DianSheng Corner Turning 3x3 Ball Core

DianSheng Corner Turning 3x3 Ball Core

From a distance it looks like a regular 3x3. Up close, you can see an extra cut at every corner. The DianSheng Corner Turning 3x3 Ball Core turns like a standard 3x3 cube, but you can also turn the corners on their own. In this move, the corner rotates together with the three small pieces around it. The cube has magnets and a Ball-Core, so its mechanism is closer to a speedcube than to an ordinary shelf puzzle.

How do you solve it?

You need to know how to solve a regular 3x3. It is usually solved in two stages: first the 3x3 part, then the small pieces next to the corners (or the other way round). According to users, the jump in difficulty is similar to going from 3x3 to 4x4. Corner turns bring new ways to scramble and new cases to figure out, while solving still builds on what you already know from the 3x3.

Magnets, Ball-Core and adjustment

• Magnets in the pieces. The layers clearly "click" into place. A corner can only be turned when the layers are properly aligned, so this matters in practice with this puzzle.
• Ball-Core. Magnets between the corners and the core give the cube extra stability. It is less likely to go out of shape when you switch between face turns and corner turns.
• Tension adjustment. You can set the cube looser for faster turning or tighter for more control.

Reviews say the cube turns smoothly straight out of the box. There are, however, occasional reports of popping during regular 3x3 moves. If this happens to you, tightening the tension usually helps.

Colour versions

The cube comes in Stickerless Bright, Stickerless Dark, Macaron (pastel colours) and Transparent versions. The transparent version shows the mechanism inside, which is an extra attraction for a puzzle with unusual cuts.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve the 3x3 comfortably and want something new without learning a completely different puzzle. It also makes a great addition to a collection of shape mods and unusual puzzles. For your first cube, a regular magnetic 3x3 is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 cube with corner turning, magnetic
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 96 g
• Magnets: in the pieces and Ball-Core
• Adjustment: tension
• Colours: Stickerless Bright, Stickerless Dark, Transparent, Macaron