Calvins Puzzle Carl's Bubbloid 4x4x5

Calvins Puzzle Carl's Bubbloid 4x4x5

Carl's Bubbloid 4x4x5 is a cuboid puzzle designed by Carl Hoff. It went into mass production through a collaboration with David Ang and Calvin's Puzzle. Before that, the design existed as a 3D print called Bubbloid122. The layers turn around the corners rather than around the face centers, so the mechanism belongs to the same family as the Dino Cube and Redi Cube. This version has a black body.

A 4x4x5 cuboid that keeps its shape

The Bubbloid is a shape-preserving puzzle. Turning it creates no protruding pieces or steps, and it always looks like an almost regular cube with sides of about 6.3 cm. The 4x4x5 designation does not describe its outer shape. It refers to the cut layout: there are more cuts in one direction than in the others, so the puzzle is not symmetrical along all axes. This makes it harder to figure out than classic corner-turning cubes.

How it turns

This model is meant for collecting, not for speedcubing. Corner cutting is very limited, and turns only go through smoothly when the layers are precisely aligned. If you turn imprecisely, it will catch. Users also report that pieces can pop out, so turn calmly and with a light touch. According to earlier information from the manufacturer, corner cutting improves after removing the springs from the corners. This modification is at your own risk and is intended for people who have taken cubes apart before.

Who is it for?

For collectors and cubers who have already solved the Dino Cube, Redi Cube or Skewb and want something unusual. It is a poor choice as a first puzzle or as a gift for a child who is just starting out. There is also a 5x5x4 version. The two look similar, but they differ in the number of pieces shared by adjacent moves along the same edge.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4x5 corner-turning cuboid, shape-preserving
• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Design: Carl Hoff (in collaboration with David Ang)
• Dimensions: approx. 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Size: 65.5 mm
• Body color: black