Calvins Puzzle 3x3x5 Fisher Barrel

Calvins Puzzle 3x3x5 Fisher Barrel

Calvins Puzzle 3x3x5 Fisher Barrel is a shape mod built on a 3x3x5 cuboid mechanism. It is based on the 3x3x5 Fisher Cuboid, a cuboid whose layer cuts are rotated by 45 degrees, just like in the classic Fisher Cube. In the Barrel version, each 3x3 layer has an octagonal cross-section, so when solved the puzzle looks like a tall, eight-sided barrel. After a few moves the shape breaks apart and the puzzle becomes irregular. We offer the version with a black body and stickers.

How to solve it

Underneath is a regular 3x3x5 mechanism, so the same movement rules apply as in a cuboid. The horizontal layers turn by 90 degrees, while the taller side faces turn only by 180 degrees. The difficulty comes from the shape. The octagonal cross-section and the diagonal Fisher cuts make it hard to tell which piece goes where once the puzzle is scrambled. Pieces that would be easy to recognise in a regular cuboid change their appearance here depending on their position.

This puzzle is for someone who can already solve a 3x3 cube and ideally has some experience with a cuboid or a Fisher Cube. The first solve usually takes quite a bit of patience. It is not a speedcubing puzzle: it has no magnets or advanced tension adjustment, and what matters most is the unusual design and the challenge, not speed.

The Fisher series from Calvins Puzzle

The Fisher Barrel belongs to a series of 3x3x5 cuboids that share the same mechanism but differ in shape. The series includes the Fisher Cuboid, Fisher Barrel, Fisher Star (star-shaped layers) and Fisher Rocket V1 and V2, which combine layers from different models. If you already own the Fisher Cuboid, the Barrel gives you the same movement with a different shape that is harder to read. It is also a great addition to a shape mod collection.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Type: 3x3x5 cuboid shape mod (Fisher, octagonal cross-section)
• Mechanism: 3x3x5
• Magnets: none
• Material: ABS plastic, PVC stickers
• Body colour: black
• Weight with packaging: approx. 172 g