DaYan ShuangFeiYan Cube

DaYan ShuangFeiYan Cube

DaYan ShuangFeiYan Cube is a shape-shifting puzzle with 16 axes of rotation and three layers on each axis. In other shops you may also find it as the 16-axis 3-rank cube or Twin Swallows. When solved, it looks like a cube, but after just a few moves it loses its regular shape, and each further turn carries pieces to completely new places. It is a puzzle for your collection and for long hours of figuring things out, not a speedcubing cube. We offer the stickerless bright version, which means coloured plastic with no stickers.

Jumbling, or why not every move is possible

ShuangFeiYan is a jumbling puzzle. A move can only be made when the cut lines on a given axis line up. Some turns are blocked right away, while others only "open up" after earlier moves. Users point out that the puzzle turns smoothly as long as you make only the intended moves. Trying to force a turn when the cuts are misaligned leads to catching and can even make the puzzle fall apart. Distributors also warn that it is fairly tight and may pop apart if turned with force. So it is not a good choice for fast, aggressive turning.

How hard is it to solve?

Hard. People who have solved it mention a large number of setup moves and say that just returning it to cube shape can take several weeks. There are also parities on the small triangular pieces next to the face centres. On top of that, simply discovering how to separate certain pieces is a lot of fun in itself. A good knowledge of commutators will come in handy for solving it.

Who is it for?

For collectors of shape-shifting puzzles and for people who already have the Skewb, Megaminx and a few shape mods behind them and now want something that demands patience. For a child's gift or a first puzzle, it is better to choose something simpler. ShuangFeiYan breaks easily if handled roughly. DaYan also offers the related BiYiNiao model with 12 axes.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Type: shape-shifting puzzle, jumbling
• Number of axes: 16, 3 layers per axis
• Base shape: cube
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright (no stickers)
• Intended use: collector's puzzle, not for speedcubing