Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube 180 & 333 Hybrid

Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube 180 & 333 Hybrid

At first glance it looks like an ordinary stickerless 3x3 cube. You only notice the difference once you start solving. The TomZ Constrained Cube 180 & 333 Hybrid from Calvins Puzzle is a puzzle from the constrained cube family in which two faces can only turn within a 180-degree range. The other four faces turn freely, just like on a classic 3x3. That is where the word "Hybrid" in the name comes from: it combines the Constrained Cube 180 with a standard 3x3x3 cube.

How the turning restriction works

The centers of the constrained faces rotate around a gear attached to the core, and a stop prevents the layer from turning more than 180 degrees. In practice, you can't turn such a face several times in the same direction. Once you've used up the range, you have to turn it back. Because of this, many familiar 3x3 algorithms don't work directly, and you have to find sequences that fit within the limit. The centers are deliberately large, so you can easily tell the constrained faces apart.

The cube was created as a collaboration between several people: Mr. Bao (the founder of DaYan), designer Tom and the HK Now Store shop. The body comes from the DaYan Bermuda Cube, the mechanism that locks the centers in the core is taken from the mf8 Crazy 3x3, and the constrained centers were designed by Tom. It was released in 2012.

The 180 version compared with other hybrids

The series also includes hybrids with two faces limited to 90 or 270 degrees, as well as a mixed version in which three faces are constrained. The hybrid has fewer restrictions than the Constrained Cube 180, where the 180-degree range applies to all six faces. That makes it a good choice for your first puzzle from this series.

Who is it for?

For people who can solve a 3x3 and are looking for a puzzle that makes them think, rather than another cube for setting times. This is not a speed cube, so there is no point comparing it in terms of TPS or corner cutting. What matters here is planning your moves and understanding how algorithms work. If you can't solve a regular 3x3 cube yet, it's better to start with a classic cube.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Type: constrained 3x3 cube (hybrid)
• Restriction: 2 faces with a 180-degree turning range, 4 unrestricted faces
• Construction: DaYan Bermuda Cube body, center locking from the mf8 Crazy 3x3, constrained centers designed by Tom
• Material: ABS plastic
• Color scheme: Stickerless Bright
• Packaging: small transparent box