DianSheng Gigaminx M

DianSheng Gigaminx M

The Gigaminx is the 5x5 version of the Megaminx. It has twelve faces with five layers on each, and many more pieces than a regular Megaminx. The DianSheng Gigaminx M, also sold as the Galaxy Gigaminx M, was released in 2023 as the first magnetic Gigaminx on the market. We offer the standard magnetic version, without Ball-Core, in the stickerless bright colour scheme.

Size and design

The edge length is approx. 35 mm. That is smaller than older Gigaminx puzzles, so it is not much bigger than a regular Megaminx. This makes it easier to hold and turn during long solves. If you have larger hands, though, you may need a few solves to get used to the small pieces. The outer layers are slightly curved inwards, so the faces look a little concave and sit better under your fingers. The puzzle itself weighs approx. 198 g.

How it turns

The magnets are moderately strong. The puzzle doesn't snap firmly into every position, but the magnets help you finish each move and align the layers. With five layers per face this makes a big difference, because on non-magnetic Gigaminx puzzles you constantly have to check whether the previous turn was completed. Turning is smooth, although straight out of the box the puzzle can feel stiff and breaks in after a few solves. Lubing also works well, and some users additionally loosen the factory tension slightly.

There are some limitations to keep in mind. Corner cutting is modest, as on most large minx puzzles. With very fast, incomplete turns you may get catching, and occasionally a lockup or popping. More accurate turning largely solves this. Some people also point out plastic flashing on some of the centres.

Standard or Ball-Core version?

DianSheng has also released a Gigaminx M with a magnetic Ball-Core, meaning additional magnets in the core. They hold the layers in place more firmly and help align them. The standard version described here has magnets only in the pieces, with no magnets in the core.

Who is it for?

For those who have already mastered the Megaminx and want to move on to a bigger puzzle from the same family, as well as for anyone who solves the Gigaminx for time. The Gigaminx is not a WCA event, but its small size and magnets make this model well suited to speedsolving. As a first puzzle, including for a child, it is too big a leap. It's better to start with a 3x3 and a regular Megaminx.

Specifications

• Type: Gigaminx (5x5 Megaminx), dodecahedron
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Magnets: yes, in the pieces (version without Ball-Core)
• Edge length: approx. 35 mm
• Puzzle weight: approx. 198 g
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright
• In the box: puzzle, pouch, instructions