ES Cube Air 20-Magnets-Transparent Core

ES Cube Air 3x3 20-Magnets Transparent Core

Air is the more affordable 3x3 line from ES Cube (ESCube), the brand that previously released the ES3. ES Cube Air 20-Magnets Transparent Core is the version with a 20-magnet Ball-Core and a transparent core, released as a limited edition. The cube is the standard 56 mm size, weighs approx. 78 g, comes in stickerless bright and has a matte (frosted) surface.

How it turns

The Air with 20 core magnets focuses on control rather than maximum speed. In addition to the regular magnets in the pieces, it has magnets between the corners and the core. When the layers are aligned, the corners are pulled towards the centre, and roughly halfway through a turn (approx. 45°) they are pushed away from it. In practice, the layers settle into place more readily and the cube misaligns less during fast turning. The manufacturer specifies 55° corner cutting and 35° reverse corner cutting.

The model is new, so there are only a few reviews so far and they are mixed. That makes it hard to reliably compare its feel with popular, well-refined magnetic Ball-Core cubes at a similar price.

Ball-Core and adjustment

• 20-magnet Ball-Core. The magnets in the core attract the corners and help them return to place, making the cube more stable.
• No magnets in the edge feet. In many cubes with a 20-magnet core, the edges also have magnets that interact with the core. The Air doesn't.
• Tension adjustment with a numbered scale. This makes it easy to return to the setting that suits you. According to the distributor, changing the tension does not change the spring compression.
• Mesh contact surfaces. These are designed to hold lube better and reduce the effect of dust on the mechanism.

Which Air version?

The version with 8 core magnets has a more traditional layout and stabilises the corners less. The 20-magnet versions keep the layers aligned more firmly. The Transparent Core has the same 20-magnet layout, and what sets it apart is the transparent core. If you don't care about how the inside looks, you can safely go for the regular 20-magnet version.

Who is it for?

For anyone who wants to try a Ball-Core cube without buying a flagship and prefers stable behaviour over a very loose, fast setup. For beginners, the core magnets make it easier to finish turns, and you can change the tension later once you know what feel you like.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: ES Cube (ESCube)
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 78 g
• Magnets: magnets in the pieces and a 20-magnet Ball-Core (no magnets in the edge feet)
• Corner cutting: 55° / reverse 35°
• Adjustment: tension with a numbered scale
• Finish: matte (frosted)
• Core: transparent (limited edition)