Calvins Puzzle Pillow Hexaminx

Calvins Puzzle Pillow Hexaminx

Calvins Puzzle Pillow Hexaminx is a Megaminx shape mod. Inside it has a dodecahedral mechanism, but when solved it looks like a cube with slightly rounded faces. The Hexaminx was designed by Tony Fisher in 2008, and in 2009 Traiphum gave it its pillowed shape. This version is made by Calvin's Puzzle. Our variant has a white body.

A Megaminx in the shape of a cube

The layers turn just like on a Megaminx, but the cuts don't line up with the edges of the cube. After a few moves the puzzle loses its cube shape and starts to look like a solid with protruding pieces. That makes the Hexaminx a shape-shifting puzzle: when you solve it, you restore both the colors and the cube shape at the same time.

As for the method, you don't need to learn any new algorithms. If you can solve a Megaminx, you can use the same approach here. The challenge is that the pieces come in different shapes and sizes, so it's harder to tell which move corresponds to which Megaminx face. You'll need to change the way you look at the puzzle.

Turning and build quality

According to reviews, the puzzle turns fairly smoothly right out of the box and feels solidly built. The rounded faces make it comfortable to hold, even when scrambled. It is not a speedcubing puzzle and has no magnets. The stickers are small, which is normal with so many small pieces, but it means you should turn it with a little care.

Who is it for?

The Pillow Hexaminx is a great choice if you've already solved the Megaminx, know a few 3x3 shape mods and want something different. It also works well as a display piece in a collection. For a first puzzle, or for a child who is just learning the 3x3, it's better to choose something simpler.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Type: shape-shifting puzzle (Megaminx shape mod)
• Design: Tony Fisher (Hexaminx, 2008), Traiphum (pillow shape, 2009)
• Body color: white
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 200 g (with packaging)
• Magnets: none
• Packaging: clear plastic box