DianSheng Corner Turning Octahedron (CTO)

DianSheng Corner Turning Octahedron (CTO)

At first glance it looks like an FTO, but it turns in a completely different way. The DianSheng Corner Turning Octahedron (CTO) is an octahedron whose axes of rotation pass through the corners of the shape rather than through the centers of the faces, as in the classic Face Turning Octahedron. This is the non-magnetic version in the Primary color scheme.

CTO vs FTO: same shape, different puzzle

Changing the axes of rotation makes a big difference. Each move shifts different pieces than on the FTO, so your FTO experience won't help much here. You have to learn this puzzle from scratch and work out how the individual pieces behave when you turn around the corners. That's exactly why the CTO is a great pick if you already have an FTO, a Skewb or a Pyraminx in your collection and want something you can't solve with familiar algorithms.

How it turns

The non-magnetic version has no auto-alignment. The layers don't snap into place on their own, so you need to finish every turn precisely. When you're solving at a relaxed pace and getting to know the puzzle, this isn't a problem, but with faster turning you're more likely to get misaligned layers and lockups. The spring compression can be set to one of 6 levels, so you can reduce play or loosen the mechanism if the turns feel too heavy. The outer pieces have a glossy finish.

Non-magnetic or magnetic?

DianSheng also makes magnetic versions of the CTO, including a Ball-Core variant with magnets between the corners and the core. Magnets align the layers by themselves and give more stable, more controllable turns. The non-magnetic version has a simpler design and is enough if you want the CTO as an interesting puzzle for your collection or to learn a new type of puzzle. For speedsolving, the magnetic version is the better choice.

Who is it for?

The CTO is for cubers who already know the basic puzzles and enjoy unusual shapes and mechanisms. Puzzle collectors get another octahedron variant, and it pairs well with an FTO for comparison. If it's your very first puzzle, a classic 3x3 will be a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: corner-turning octahedron (Corner Turning Octahedron)
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Version: non-magnetic
• Size: 66 mm
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Weight: 76 g
• Adjustment: 6 levels of spring compression
• Finish: glossy
• Color: Primary
• EAN: 6954256109274