DianSheng Galaxy Mirror 4x4 (Magnetic + Ball-Core)

DianSheng Galaxy Mirror 4x4 (Magnetic + Ball-Core)

This cube has no colors. All faces are the same shade, and the pieces differ in thickness. Once scrambled, the DianSheng Galaxy Mirror 4x4 loses its cube shape, and you can only solve it by recognizing the pieces by their shape and size. This is the magnetic version of the 4x4 mirror cube, with magnets in the pieces and a Ball-Core. Available colors: Blue, Pink and Purple.

How is it different from a regular 4x4?

The mechanism works just like a classic 4x4 cube, so you need to know a 4x4 solving method, including parity. The challenge is that you can't tell the pieces apart by color. You have to look at how far they stick out and whether their edges form a flat surface. It's not really a good choice for speedsolving. It's a puzzle for people who have already mastered the 4x4 and want a new challenge.

Magnets and Ball-Core in practice

In older, non-magnetic mirror cubes, layers easily get stuck halfway through a turn. That makes it hard to tell whether the shape is already right or something is just misaligned. Here, magnets in the edges and corners snap the layers into place, and the Ball-Core, a magnetic ball in the center of the cube, further helps them align and increases stability. Users point out that the cube is stable and the inner layers attract each other more strongly. This makes the 3x3 stage of the solve easier. Reviews also mention that out of the box the cube isn't as smooth as magnetic 3x3 mirror cubes with Ball-Core. It turns better after tension adjustment and lubing.

With or without Ball-Core?

DianSheng also offers a cheaper variant with magnets in the pieces only. The Ball-Core version aligns the layers on its own better, and in a mirror cube this matters more than in a regular cube. When the layers are properly aligned, the shape is easier to read.

Who is it for?

For someone who can solve a 4x4 and wants to take on something harder. The cube also fits nicely into a collection of shape mod puzzles. Beginners are better off starting with a regular magnetic 4x4 or a Mirror 3x3.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4 mirror cube (shape mod)
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Size: 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 115 g (cube only)
• Magnets: in the pieces + Ball-Core
• Colors: Blue, Pink, Purple