Dayan Skewb 7x7

DaYan Skewb 7x7

Despite the name, this is not another speedcubing cube. DaYan Skewb 7x7 is a puzzle from the Skewb family, which means it turns around its corners rather than its faces. It has four axes of rotation and seven layers on each of them. The manufacturer also sells it as the 4-Axis 7-Rank Cube, and collectors call it the Compy Skewb. It is a hybrid of two puzzles: the Skewb and the Compy Cube, a cube with shallow cuts near the corners.

How it works

Besides the deep diagonal cuts typical of a Skewb, it also has shallower cuts near the corners. So the move you make depends on which layer you turn. The small corner ends are so-called trivial tips: they turn freely and are not linked to the rest of the mechanism, so you set them at the very end. In the puzzle designed by Tom van der Zanden, on which this model is based, they were linked to the Skewb moves, so DaYan's version is a little easier in this respect.

Turning: what to expect

User opinions are fairly consistent. Skewb-style moves work reasonably well, with slight catching. Some of the shallower moves, however, are stiff and require careful layer alignment. Fast or imprecise turning can cause popping. If you solve it calmly, you can complete a full solve without the puzzle falling apart. Some buyers rate the mechanism noticeably worse and complain about frequent popping. This is a puzzle for thinking, not for fast turning.

Who is it for?

For collectors and anyone who enjoys unusual corner-turning puzzles and already knows the regular Skewb. Previous experience with the Dino Cube or Master Skewb also helps. For a first puzzle or for timed practice, a classic magnetic Skewb is a better choice. This puzzle is also not a good gift for a child who is just starting to solve.

Specifications

• Type: Skewb, 4 axes, 7 layers (4-Axis 7-Rank)
• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Colour version: Stickerless Bright
• Dimensions: approx. 63 × 61.6 × 61 mm
• Weight: approx. 132 g