Speedsolving.com Wiki - User contributions [en]

X-Man Design

2019-04-01T15:51:30Z

VickyRouxBoss: /* X-Man Galaxy V2 Megaminx */

{{Perhaps Outdated|reason=since new cubes/products may be released}}
{{Manufacturer
|NAME=X-Man Design (XMD)
|LOGO=[[File:Xman.jpg|150px]]
|FOUNDED=2016
|LOCATION=China
|YEARSACTIVE=2016-present
|AREASSERVED=Worldwide
|WEBSITE=http://qiyitoys.net/
|PRODUCTS=3x3 and non-[[NxNxN]] [[twisty puzzle]]s
}}

'''X-Man Design''', is a sub-brand of [[QiYi]].

== Products ==

=== X-Man Tornado 3x3 ===

The X-Man Tornado is XMD's first ever release. Many reviewers weren't too impressed with it but agreed that it was an "okay" 3x3.

=== X-Man Galaxy Megaminx ===

The Galaxy Megaminx was released in 2016 and was the dominant [[Megaminx]] after its release. It is available in black, white and stickerless. Each color has four versions: regular, concave, convex, and sculpted. There also is a version which has all 4 grips in stickerless. Generally, the sculpted version is preferred over the other three. The stickerless versions have tile-like caps snapped to the primary inside.

=== X-Man Bell Pyraminx ===

The X-Man Bell Pyraminx is the second ever mass-produced pyraminx with a magnetic positioning system, as opposed to one with ball bearings. After its release, it became one of the most preferred Pyraminxes on the market. According to X-Man's Website, you can adjust the strength of the magnets by changing the number of magnets on the center pieces, and adding caps on edge pieces.
The tetrahedron is available in white with stickers, black with stickers and stickerless.

=== X-Man Volt Square-1 ===
The X-Man Volt Square-1 was one of the top Square-1 puzzles after its release. Reviews were mixed; many agreed that the QiYi Square-1 was still better while many others agreed that the Volt was a bit better than the QiYi. It is very stable and has a thick slice for grip, similarly to the GuanLong Square-1. Some criticized the Volt for its lackluster corner cutting, but some have been able to set theirs up to improve on that.

=== X-Man Wingy Skewb ===
The X-Man Wingy Skewb was immediately well-liked after its release. It became many top Skewbers' mains and was widely considered the single best [[Skewb]] on the market soon after. It has a concave shape to help with the solver's grip and magnets to help align the pieces. The closest competition is the MoYu AoYan M.

=== X-Man Galaxy V2 Megaminx ===
The Galaxy Megaminx V2 is the successor to the first Galaxy Megaminx. It received positive feedback upon release and a new upgraded version called the X-Man Galaxy V2 L is the new best Megaminx

[[Category:Puzzle Manufacturers]]

X-Man Design

2019-04-01T15:49:26Z

VickyRouxBoss: /* X-Man Wingy Skewb */

{{Perhaps Outdated|reason=since new cubes/products may be released}}
{{Manufacturer
|NAME=X-Man Design (XMD)
|LOGO=[[File:Xman.jpg|150px]]
|FOUNDED=2016
|LOCATION=China
|YEARSACTIVE=2016-present
|AREASSERVED=Worldwide
|WEBSITE=http://qiyitoys.net/
|PRODUCTS=3x3 and non-[[NxNxN]] [[twisty puzzle]]s
}}

'''X-Man Design''', is a sub-brand of [[QiYi]].

== Products ==

=== X-Man Tornado 3x3 ===

The X-Man Tornado is XMD's first ever release. Many reviewers weren't too impressed with it but agreed that it was an "okay" 3x3.

=== X-Man Galaxy Megaminx ===

The Galaxy Megaminx was released in 2016 and was the dominant [[Megaminx]] after its release. It is available in black, white and stickerless. Each color has four versions: regular, concave, convex, and sculpted. There also is a version which has all 4 grips in stickerless. Generally, the sculpted version is preferred over the other three. The stickerless versions have tile-like caps snapped to the primary inside.

=== X-Man Bell Pyraminx ===

The X-Man Bell Pyraminx is the second ever mass-produced pyraminx with a magnetic positioning system, as opposed to one with ball bearings. After its release, it became one of the most preferred Pyraminxes on the market. According to X-Man's Website, you can adjust the strength of the magnets by changing the number of magnets on the center pieces, and adding caps on edge pieces.
The tetrahedron is available in white with stickers, black with stickers and stickerless.

=== X-Man Volt Square-1 ===
The X-Man Volt Square-1 was one of the top Square-1 puzzles after its release. Reviews were mixed; many agreed that the QiYi Square-1 was still better while many others agreed that the Volt was a bit better than the QiYi. It is very stable and has a thick slice for grip, similarly to the GuanLong Square-1. Some criticized the Volt for its lackluster corner cutting, but some have been able to set theirs up to improve on that.

=== X-Man Wingy Skewb ===
The X-Man Wingy Skewb was immediately well-liked after its release. It became many top Skewbers' mains and was widely considered the single best [[Skewb]] on the market soon after. It has a concave shape to help with the solver's grip and magnets to help align the pieces. The closest competition is the MoYu AoYan M.

=== X-Man Galaxy V2 Megaminx ===
The Galaxy Megaminx V2 is the successor to the first Galaxy Megaminx. Not many reviews on it have come out as of the time of this edit (2 Jan 2018), but most reviewers seem to be very satisfied with the upgrade.

[[Category:Puzzle Manufacturers]]

QiYi

2019-04-01T15:46:10Z

VickyRouxBoss: /* QiZheng 5x5x5 */

{{Manufacturer
|NAME=QiYi MoFangGe
|LOGO=[[File:qiyi.jpg|100px]]
|LOCATION=Guangdong, China
|YEARSACTIVE=2013-present
|AREASSERVED=Worldwide
|WEBSITE=http://qiyitoys.net/
|PRODUCTS=QiYi Cavs 2x2, QiYi Thunderclap 3x3, QiYi WuQue 4x4, QiYi WuShuang 5x5, QiYi WuHua 6x6, QiYi Square-1, and others
}}

'''QiYi''' (Chinese: 奇艺), also known as '''MoFangGe''' (Chinese: 魔方格) is a Chinese cube manufacturer.

==Company==
QiYi Toys is located in Chenghai District, Shantou city, Guangdong Province, China. Their development platform, MoFangGe, was founded by cube inventor Du ChaoYu to provide "a creation, development platform to the outstanding designers which come from the whole world."[http://www.qiyitoys.net/en/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=12]

== Products ==

=== 2x2 ===

==== QiYi Cavs ====

decent for the price

==== QiYi WuXia/M ====

most speedcubers really like this 2x2x2 however it can have really bad lockups whcih require disassembly to fix.

==== Qidi ====

A budget 2x2x2 that is OK

=== 3x3 ===

==== QiYi Bullfight (DouNiu) ====

The QiYi Bullfight is known for the controversy involving this and the Newisland Phoenix. Newisland got ahold of QiYi's plans of the Bullfight, and made their own version and called it the Phoenix. The Bullfight's release came after the Phoenix did, so for a while, many people thought that QiYi had re-branded the Newisland Phoenix. However, Newisland later came clean and admitted that the Phoenix was indeed a knockoff of the Bullfight.

==== QiYi Thunderclap (LeiTing) ====
The QiYi Thunderclap was released in May of 2015, and is an improved version of the Bullfight. It is fast and clicky. It can corner cut nearly two pieces and reverse corner cut about one piece. the idea behind it was that it was a premium speedcube but almost at a budget cube price and for the time was very good, and many speedcubers used it as their main. however, now the MF3RS2 is generally preferred. it is also one of the loudest cubes released.

It is also worth noting that Newisland re-branded the Thunderclap as well, calling their version the Lightning.

==== QiYi Sail (QiHang) ====

The QiYi Sail is a 3x3x3 [[budget cube]]. It is fast and clicky, and can corner cut about 45° forwards, and approximately half of a piece reverse. The edge pieces will pop out on looser tensions. The edge and corner pieces have caps on the sides, which can fall out, and the cheap plastic is known to break under stress. However, it was considered to be one of the best budget cubes on the market for its performance and was used in the US nationals sail challenge in 2016 and 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DvqTHp6OBA,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DvqTHp6OBA.

==== QiYi Thunderclap V2 ====
The Thunderclap V2 is generally considered inferior to the Thunderclap V1.

==== QiYi Big Sail ====

The QiYi Big Sail 3x3 is a 6.8 cm 3x3 version of their budget 3x3, the Sail, it was often used for feet solving, but most have since switched to magnetic cubes which are normal sized

==== QiYi Warrior W (YongShi) ====

The QiYi Warrior W is an updated version of the original Warrior 3x3. It is a budget cube like the Sail, but it has generally better performance than the Sail, it has a smoothened covering over the pieces and is still, for the price, one of the best budget cubes, being cheaper than the MF3RS, MF3RS2 and yuxin little magic.

=== 4x4 ===

==== QiYi Storm ====

pops alot

==== QiYi Sail 4x4 ====

very slow and does not have good corner cutting

==== QiYi WuQue ====

generally considered the best 4x4x4 on the market for along time now. It has break most of the 4x4 records

==== Qiyi Mini Wuque/M ====

A smaller version of the original Wuque which some people will prefer, it is 60mm instead of the normal 62mm, it is also Qiyis first magnetic 4x4x4. For some people inferior at the standard WuQue.

==== Qiyuan 4x4 ====

essentially a simplified Wuque design with cheaper plastic, a pretty good budget cube but not as good as the MF4 and CangFeng.

=== 5x5 ===

==== QiYi WuShuang ====

The best 5x5x5 on the market for nearly 2 years of its release, beat only by the Moyu Aochang GTS in 2018.

==== QiZheng 5x5x5 ====

a simplified Wushuang design with cheaper plastic, it is probably the second best budget 5x5x5 after the YuXin and is fast.

=== 6x6 ===

==== QiYi WuHua ====

was considered a good 6x6x6 for a long time, but the Yuxin Red, with 5x5x5 spring swap, was generally considered to be better.

==== QiYi WuHua V2 ====

reduced popping and lockups when compared to the wuhua but at the expense of some speed.

==== 7x7x7 ====

==== Qiyi Wuji ====

still generally considered the best 7x7x7 except for maybe the yuxin haunglong 7x7x7, however nowdays the Hays 7 is become the best 7x7 on the market, own by all of the best speedcubers.

==== QiXing ====

a simplified Wuji design with cheaper plastic, it is the cheapest 7x7x7 and is much better than the shengshou..

=== Pyraminx ===

==== QiYi Pyraminx ====

==== QiYi QiMing Pyraminx ====

=== Skewb ===

==== QiYi Skewb ====

The first ever skewb to 1) have an adjustable elasticity mechanism, and 2) be available in stickerless.

==== QiYi QiCheng Skewb ====

The QiCheng is a beginner-friendly [[Budget cubes|budget]] [[Skewb]]. The stickerless version is made from frosted plastic like the Warrior W and some of QiYi's other budget puzzles. It features a ball bearing alignment mechanism. It is a bit slower and more controllable than many other skewbs, with good corner-cutting in both directions.

=== Square-1 ===

==== QiYi Square-1 ====

The QiYi Square-1 is the first ever Square-1 to have a stickerless variant, and is primarily known for absolutely destroying all other Square-1s in terms of quality upon its release. It's still considering the second square 1 in the world. But it's beaten by the X-Man Volt

=== Non-WCA ===

==== QiYi Ivy Cube ====

The QiYi Ivy Cube is what appears to be a Cubominx-type puzzle, but is actually a skewb shape mod.

== Sub-Brands ==

=== X-Man Design ===
See [[X-Man Design]]

=== TheValk ===
[[TheValk]] is a sub-brand created for the release of the [[Valk 3]], a 3x3x3 cube designed by former world record holder [[Mats Valk]] that he used to set a former world record single of 4.74 seconds. It was the main of a large percentage of speedcubers after its release. Afterwards, TheValk 3 Mini and TheValk 3 Power also came out with positive feedback.

=== QiYi Cube ===

QiYi Cube is QiYi MoFangGe's line of [[budget cubes]].

[[Category:Puzzle Manufacturers]]

QiYi

2019-04-01T15:45:04Z

VickyRouxBoss: /* QiYi WuShuang */

{{Manufacturer
|NAME=QiYi MoFangGe
|LOGO=[[File:qiyi.jpg|100px]]
|LOCATION=Guangdong, China
|YEARSACTIVE=2013-present
|AREASSERVED=Worldwide
|WEBSITE=http://qiyitoys.net/
|PRODUCTS=QiYi Cavs 2x2, QiYi Thunderclap 3x3, QiYi WuQue 4x4, QiYi WuShuang 5x5, QiYi WuHua 6x6, QiYi Square-1, and others
}}

'''QiYi''' (Chinese: 奇艺), also known as '''MoFangGe''' (Chinese: 魔方格) is a Chinese cube manufacturer.

==Company==
QiYi Toys is located in Chenghai District, Shantou city, Guangdong Province, China. Their development platform, MoFangGe, was founded by cube inventor Du ChaoYu to provide "a creation, development platform to the outstanding designers which come from the whole world."[http://www.qiyitoys.net/en/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=12]

== Products ==

=== 2x2 ===

==== QiYi Cavs ====

decent for the price

==== QiYi WuXia/M ====

most speedcubers really like this 2x2x2 however it can have really bad lockups whcih require disassembly to fix.

==== Qidi ====

A budget 2x2x2 that is OK

=== 3x3 ===

==== QiYi Bullfight (DouNiu) ====

The QiYi Bullfight is known for the controversy involving this and the Newisland Phoenix. Newisland got ahold of QiYi's plans of the Bullfight, and made their own version and called it the Phoenix. The Bullfight's release came after the Phoenix did, so for a while, many people thought that QiYi had re-branded the Newisland Phoenix. However, Newisland later came clean and admitted that the Phoenix was indeed a knockoff of the Bullfight.

==== QiYi Thunderclap (LeiTing) ====
The QiYi Thunderclap was released in May of 2015, and is an improved version of the Bullfight. It is fast and clicky. It can corner cut nearly two pieces and reverse corner cut about one piece. the idea behind it was that it was a premium speedcube but almost at a budget cube price and for the time was very good, and many speedcubers used it as their main. however, now the MF3RS2 is generally preferred. it is also one of the loudest cubes released.

It is also worth noting that Newisland re-branded the Thunderclap as well, calling their version the Lightning.

==== QiYi Sail (QiHang) ====

The QiYi Sail is a 3x3x3 [[budget cube]]. It is fast and clicky, and can corner cut about 45° forwards, and approximately half of a piece reverse. The edge pieces will pop out on looser tensions. The edge and corner pieces have caps on the sides, which can fall out, and the cheap plastic is known to break under stress. However, it was considered to be one of the best budget cubes on the market for its performance and was used in the US nationals sail challenge in 2016 and 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DvqTHp6OBA,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DvqTHp6OBA.

==== QiYi Thunderclap V2 ====
The Thunderclap V2 is generally considered inferior to the Thunderclap V1.

==== QiYi Big Sail ====

The QiYi Big Sail 3x3 is a 6.8 cm 3x3 version of their budget 3x3, the Sail, it was often used for feet solving, but most have since switched to magnetic cubes which are normal sized

==== QiYi Warrior W (YongShi) ====

The QiYi Warrior W is an updated version of the original Warrior 3x3. It is a budget cube like the Sail, but it has generally better performance than the Sail, it has a smoothened covering over the pieces and is still, for the price, one of the best budget cubes, being cheaper than the MF3RS, MF3RS2 and yuxin little magic.

=== 4x4 ===

==== QiYi Storm ====

pops alot

==== QiYi Sail 4x4 ====

very slow and does not have good corner cutting

==== QiYi WuQue ====

generally considered the best 4x4x4 on the market for along time now. It has break most of the 4x4 records

==== Qiyi Mini Wuque/M ====

A smaller version of the original Wuque which some people will prefer, it is 60mm instead of the normal 62mm, it is also Qiyis first magnetic 4x4x4. For some people inferior at the standard WuQue.

==== Qiyuan 4x4 ====

essentially a simplified Wuque design with cheaper plastic, a pretty good budget cube but not as good as the MF4 and CangFeng.

=== 5x5 ===

==== QiYi WuShuang ====

The best 5x5x5 on the market for nearly 2 years of its release, beat only by the Moyu Aochang GTS in 2018.

==== QiZheng 5x5x5 ====

a simplified Wushuang design with cheaper plastic, it is probably the best budget 5x5x5 and is fast.

=== 6x6 ===

==== QiYi WuHua ====

was considered a good 6x6x6 for a long time, but the Yuxin Red, with 5x5x5 spring swap, was generally considered to be better.

==== QiYi WuHua V2 ====

reduced popping and lockups when compared to the wuhua but at the expense of some speed.

==== 7x7x7 ====

==== Qiyi Wuji ====

still generally considered the best 7x7x7 except for maybe the yuxin haunglong 7x7x7, however nowdays the Hays 7 is become the best 7x7 on the market, own by all of the best speedcubers.

==== QiXing ====

a simplified Wuji design with cheaper plastic, it is the cheapest 7x7x7 and is much better than the shengshou..

=== Pyraminx ===

==== QiYi Pyraminx ====

==== QiYi QiMing Pyraminx ====

=== Skewb ===

==== QiYi Skewb ====

The first ever skewb to 1) have an adjustable elasticity mechanism, and 2) be available in stickerless.

==== QiYi QiCheng Skewb ====

The QiCheng is a beginner-friendly [[Budget cubes|budget]] [[Skewb]]. The stickerless version is made from frosted plastic like the Warrior W and some of QiYi's other budget puzzles. It features a ball bearing alignment mechanism. It is a bit slower and more controllable than many other skewbs, with good corner-cutting in both directions.

=== Square-1 ===

==== QiYi Square-1 ====

The QiYi Square-1 is the first ever Square-1 to have a stickerless variant, and is primarily known for absolutely destroying all other Square-1s in terms of quality upon its release. It's still considering the second square 1 in the world. But it's beaten by the X-Man Volt

=== Non-WCA ===

==== QiYi Ivy Cube ====

The QiYi Ivy Cube is what appears to be a Cubominx-type puzzle, but is actually a skewb shape mod.

== Sub-Brands ==

=== X-Man Design ===
See [[X-Man Design]]

=== TheValk ===
[[TheValk]] is a sub-brand created for the release of the [[Valk 3]], a 3x3x3 cube designed by former world record holder [[Mats Valk]] that he used to set a former world record single of 4.74 seconds. It was the main of a large percentage of speedcubers after its release. Afterwards, TheValk 3 Mini and TheValk 3 Power also came out with positive feedback.

=== QiYi Cube ===

QiYi Cube is QiYi MoFangGe's line of [[budget cubes]].

[[Category:Puzzle Manufacturers]]

GAN

2019-04-01T15:20:23Z

VickyRouxBoss: /* GANINFINITY 354M */

{{Manufacturer
|NAME= Gancube
|LOGO= [[File:GAN.png|200px|The GAN logo]]
|LOCATION= China
|YEARSACTIVE= 2011-present
|AREASSERVED= Worldwide
|WEBSITE= https://www.gancube.com
|SHOP= https://shop.gancube.com
|PRODUCTS= 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, Megaminx
}}
'''Gan''', '''Gancube''', or '''Gans''' is a puzzle brand created by [[Ganyuan Jiang]] (江淦源) who set the first Chinese 3x3 national speed-solving record (in 2007). He was also the co-founder of the [[GuoJia]] cube brand. They released their first cube in 2011, the Ganspuzzle I and have since innovated in 3x3 and their cubes have been used to break many world records, including the current 3x3 average by [[Feliks Zemdegs]]. They sponsor many top cubers, such as [[Max Park]], [[Feliks Zemdegs]], and [[Sebastian Weyer]] through their system called GAN Gurus. Gans was incorporated as a company in 2014, as Gancube, with [[Ganyuan Jiang]] still being the sole owner. Since then, Gans have exploded in popularity, despite their astronomically high prices becoming a meme on cubing forums and discussion pages.

Since 2011, they have pioneered some huge advances in cubing hardware, particularly 3x3. This includes putting magnets in 3x3s (which was a collaboration with [[Cubicle]] Labs to make the Gan 356 Air UM), the first elasticity system (GES), the first interchangeable magnets (GMS), and also cube presentation.
The current trademarks that Gans has, and uses, include: GAN Box v5, GES v3, GES+, IPG v5, Numerical IPG, GMS v1, GANINFINITY, and Honeycomb v2.

== 2x2 ==
===Gan 249===
Released October 2017. Gans' first 2x2. Received a lot of attention as their 3x3s were many peoples' mains already, however it was generally considered to be a flop. Dull shades and the sliggish feel were the main contributions to its demise. A magnetic version was also offered as the GAN 249M
===Gan 2160===
Releases 2016? A large 2x2 160mm across each edge made up of 8 GAN 3x3 storage boxes as the cubies. Was meant to store 2x2s, but as it used a 356 core it could be used as a fully-functional 2x2.
===Gan 249 V2===
Released December 2017. It features a honeycomb design on the corner contact points and an overall smooth feel. The Stickerless version features a bright stickerless color scheme, primary plastic internals, while the black plastic version features the GAN Full Bright color scheme and black plastic internals, as well as many features taken from their 3x3s. A very nice second attempt.
== 3x3 ==
===Ganspuzzle I===
Released March 2011.[https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/threads/3-new-product.27813/] A 3x3x3 cube notable for having a stickerless design, when such cubes were still rare. The Gans I was a fast turner, but would lockup quite badly. It's main competitors, the GuHong V2 and Zhanchi V1 were much smoother and effortless to turn compared to the crunchy, unstable Ganspuzzle I which would frequently pop, seemingly at random, even when turning lightly.
===Ganspuzzle II===
Released May 2011.[https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/threads/gans-puzzle-gan2-3x3x3-magic-cube-review.29268/] A redesign of the original Gans, this one came with stickers, and had far fewer lockups. A sluggish cube straight out of the box, although speed improved after many solves. Despite popping being significantly reduced, it could not compete with Dayan cubes, and never really gained much notoriety.
===Ganspuzzle III===
A 3x3x3 cube released August 2013, with a second version (Gans III V2) released in November. One major problem was the lockups and the 'flexing' due to the long edge pieces which was a major downside, however this cube was considered a success, and this is the first Gan cube many people remember using.
===Gans 357===
Released March 2014. Called the 357 because it's a Gans 3-layered 57mm cube, and marked the start of their naming scheme which they have used in every cube since. It was known for having light and crispy buttery smooth turning, a very distinctive difference between other cubes of the time and became many peoples' mains, but did not get much traction compared to the cubes like the Moyu AoLong. This is due to the sheer number of ridges on the pieces; both edges and corners. The edge bases were enlarged to resolve the 'flexing'. As well as this, the plastic was altered to a softer one than the Gans III to help provide more of a buttery feel like the DaYan cubes, and possibly the original WeiLong. An improved "ultimate" version was later released, for people who prefered the larger size over the now-standard 56mm or 55.5mm cubes.
===Gans 356===
Released early 2015. This cube was a smaller upgrade over the 357, which debuted screws in every piece; corners, edges, and centres. This was when most people first heard of the Gans brand due to this cubes absolutely effortless corner-cutting anywhere: up to 50 degrees and 30 reverse, which essentially reduced lockups to those very inaccurate turners. It had the same buttery smooth feel as the 357 but noteably the clackiness and flimsiness had gone away. The 356 also debuted the first version of the GAN box V1.
Some cubers, however, reported fairly serious catching issues on the cube however there are mixed opinions on this. The general consensus now is that the factory tensions were different on different cubes, so you had to set it up yourself.
===Gans 356S===
Released May 2015. A Gans 356 with a different ridge layout on the pieces, however it was quickly discontinued for unknown reasons, and the 356S V2 was debuted.
===Gans 356S V2===
Released December 2016. Updated Gans 356S. Four variants were offered: the 356S V2, 356S V2 Lite, 356S V2 Master, and 356S V2 Advanced
===Gans 356 Air===
The Gans 356 Air was released in August 2016. The goal of this cube was to retain the buttery smooth feeling of other 356 variants whilst making it quieter, lighter, and generally easier to turn. It was the first cube to use the original dual-adjustment system called Gans Elasticity System (GES) that allows users to swap out the springs to adjust the feel of the cube by changing the spring compression between eight versions. Originally, clear nuts were the preffered option but now most cubers use green or yellow. It was extremely quiet, fast, and buttery compared to it's main competitor - the AoLong V2. It is endorsed by [[Feliks Zemdegs]], [[Sebastian Weyer]], [[Max Park]], and other top speedcubers.
====Air Grand Master====
A standard Gans Air instead it came with all the GES nuts, a metal tensioning tool, a bag, and a card in addition to the cube.
====Air Master====
A standard Gans Air instead it came with 3 GES nuts, a bag, and a metal tensioning tool in addition to the cube.
====Air Advanced====
A standard Gans Air instead it came with a tensioning tool in addition to the cube.
====Air S====
The non-magnetic variant of the Air SM and with a lighter feel (69g) due to there not being magnets or slots for magnets. It also comes with GES v3.
====Air S Master====
An 'improved' (?) Air S with extra accessories and GES v2 instead of GES v3.
====Air Ultimate====
The non-magnetic verson of the Air UM providing a similar expierience to the Air S: lighter and easier to turn without the click of magnets. It features the same glueing of pieces as in the Air UM.

===Gans 356 Air UM===
The GAN Air UM was released in January 2017. At the first mass produced magnetic 3x3, and at the time, the only one. It was the result of a collaboration between Cubicle Labs and GAN. Cubicle Labs did the magnetism, while GAN made the “U”. U stands for Ultimate, which meant this was a GAN Air Ultimate. The Ultimate was an Air that had the pieces glued together and the screws in the pieces removed to reduce weight. It was also set up by GAN, and had more GES nuts and accessories than the standard Air. The magnets in the UM were considered weak compared to the other magnetic cubes at the time (GTSv1 M and Valk M), but the magnets are stronger than the ones usually used on modern cubes. A prototype (later named as GAN Air 473, which was given away.) was used to break the former 3x3 world record of 4.73 seconds by Feliks Zemdegs. Many of the top cubers, such as Max Park, Feliks Zemdegs, Kian Mansour, etc. used the cube as their main. Many criticized the cube for being very loud and crunchy, compared to the relatively soft Air. Some also had problems with the magnets falling out.
In 2017, a limited edition version was manufactured which was a Air UM with Max Park's set-up pre-installed and some newer features. 639 were issued to mark Max Park's 3x3 ao5 WR of 6.39
===Gan 356 Air SM===
The GAN 356 Air SM was the highly anticipated successor to the GAN 356 Air UM. There were a number of small changes that transformed the crunchy and loud UM into a soft and smooth cube. There is a GES v2 system that is slightly looser than the GES v1, which theoretically allows for a faster cube. In addition, there are slots for the magnets, which ensure accurate placement and fixed the problem of dropping magnets. The biggest change was the honeycomb design on the pieces, which is what contributed to the soft feel. Curiously, GAN said that this was to retain lube, but the cube eats lube. However, the price seems less justified than th UM, since there was no gluing of the pieces, and magnets would be easier to install due to the slots, yet the cube is $3 more expensive. The cube seems less clicky and stable than the UM, but is softer and faster. The magnets are ever so slightly weaker on the SM.
In October 2018, GAN will release a new 3x3 called the '''Gan 356 Air SM 2019'''. It is simply an Air SM with a slight internal piece redesign and the new GES v3

===Gan 354M===
released July 2018, it is smaller than most cubes but many people like the smaller size, especially for one-handed solving. It was the main of many speedcubers like Max Park and Dana Yi due to it's plush, fast, and controllable feel. Despite this, it was considered a failure by many people against it's competitor, the MoYu WeiLong GTS3M since it was very fast and at times uncontrollable compared to the super-snappy and stable GTS3M.
In November 2018, it was debuted as the first ever cube in the GANINFINITY line.
===Gan 356R===
Released October 2018, along with the 356X. It is Gans first ever 'budget cube' but is still likely to be more of a mid-ranged cube retaling for about $15. It has been described as the 'GAN 356S V3' and even GAN themselves have called it the '356S Revival', however this cube now has the GES nuts system but retains the buttery smooth feel. However, without self-magnetizing it, the cube was essentially useless as the turning was very fast, just like the 354M. It's main competitor, the YJ MGC, far outstripped it due to it's more stable feel, was cheaper (at $12), and was factory-magnetized. As well as this, the YJ MGC V2 will debut a GES-like system and will retail at a similar price of $19. Despite this, the self-magnetized R was said to be 'the closest you can get to the 356X without speding $60' and since the X is usually considered the best 3x3, many people bought it just to magnetize it.

===Gan 356X===
Released October 2018 along with the 356R. This is the highly anticipated new flagship 3x3 from GAN with two revolutionary new features; the first ever magnet replacement system, GAN Magnetic System (GMS). This system allows you to change the magnet strength of the cube in the edges (i.e. not corners) to highly change the feel of your cube adding to GAN's philosophy of more customization. In a teaser video, GAN boasted that you could change the magnet strength in 30 seconds, a feature previously unimagined. The magnet options are strong, medium, weak and null (non-magnetic). The way you change the magnet strength is by simply missalligning the middle layer by about 45 degrees and simply pushing the magnetic rod through the visible magnet slot in the edges, replacing the one already inside. The second feature is the new GES+ which allows for tool-free tensioning somewhat like the MoYu Spring Compression System featured in the MoYu WeiLong GTS3 lineup. In the new GES, there are also only 4 colours of nut with Green pre-installed. The way this works it that on the nut there are four settings that are visible as numbers, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, and these numbers mean how long the spring will be, not how tight the cube will be. So, the tightest setting, 0.6, compresses the spring to 0.6cm to make the cube tighter. The fourth setting simply says 0, and is to take the nut out. The puzzle retails as between $56 and $62 making it the most expensive non-limited edition cube ever released. This is largely due to the magnets adding on an extra ~$10. Despite the high price, most cubers consider it the best, quietest, and by far the smoothest cube you can buy. The cube is already the main of many cubers like [[Max Park]], [[Feliks Zemdegs]], [[Seung Hyuk-Nahm]], and [[Tanzer Balimtas]].

===Gan 356 Air Pro===
Released March 2019. The GAN 356 Air Pro is the third non-magnetized version of the Air SM (after the original Air S and Air S Master) with a design that prioritizes soft feel and light weight, and the unique honeycomb design on the pieces. This version, however, distinguishes itself by featuring the premium numerical IPG (and GES+), allowing you to tension the cube by hand without the need for tools - this us done by compressing the spring incramentally in 4 strengths. This is only the second cube to use it after the 356X, making this a cheaper (but still nowhere near budget) way to use the innovations in a $60 cube in a $35 package. The Air Pro follows the same design language as its predeseccors by getting a soft, fast, and crispy turning while reducing weight at the same time by removing magnets. It comes in the same GAN packaging with normal full-bright shades and the same 69g as on the Air S, compared to the 76g of the Air SM.

== 4x4 ==
=== Gan 460M ===
Released May 2018. Gans' only attempt at a 4x4, it features visible magnets and and the honeycomb design. It has had mixed reviews, with some switching to it over the GTS2M or WuQue M but many sticking with the latter options.

== Megaminx ==
=== GAN Megaminx ===
Expected release Summer 2019. The GAN megaminx has been teased by GAN and a few prototypes have been made. Two are the mains of Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park. It will compete with the X-Man Galaxy V2 M and the people who have felt one (scramblers at competitions) say it is very close to matching or has already matched the performance of the Galaxy line.

== Rubik's Speed ==
GAN has collaborated with Rubik's to make two speedcubes for the Red Bull World Cup. They feature many GAN elements as they were mostly designed by GAN, however they also have tiles. They are farely average cubes, certainly not bad, but not top of the market. There are currently only a '''2x2''' and a '''3x3''', known as RSC2 and RSC3

== GANINFINITY==
The GANINFINITY line of speedcubes is a custom service where are nine options on a custom "menu" similar to the Cubicle Custom service and the options are as follows. The main idea is that these cubes are not 'flagships' but provide flagship features for people who like these uniquer cubes, generally with different sizes like the first GANINFINITY cube, the 354. The service has nine options that you can customize and the factory will produce your personalized speedcube on-demand. The line is designed to compete with on-demand custom cubes by stores, such as SpeedCubeShop or CubeDepot. As is expected with on-demand cubes, the prices skyrocket over the base cube. As well as the customization options, you can have four pre-customized options that are mass-produced if you want a good, pre-set-up speedcube without having to choose your options. These cubes aren't produced on-demand, and are similar to the Air UM Max Park Signature Edition, as they are essentially the base cube customized and set-up as the cubes' namesake wishes. Using an analogy, the customizable cubes are like Cubicle Custom and these are like Angstrom, Pro Shop, and Labs. Sidenote: Interestingly the colour scheme for GANINFINITY is orange compared to the standard blue - you recieve some cool bags and cards that are orange!
The customizable options are as follows:

• Firstly, you can choose between a stickered or stickerless cube

• [STICKERED ONLY] The colour of the OUTER plastic (i.e. NOT the internals, just the piece caps), if you choose a stickered cube, which you can choose between Black, White, White Jade, Red, Pink, and Blue. A notable omission is Stickerless, which GAN attributed to the difficulty of producing stickerless cubes with a custom colour scheme, however the last option lets you choose stickerless cubes from pre-selected shades.

• [STICKERED ONLY] After choosing the plastic colour for the stickered cubes, you can choose the stickers. The sticker options are the normal Gans shades, half-brights and full-brights, however you can now select full-fitted stickers (not that you would want to, but hey, more options) which have been unseen on a GAN cube since the notorious 357.

• [STICKERLESS ONLY] If you have chosen a stickerless cube, you may now pick the shades. As we have come to expect, there is a full-bright and half-bright option just like we have seen on the newest editions to the 356 lineup. Interestingly, with each of this you can pick a pink colour to replace the orange face, just like on old Eastsheen cubes.

• One of the most talked-about features of GANINFINITY is the ability to change the internals. Whilst on ALL previous GAN cubes, including stickerless, there are only black internals, while on Ganinfinity you can choose between SIX different colours, and you can be pretty adventurous with your cube - white, white jade, black, blue, pink, or red.

• A feature seen only seen on the X is different magnet options, however these are not interchangeable like in the GAN 356X. This is because you select one magnet option and you don't get the others. The magnetic options are standard; Clear 3*2, Yellow 3*1.8, and Green 3.16, however there is no magnetless option as we see in the GMS unit in the 356X, however regardless of what strength you choose the magnets will ship with clear capsules. Curiously, there are two different categories for corners and edges, assuming you want different strength in them.

• Another colour variation option here; you may change the colour of the magnet capsules. Unlike what you may have thought, these are not clear, yellow, and green like in GMS - instead they are clear (default), orange, and purple, just like a primary school Halloween disco!

• Next, you may select the core, which will change the GES nuts, and the options are the same as the GAN 356X; IPG v5 and Numerical IPG, which will allow you to change tensions hands-free, a feature only currently seen on the X.

• The GES Nuts are V5 or Numerical depending on your core choice and are as seen on the newest GES; Yellow 3.4N, Green 2.5N, Blue 2.1N, and Purple 1.8N. As in the magnet choice, and extra case with the remaining GES nuts is not shipped.

• A lubrication option is next with your standard GAN lubes, and no other lube options appliable as in custom cubes. Of course, this is because Gan is a manufacturer but it is a bit disappointing to have to apply your own lubes in these custom cubes.

===GANINFINITY 354M===
Released November 2018. The Gan 354M INFINITY is the first cube of the GANINFINITY series of custom cubes. The main idea is that this cube is literally a smaller 356X, with all the features you would expect from Gan's flagships at the small size and flexy feel that many speedcubers liked. The cube recieved a positive opinion from the community, with most people praising Gan for their innovativity and creativity in providing this unseen service at a reasonable price compared to it's biggest competitor, Cubicle Custom. As this was the first cube in the lineup, there are no special features, simply the standard customizability we see in GANINFINTY. In this cube, the non-customizable cubes are

• Feliks Zemdegs Edition 354M

• Dana Yi Edition 354M

• Leo Borromeo Edition 354M

== Lubrication ==
===Gans Magic Lube===
The Gans Magic Lube was released in August 2017. It is a low-medium viscosity piece lubricant designed to be used in Gans puzzles.
===Gans Sticky Lube===
The Gans Sticky Lube is a fairly low-viscosity piece lubricant that is slightly thicker than the Gans Standard Lube that was released in June 2016.
===Gans Standard Lube===
The Gans Standard Lube is a low-viscosity piece lube released in August 2016.

[[Category:Puzzle Manufacturers]]

Cuber

2019-04-01T13:18:14Z

VickyRouxBoss:

''The category for this article is [[:Category:Cubers]]''

A '''cuber''' is anyone who enjoys playing with the [[Rubik's Cube]], or more generally any [[twisty puzzle]]. Nowadays the majority of cubers are also [[speedcuber]]s, meaning they solve puzzles as fast as possible.

There are still very many people who are interested in [[Puzzle theory]], collecting, programming [[List of PC cubing software|simulators]], or building [[Shape modifications|cube modifications]].

A short list of notable cubers who are not speedcubers is:
* [[Lars Petrus]], inventor of the [[Petrus Method]]
* [[Per Kristen Fredlund]], [[Fewest Moves]] master and pioneer of [[direct solving]] methods for [[big cubes]]
* [[Ryan Heise]], inventor of the [[Heise Method]]
* [[David Singmaster]], author of ''Notes on Rubik's Magic Cube'', a famous [[Puzzle theory]] book
[[Category:Terminology]]

3x3x3 One-Handed

2018-05-31T12:20:12Z

VickyRouxBoss:

'''3x3x3 One-Handed''', typically shortened to simply '''OH''' or to '''3OH''' for being more specific, is an official [[WCA]] [[event]] in which the object is to solve a [[Rubik's Cube]] with just one hand (without swapping hands mid-solve). The solver may not use any other part of their body. However, the solver is allowed to use the table to help assist them. This rule allowing for "[[table abuse]]" allows for use of any method, especially for [[Roux]], to be much easier.

== Methods ==
=== CFOP ===
An overwhelming majority of the top 100 OH speedcubers use the [[CFOP]] method, including everybody in the top 10 rankings for single. This is a good option as the method has obviously proven itself, and there are a plethora of resources on the Internet for One-Handed CFOP algorithms and tips. Two of the best resources for OH CFOP include [https://sites.google.com/site/antoineccantin/oh Antoine Cantin's website] as well as [http://algdb.net Algdb].

=== ZZ ===
It is widely accepted that ZZ is a great option for One-Handed solving. It is the second most widely used method for OH, behind CFOP. After the [[EOLine]] step, the rest of the solve is very [[fingertrick]]able since only R, U, and L moves are required from then on. The algorithm count for this method is a fraction of what it is for CFOP, and full [[1LLL]] can be done with just [[ZBLL]] in this method. Although there are not nearly as many resources for ZZ as there are for CFOP, it is still a great method and should definitely be considered when choosing a One-Handed method. One of the best websites for learning ZZ is [http://cube.crider.co.uk/zz.php Conrad Rider's website].

=== Roux ===
Roux is a very controversial method when it comes to OH solving. While it is the second most widely used method for Two-Handed solving, it is the third most widely used method for OH, behind CFOP and ZZ. This is because the M-slices in this method are typically hard to perform for many cubers starting out. While one can train themselves to get used to doing M-slices effectively, it is very difficult. While performing M-slices with the Roux method during OH, the solver should use the table to their advantage in order to effectively do slice moves. This method arguably takes the most practice out of the rest of the methods on this list, but it can be a great OH method after some training. [[Kian Mansour]], currently the fastest Roux speedcuber for both [[2H]] and OH in competition, has [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNmk4mv6Y0 a great video discussing Roux OH fingertricks] which should help many solvers looking into using the Roux method for OH. The current OH World Record average is held by Kian Mansour with an average of 9.54 seconds, thus become the first Global sub-10 OH average holder.

== See Also ==
* [[2H]]
* [[3x3x3 Blindfolded]]
* [[3x3x3 Multi-Blindfolded]]

== External Links ==
* [https://sites.google.com/site/antoineccantin/oh Antoine Cantin's CFOP OH website]
* [http://algdb.net Algdb, an extremely helpful website full of algorithms for multiple methods, including algs specifically for OH]
* [http://cube.crider.co.uk/zz.php Conrad Rider's ZZ OH website]
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNmk4mv6Y0 Kian Mansour's video on Roux OH fingertricks]

3x3x3 One-Handed

2018-05-31T12:18:49Z

VickyRouxBoss:

'''3x3x3 One-Handed''', typically shortened to simply '''OH''' or to '''3OH''' for being more specific, is an official [[WCA]] [[event]] in which the object is to solve a [[Rubik's Cube]] with just one hand (without swapping hands mid-solve). The solver may not use any other part of their body. However, the solver is allowed to use the table to help assist them. This rule allowing for "[[table abuse]]" allows for use of any method, especially for [[Roux]], to be much easier.

== Methods ==
=== CFOP ===
An overwhelming majority of the top 100 OH speedcubers use the [[CFOP]] method, including everybody in the top 10 rankings for both single. This is a good option as the method has obviously proven itself, and there are a plethora of resources on the Internet for One-Handed CFOP algorithms and tips. Two of the best resources for OH CFOP include [https://sites.google.com/site/antoineccantin/oh Antoine Cantin's website] as well as [http://algdb.net Algdb].

=== ZZ ===
It is widely accepted that ZZ is a great option for One-Handed solving. It is the second most widely used method for OH, behind CFOP. After the [[EOLine]] step, the rest of the solve is very [[fingertrick]]able since only R, U, and L moves are required from then on. The algorithm count for this method is a fraction of what it is for CFOP, and full [[1LLL]] can be done with just [[ZBLL]] in this method. Although there are not nearly as many resources for ZZ as there are for CFOP, it is still a great method and should definitely be considered when choosing a One-Handed method. One of the best websites for learning ZZ is [http://cube.crider.co.uk/zz.php Conrad Rider's website].

=== Roux ===
Roux is a very controversial method when it comes to OH solving. While it is the second most widely used method for Two-Handed solving, it is the third most widely used method for OH, behind CFOP and ZZ. This is because the M-slices in this method are typically hard to perform for many cubers starting out. While one can train themselves to get used to doing M-slices effectively, it is very difficult. While performing M-slices with the Roux method during OH, the solver should use the table to their advantage in order to effectively do slice moves. This method arguably takes the most practice out of the rest of the methods on this list, but it can be a great OH method after some training. [[Kian Mansour]], currently the fastest Roux speedcuber for both [[2H]] and OH in competition, has [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNmk4mv6Y0 a great video discussing Roux OH fingertricks] which should help many solvers looking into using the Roux method for OH. The current OH World Record average is held by Kian Mansour with an average of 9.54 seconds, thus become the first Global sub-10 OH average holder.

== See Also ==
* [[2H]]
* [[3x3x3 Blindfolded]]
* [[3x3x3 Multi-Blindfolded]]

== External Links ==
* [https://sites.google.com/site/antoineccantin/oh Antoine Cantin's CFOP OH website]
* [http://algdb.net Algdb, an extremely helpful website full of algorithms for multiple methods, including algs specifically for OH]
* [http://cube.crider.co.uk/zz.php Conrad Rider's ZZ OH website]
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNmk4mv6Y0 Kian Mansour's video on Roux OH fingertricks]