Diansheng Barrel 2x2

Diansheng Barrel 2x2

Diansheng Barrel 2x2 is a barrel-shaped 2x2 cube. Its sides are rounded, while the top and bottom are flat. Inside, it has a regular 2x2 mechanism, so you turn and solve it just like a standard cube. The difference shows up when you scramble it. When you turn a side face, the rounded pieces move to the top or bottom and the cube loses its barrel shape. That's why you'll find it in our shape-shifting puzzles category.

How to solve it

To solve the Barrel 2x2, all you need are the algorithms for a regular 2x2 cube. You just have to make sure the rounded faces go back to the sides and the flat ones to the top and bottom. The shape works as a hint here, so the same colour pattern is easier to recognise from the position of the faces than on a regular cube. If you know the basic 2x2 method, you'll figure out the Barrel with no trouble. The more interesting part is watching how the cube's look changes as you scramble it.

According to the distributors, the mechanism is based on speed cubes: it's meant to turn smoothly and stably, with decent corner cutting and no noticeable lockups. The tension is adjustable. Still, this cube is above all a curiosity and a nice break from classic cubes. If you want to set records in 2x2, a typical speedcubing model is a better choice.

Colour versions

All versions are stickerless, which means there are no stickers and the plastic pieces themselves are coloured. You can choose from four variants:

• Stickerless Bright: classic, vivid colours,
• Stickerless Dark: darker, muted colours,
• Transparent: clear plastic that shows the mechanism,
• Macaron: pastel colours.

Who is it for?

The Barrel 2x2 is a great fit for someone who can already solve a 2x2 or 3x3 and wants to try something different without learning new algorithms. It's also an easy first shape mod for your collection. The cube is simple to master, so it makes a good gift for a child who is just starting to solve puzzles.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting 2x2 cube (barrel-shaped shape mod)
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Size: approx. 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 60 g
• Adjustment: adjustable tension
• Colours: Stickerless Bright, Stickerless Dark, Transparent, Macaron