Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube Ultimate

Calvins Puzzle TomZ Constrained Cube Ultimate

At first glance, this looks like an ordinary 3x3 cube. You only notice the difference once you start turning: on the TomZ Constrained Cube Ultimate from Calvins Puzzle, each pair of opposite faces has a different turning restriction. Locks inside the face centers create these restrictions. The puzzle was designed by Tom van der Zanden (TomZ) from the Netherlands. The Ultimate version combines several types of locks in one cube. Our variant is Stickerless Bright, meaning colored plastic with no stickers.

How the restrictions work

• Two opposite faces turn only 90° in one direction and can then turn back.
• Two more opposite faces turn 180° in one direction and back.
• One face turns freely in both directions.
• The last face doesn't turn at all.

In practice, many familiar algorithms won't work the way they do on a regular cube. Some moves are simply impossible. Others have to be done in a set direction or replaced with a setup. You'll need to rethink your solution from scratch and adapt it to which faces you can turn and which you can't.

Difficulty level

The manufacturer and distributors present the Ultimate as the hardest version in the Constrained Cube series (there are also 90, 180 and 270 versions). Buyers' opinions are more mixed. Some people find the Ultimate even easier than the 180 version in certain situations, because the freely turning face gives you a lot of options. A lot depends on how well you know the 3x3 and whether you enjoy working out algorithms on your own.

Mechanism and feel

This is a puzzle for relaxed solving and for your collection. It has no magnets or any of the features found in speedcubing cubes. Buyers report that straight out of the box some faces can turn quite stiffly. A little lube and breaking the cube in usually helps.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve a 3x3 comfortably and wants a new challenge instead of racing the clock. It's also a great pick for collectors of 3x3 mods. For a child's first cube, a classic 3x3 is a better choice, because here you first need to know the regular cube well.

Specifications

• Type: modified 3x3 cube (constrained cube)
• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Designer: Tom van der Zanden (TomZ)
• Face restrictions: 2 × 90°, 2 × 180°, 1 unrestricted face, 1 locked face
• Magnets: none
• Color: Stickerless Bright