DianSheng Galaxy Gigaminx Ball-Core

DianSheng Galaxy Gigaminx Ball-Core

The Gigaminx is a dodecahedron with five layers on each face. It's the "big brother" of the Megaminx, just as the 5x5 is the big brother of the 3x3. The DianSheng Galaxy Gigaminx Ball-Core is a newer version of the magnetic Gigaminx from the Galaxy series, with an expanded magnet system and a magnetic Ball-Core. This version is stickerless with colored internals (Primary Internals).

What the Ball-Core changes

In the standard Galaxy Gigaminx M, the magnets sit only in the pieces. In the Ball-Core version, DianSheng increased their number from 180 to 220 and added a magnetic ball in the center. The manufacturer calls this a dual positioning system: the magnets in the edges and corners work together with the magnets in the core. In practice, the layers should snap back into place more firmly and the puzzle should turn more stably. With five layers per face this matters, because the inner layers of big minxes tend to drift out of alignment.

Construction

• One-piece molded core, reinforced with ribs to make the whole structure more rigid.
• Anti-stick surfaces that reduce friction and help keep pieces from sticking together while turning.
• Equal-width arc cutting, meaning even, rounded dividing lines between the pieces.
• Concave, contoured corners that help with grip. This comes in handy on a compact puzzle.

How it solves

The Galaxy series is noticeably smaller than older Gigaminxes, which makes it well suited for speedsolving. Users of the magnetic version praise its smooth turning and the way the magnets help you turn the right layers. They also point out that the puzzle can be stiff out of the box, especially on the inner layers. With aggressive turning, lockups and popping can also occur. Some people with larger hands need time to get used to the small pieces. The Ball-Core version is meant to reduce these issues, but with a big minx a few break-in solves and some lube are still a good idea.

Who is it for?

For people who have already solved the Megaminx and are looking for the next challenge, and for speedcubers who want to time their Gigaminx solves. This event is not official in the WCA, but it has its own fan base. If you're just getting started with minxes, it's better to begin with a regular Megaminx.

Specifications

• Type: Gigaminx (dodecahedron, 5 layers per face), magnetic
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Series: Galaxy
• Size: 47.5 mm
• Magnets: 220 (in the pieces) plus a magnetic Ball-Core
• Core: one-piece molded, rib-reinforced
• Version: stickerless, Primary Internals