DaYan Gem Cube V

DaYan Gem Cube V

The fifth puzzle in the Gem series, in which DaYan released unusual puzzles shaped like cut gemstones. The DaYan Gem Cube V, also simply called the Gem 5, came out in 2013. It is the mass-produced version of the F-Skewb, a concept designed by Timur Evbatyrov. We offer the version with a black body.

Shape and mechanism

At first glance, the puzzle looks like a truncated octahedron, a shape with square and hexagonal faces. It is actually a so-called biscribed truncated octahedron, and its hexagonal faces are not regular. Inside, it has a hybrid mechanism: not all faces turn the same way, so while solving you have to keep track of two types of moves at once.

In the Gem series, the full hybrid combining face and edge turns is the Gem II. The Gem V is a semi-hybrid: only some of the faces turn, and there are fewer of these moves. This makes the rules simpler, although it is still not a puzzle you can solve with a tutorial for a regular cube.

What to expect

The Gem V is not a speedcubing puzzle, and there is no point comparing it in terms of TPS or corner cutting. It is more of a puzzle to work out at your own pace and an interesting display piece for your shelf. In one review of the whole Gem family, this model ended up at the bottom of the ranking, and the reviewer recommended the Gem III as a first encounter with the series. To be honest, the Gem V works better as another model in your collection than as your first puzzle from this series.

Who is it for?

For people who collect unusual puzzles and shape mods, already know the Skewb or other corner-turning puzzles and want to try a hybrid mechanism. It is also a good pick for collectors completing the entire DaYan Gem series. For a child's first puzzle, it is better to choose something simpler.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Series: Gem Cube (part V)
• Release year: 2013
• Mechanism: F-Skewb, semi-hybrid
• Shape: biscribed truncated octahedron
• Body colour: black
• Dimensions: approx. 9.7 x 9.5 x 8 cm