DianSheng Galaxy Magnetic Petaminx

DianSheng Galaxy Magnetic Petaminx

DianSheng Galaxy Magnetic Petaminx is a 9x9 dodecahedron: the Petaminx from the Galaxy series, which also includes this manufacturer's magnetic Gigaminx and Teraminx. According to available sources, it is the first magnetic Petaminx on the market. The puzzle is stickerless in a bright colour scheme, and its pieces have a slightly concave shape that improves grip.

A compact 9x9 Petaminx

The face edge is approx. 48 mm, which is small for a Petaminx. The whole puzzle measures approx. 126 x 126 x 108 mm and weighs approx. 508 g without packaging, so it fits in your hands and doesn't tire them as quickly as larger puzzles of this type. There is a flip side: the pieces are relatively small, and with so many layers it's easier to grab the wrong slice. People who have already solved it point out that with a smaller puzzle it's easier to take in a whole face at a glance and look for pieces.

Magnets and turning

The magnets help align the layers, which really matters on a big minx: fewer layers end up slightly misaligned, and such misalignments lead to catching and lockups on the following moves. Turning is smooth and fairly controllable. According to user reviews, the magnets on the inner layers are quite strong, and at first neighbouring slices may stick together and turn as one. This usually goes away once the puzzle is broken in, but expect it during your first solves.

Who is it for?

For someone who already solves the Megaminx and bigger minxes (e.g. Gigaminx or Teraminx) and wants to move on to the Petaminx. It's also a good pick for collectors of big puzzles. A solve takes many hours, so it's not a choice for a first cube or a gift for a child who is just starting out. A regular Megaminx is a better place to start.

Specifications

• Type: Petaminx (9x9 dodecahedron), magnetic
• Manufacturer: DianSheng, Galaxy series
• Edge length: approx. 48 mm
• Dimensions: approx. 126 x 126 x 108 mm
• Weight: approx. 508 g (approx. 845 g with packaging)
• Finish: stickerless, bright colour scheme, concave pieces