anyone is familiar with the cube I used to solve with, can you provide me a suggestion of a best new cube. There is no price limit and I am willing to try a few cubes.

Based on memory, the Silk Zhanchi sacrificed alittle speed for more stability and was quiet compared to the original 2012 Zhanchi. So I am looking for something that is new that has a similar style.

You might enjoy the original Valk 3 M. It's very stable and moderately fast. (The Elite is also good and it's my main but most people seem to prefer the original)

Also, the Tornado V2 (which is on pre-order) is Qiyi's most recent flagship, but I do not know much about it. Definitely worth checking out though, from what I've heard it's very promising.

The Zhanchi Pro is another option if you want to try Dayan's newest flagship.

 

[HumbleZ]

You might enjoy the original Valk 3 M. (the Elite is also good and it's my main but most people seem to prefer the original)

Also, the Tornado V2 (which is on pre-order) is Qiyi's most recent flagship, but I do not know much about it. Definitely worth checking out though, from what I've heard it's very promising.

What is the difference between the Elite and the regular 3 M?

Welcome back!

Haven't been cubing for that long, but I think I know what you are talking about. So a few cubes came to mind.
Valk 3 elite: It is more on the stable side and was Qiyi's 2019 Flagship. This one has a unique edge-center magnet system as well as the normal edge-corner system.
Dayan Tengyun v2: This is the last Dayan flagship. It is on the faster side, but its one of the quietest cubes on the market (behind the Tengyun v1) It is a hit or miss though.
Dayan Zanchi Pro M: This is the latest Dayan flagship. So far it is currently on pre-order (I am pretty sure) They say its a lighter tengyun v2 with a more classic dayan plastic feel.

All of these cubes have adjustable tensions and magnets. The one with the easiest system for both magnets and tension is the Zanchi (as I have heard)

I been hearing alot of mix reviews about the new Zhanchi. I am thinking of buying it though just because my original speedcube was a Zhanchi


On the side, I been hearing good things about hte Gan 11M pro. I hear its fast and stable.

 

[ruffleduck]

What is the difference between the Elite and the regular 3 M?

The Elite is a faster and has more of a crisp feeling and isn't naturally as stable. By this I mean that the 90-something magnets in the edges, corners, and centers is what really makes the cube stable, not the cube itself. So with weak magnets (which you can swap to with the included magnet set) the cube isn't that stable. Compared to the Valk, where even the nonmagnetic version is very stable. The original Valk is blockier and more controllable. Both cubes perform great, you can't really go wrong with either, so it's just personal preference.

On the side, I been hearing good things about hte Gan 11M pro. I hear its fast and stable.

Gan 11 M Pro is a good cube. I used to hate Gan 3x3's because of how flexible and flimsy they are (IMO their 356 XS is awful for this reason), but the 11 M Pro is very stable while still being fast. Similarly to the Valk Elite, however, it is mostly the magnets (both corner/edge and corner/core) that keep the cube stable and not the cube itself.

 

[AlgoCuber]

I think it's time to start recommending the Tornado V2 M, but it may be too early to tell since there are so few reviews.

 

[pyrapyravince]

Trying to find a budget magnetic main.
Qiyi ms 3x3, rs3m 2020, magnetic yuxin, or mfjs meilong 3m?

so price. MFJS is the cheapest, yuxin is the middle, and rs3m is the most expensive.

the reason I'm really indecisive right now is that the rs3m is apparently the best budget cube, but it has a stripped core issue. Also, the magnets are weak.
The MFJS is cheaper but less smooth; though that's not really a problem.
A lot of people really like the yuxin little magic without magnets, so I'm wondering if the magnetic version would be good.

So which should I get? Can I get cube stats? Does the MFJS have stronger magnets than the rs3m?

 

[AlgoCuber]

Trying to find a budget magnetic main.
Qiyi ms 3x3, rs3m 2020, magnetic yuxin, or mfjs meilong 3m?

so price. MFJS is the cheapest, yuxin is the middle, and rs3m is the most expensive.

the reason I'm really indecisive right now is that the rs3m is apparently the best budget cube, but it has a stripped core issue. Also, the magnets are weak.
The MFJS is cheaper but less smooth; though that's not really a problem.
A lot of people really like the yuxin little magic without magnets, so I'm wondering if the magnetic version would be good.

So which should I get? Can I get cube stats? Does the MFJS have stronger magnets than the rs3m?

Here is my gathered info from reviewers and the community, might not be what you think

Meilong M: Cheap: Well-performing, Slightly sandy, No customization, Stronger magnets
Yuxin Little Magic M: Fast, No customization, Very strong magnets
RS3 M: Fast, Smooth, Customization, Medium magnets (People say they're weak because they're too used to strong magnets), Relatively uncommon screw stripping issue

 

[qwr]

I think it's time to start recommending the Tornado V2 M, but it may be too early to tell since there are so few reviews.

definitely too early.

Meilong 3M as a budget 3x3 option. Many recommends YLM here as well, I have it and do not like it. Prefers QiYi MS, but Meilong cheaper and still good.

How about Ultra-Budget non-magnetized for giveaway ? Meilong 3C for sure, but what about the other $0.70 options from ziicube ? QiYi Sail-W vs Warrior-S ?

I like the little magic M and I think it's decent enough performing to be on the list.
I also agree with ultra budget. All those you listed are perfect for beginners.

 

[pyrapyravince]

Here is my gathered info from reviewers and the community, might not be what you think

Meilong M: Cheap: Well-performing, Slightly sandy, No customization, Stronger magnets
Yuxin Little Magic M: Fast, No customization, Very strong magnets
RS3 M: Fast, Smooth, Customization, Medium magnets (People say they're weak because they're too used to strong magnets), Relatively uncommon screw stripping issue

the meilongs sandy problem can be solved with some dnm 37.

 

[Sub1Hour]

The old list is out of date and so is my old one so here goes another one

3x3:
Budget: Meilong M, Qiyi MS
Great: Wuwei, Guhong v4, RS3M 2020
Expert: Too many to count, it's worth doing your own research here

2x2:
Budget: Yupo v2 M, Qiyi MS
Great: Original MGC
Expert: MGC Elite 2x2, Valk 2, Gan 251, Flare, Xinghen TSM, Tengyun

4x4:
Budget: Little Magic M, Qiyi MS
Great: Zhilong M, Meilong M,
Expert: Aosu GTS2 M, MGC, Ambition, Valk 4

5x5:
Budget: Qiyi MS, Little Magic M
Great: Yuchuang v2 M
Expert: MGC, Valk 5, Aochuang GTS M, Aochuang WRM

6x6:
Budget: Little Magic M
Great: Yushi v2 M, Shadow
Expert: MGC

7x7:
Budget: Yufu v2 M
Great: Hays 7 M, Aofu GTS M
Expert: MGC, Spark

Square 1:
Budget: Qifa
Great: Little Magic M
Expert: MGC, Volt v2

Mega:
Budget: Little Magic
Great: Galaxy v1
Expert: Yuhu v2, Galaxy v2, Gan, Dayan v2 (Not sure about this one, haven't tried it yet)

Pyra:
Budget: Yulong v2, Qiyi MS
Great: Yuxin Huanglong
Expert: Bell v2, Bell v1, Gan, Mr. M

Skewb:
Budget: Little Magic
Great: Moyu Magnetic
Expert: Aoyan, Wingy, Gan

Clock:
Budget: Lingao
Great: Shengshou
Expert: Qiyi

Before you go typing away about me putting cheaper cubes in the expert category than those in the great category yes I know that. The budget category is the only one that I used price to decide what goes in it. Expert and Great are both based completely on pure performance. Yes, I know that this isn't the system pjk used.

If you have any additional insight on these puzzles (or on some non-wca puzzles) please share it in the thread as the more information people have the more likely they are to pick a puzzle they enjoy.

 

[qwr]

is the yuxin cloud any good? same with yushi 6x6.

maybe there should be an ultra budget non magnetic category for people who just want a puzzle for casual solving.