Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube mixed & 333 Hybrid

Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube mixed & 333 Hybrid

It looks like an ordinary 3x3 cube, but after a few moves you'll notice the difference. The TomZ Constrained Cube mixed & 333 Hybrid by Calvins Puzzle is a puzzle from the Constrained Cube series in which three faces have a limited range of rotation. The remaining faces turn normally, just like on a classic 3x3. This combination is where the "333 Hybrid" in the name comes from. The constrained centers were designed by Tom van der Zanden (TomZ).

What makes it challenging

A constrained face can only turn by a set angle from its starting position and then has to return the same way. You can't simply "turn it further". Knowing a 3x3 solving method helps a lot, but you won't be able to execute standard algorithms in full. You have to rearrange them and plan your moves so that the constrained faces don't block further solving. On the mixed cube, the constraints apply to three faces rather than two, as in the 90, 180 and 270 hybrids. This is the variant that makes it hardest to carry over habits from a regular cube.

Construction

• Dayan Bermuda Cube body, i.e. a 3x3 mechanism by DaYan.
• Locking mechanism in the center-core taken from the mf8 Crazy 3x3 cube.
• Constrained centers designed by TomZ. They are noticeably larger than on a regular 3x3, so you can see right away which faces have limited rotation.

The design was created in collaboration between Mr. Bao (DaYan), Tom van der Zanden and HK Now Store. The first versions of the hybrids went on sale in 2012.

Mixed or another version?

The 333 Hybrid series comes in four variants. In the 90, 180 and 270 versions, two faces are constrained, each to the same angle. The mixed version has more constraints, as they apply to three faces. If you're just getting started with constrained cubes, you may want to try one of the hybrids with two constrained faces first.

Who is it for?

For those who can comfortably solve a 3x3 and are looking for a puzzle outside the official WCA events, where clever thinking matters more than TPS. This is not a speedcubing cube or a cube for learning to solve for the first time. It will, however, make a great addition to a twisty puzzle collection.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Type: modified 3x3 cube (constrained, hybrid)
• Constraints: 3 faces with limited rotation, the rest turn freely
• Center design: Tom van der Zanden (TomZ)
• Mechanism: Dayan Bermuda Cube body, core lock from mf8 Crazy 3x3
• Color: stickerless bright