Dude, I feel that the Type A II is underrated in your review. I find it an excellent cube.
-Resistance to pops (7/10) – It kind of pops like a ***** but with some getting used to it doesn't really pop much.
-Resistance to lock ups (8.5/10) – It doesn't lock up in most situations but because of its clicky feel, it does cause some lock ups but not too much.
-Ability to cut corners (9.5/10) – Not quite 45 degrees but it can get close
-Speed (8.5/10) – With enough lubing it does get quick, really quick. But is barred due to the clickyness.
Average score: 8.325/10
Overall score: B- to A
Weight: Average
Need to break in: No
Feel: -Smooth but clicky making it feel rough
- Very noisy
Best Tension: Tight but not too tight
Comments: It is a great cube IMO although you may find my opinion quite biased since I only own one of it but trying my friend's A II and it is almost the same story except he has his at a tighter tension.
One thing about this cube though is that it demands quite a lot of lube. More than other cubes at least to keep it at its nice range(lubed with CRC Food Grade just like all my other cubes).
If you're a fan of a clicky cube, this is for you. It is almost a perfect balance between clicky and smooth meeting somewhere towards smooth which is what I like. I can perform (R U')*63 with minimal lock ups compared to my other cubes.
P.S. - I have a Type D core in mine. I'm not sure if that makes a difference but I'll just state it.