DaYan Gem Cube IX

DaYan Gem Cube IX

DaYan Gem Cube IX (often also called the Gem 9) is a puzzle from the Gem series. Every model in this series resembles a cut gemstone and turns in its own way. The number IX stayed empty in the series for a long time and only appeared after the Gem X. It differs from the other Gems in its mechanism. Instead of a classic core, it has a void mechanism, meaning there is no central core and the pieces move along guide tracks. This directly affects how it turns. This version is black, with stickers.

How it turns

To be honest: the Gem IX is not a puzzle for speedsolving. Out of the box it turns stiffly, and every move requires the layers to be precisely aligned. If you start a turn before the lines are aligned, the puzzle will lock up or pieces will fall out. Users most often complain about the small triangular pieces popping. They recommend checking after every turn that everything has stayed in place. A piece that has fallen out can usually be pushed back in quickly, as long as you notice it right away. People who have reassembled the puzzle after it fell apart advise leaving the triangles and centers until the very end, because the whole puzzle then turns more easily.

The set includes an extra set of stickers. It comes in handy, because the stickers wear out faster when you frequently remove and reinsert pieces.

Who is it for?

Above all for collectors who want the complete DaYan Gem series, and for fans of unusual shape mods who won't be put off by a demanding mechanism. The Gem IX looks great on a shelf and makes sense as an addition to a collection. For regular solving, it's better to choose another model from the series, because the other Gems have a classic mechanism and turn noticeably better. We don't recommend it as a first puzzle or as a gift for a child who is just starting out with cubes.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Series: Gem (Gem Cube IX / Gem 9)
• Type: shape mod puzzle
• Mechanism: void (no central core)
• Color: black, with stickers
• Weight: approx. 228 g
• In the box: puzzle, extra set of stickers