DianSheng Solar 4x4x4

DianSheng Solar 4x4x4

A magnetic 4x4 cube from the Solar series, DianSheng's budget line of speed cubes. Before this series, the manufacturer was known mainly for unusual and often very large puzzles. The DianSheng Solar 4x4x4 has rounded pieces, matte (frosted) plastic and a stickerless bright colour scheme. There are no stickers to wear off or peel over time.

How it turns

The cube turns fast right out of the box. The feel is more crispy than soft and buttery. The magnets are medium strength. They help the layers snap into place, but they hold them noticeably more weakly than the strongly magnetised high-end 4x4 cubes. If you are used to strong magnets, the Solar may feel a bit loose. Some reviews also say the cube performs better after lubing or adding extra magnets. These are modifications for more experienced cubers, though, and you don't need them for regular solving.

Solar 4x4 or Solar S4M?

Later, DianSheng released the Solar S4M in the same series. It is a newer design with much stronger magnets (96, factory-installed), redesigned pieces, wider edges and glossy plastic. It is also available in a UV version and weighs a little more. The Solar 4x4x4 described here is simpler: it has a lighter magnetic feel and a matte finish. It makes sense as an affordable way to get into 4x4, not as a cube for breaking records at competitions.

Who is it for?

Mainly for anyone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to learn 4x4: building centres, pairing edges and dealing with parity. It also works well as a cheap backup cube or a child's first 4x4. The stickerless matte plastic handles everyday solving well. Speedcubers who need strong magnets and stability at high TPS will probably be happier with newer, more strongly magnetised models.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 4x4x4 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Series: Solar
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Magnets: factory-installed, medium strength
• Finish: matte (frosted)
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright