Calvins Puzzle Eitan's TriCube (6 colors)

Calvins Puzzle Eitan's TriCube (6 colors)

Three interpenetrating cubes merged into a single solid. That is what a solved Eitan's TriCube looks like: a shape-shifting puzzle designed by Eitan Cher and produced by Calvin's Puzzle. The first prototype was made in 2011, and mass production started in 2017. The 6 colors version is stickerless, so the colors are in the plastic itself. Each of the three cubes has two halves in opposite colors: yellow and white, red and orange, and green and blue.

How the TriCube works

The mechanism combines two systems of axes. Some turns work like on a regular cube, in 90-degree steps. The others are turns around axes that pass through the edges, where a full move is 180 degrees. This second system makes the TriCube a jumbling puzzle. Some turns by a partial angle change the geometry, and the puzzle loses its regular shape. That is why it belongs among shape-shifting puzzles.

Pieces slide over the surfaces of other pieces, and at any moment it is easy to see which parts a given turn will move. As long as you avoid shape-changing moves, solving is manageable for someone who already knows a few unusual puzzles. Once you allow jumbling, however, the difficulty rises noticeably.

Turning and build quality

According to reviews and distributor descriptions, the TriCube turns smoothly and feels solidly assembled. You should, however, expect slight corner cutting. This is not a puzzle for fast turning, but for calm, precise moves. You need to complete each turn before starting the next one.

Who is it for?

For twisty puzzle collectors and cubers who already know the classic cubes and are looking for something clearly different. Jumbling and the unusual geometry make the TriCube a great choice for longer sessions of figuring things out. As a first puzzle or a gift for a child who is just learning the 3x3, this model is definitely too difficult. Unsolved, the TriCube also looks great on a shelf as a geometric sculpture.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Designer: Eitan Cher
• Type: shape-shifting puzzle (jumbling), a solid made of three interpenetrating cubes
• Turn types: 90° and 180° (edge axes)
• Color version: 6 colors, stickerless bright
• Size: approx. 60 mm