DianSheng Solar 5x5 M UV

DianSheng Solar 5x5 M UV

DianSheng Solar 5x5 M UV is a magnetic 5x5 cube from the Solar series. DianSheng released it at the end of 2023 as a more affordable option for people who are starting out with 5x5. The cube measures 61 mm, so it is noticeably smaller than many flagship 5x5 cubes. The plastic comes in a stickerless bright colour scheme and has a UV coating, which makes it glossy and gives it a good grip.

How it turns

The magnets are of medium strength. The cube clearly snaps into place, but the turning is not heavy or strongly "clicky". Users rate the forward corner cutting well. Reverse corner cutting, however, is very limited, so if your outer layer turns are less precise, expect some catching. Some people also notice that the magnets in the outer layers are lighter than those in the inner layers.

Reviewers who compare the Solar with cubes such as the Valk 5M, DaYan Nezha 5M or YJ MGC 5 say plainly that it feels like a lower-tier cube. There is no tension adjustment system and no features like MagLev or Ball-Core. What you get instead is a well-functioning magnetic 5x5 at an affordable price.

Design

• "Tortoise shell" pieces. The pieces have a convex shape which, according to the manufacturer, makes turning easier and helps spread the lube through the mechanism.
• Smaller centres with a printed logo. The logo is printed, not a sticker. In the older Solar S5M, all pieces were the same size and the logo was not on a centre.
• UV Coated. The glossy surface offers a stronger grip than matte plastic.

Who is it for?

It is a good first 5x5 cube for someone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to learn the reduction method without spending money on a flagship model. It also works well as a cheaper cube to take to school or keep in your backpack. A speedcuber who trains 5x5 regularly and cares about good reverse corner cutting and tension adjustment should rather choose a more expensive, higher-tier cube.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 5x5 cube, stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: DianSheng (Solar series)
• Size: 61 mm
• Weight: approx. 118 g
• Magnets: factory-installed, medium strength
• Finish: UV Coated (glossy)
• Included: cube stand