FanXin Nova 3x3x3

FanXin Nova 3x3x3

FanXin Nova 3x3x3 is a cheap, simple 3x3 cube from FanXin, a Chinese manufacturer known mainly for affordable puzzles. It has a black body and stickers in the standard colour scheme. This is not a speedcubing model with extensive tuning options. The Nova is simply meant to work well without costing much, which makes it a good choice as a first cube or a spare one.

How it turns

Turning is smooth and light, with no noticeable resistance. The mechanism isn't fast, but it's perfectly adequate for learning the layer-by-layer method and your first solves. If you turn very aggressively and don't align the layers precisely, expect some lockups. Corner cutting is noticeably weaker than on modern speedcubes. This is a cube for relaxed solving, not for pushing a high TPS.

Stickers and look

The Nova is a classic stickered cube on black plastic, not a stickerless version. The sticker colours follow the standard scheme, so you can use beginner tutorials and guides without having to swap colours in your head. The stickers wear off over time, but on a cube in this price range that doesn't really matter.

Who is it for?

The Nova works well as a first 3x3 cube for a child or for anyone who wants to find out whether solving will get them hooked. You can also take it as a cube for your backpack, school or work, wherever you'd rather not carry a more expensive one. If you already know you want to train regularly for time, it's better to go straight for a magnetic cube with tension adjustment. The difference in stability and corner cutting is clearly noticeable then. To get started, though, the Nova is perfectly enough, and you can put off upgrading to a better cube until later.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 cube
• Manufacturer: FanXin
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 76 g
• Finish: stickers in standard colours
• Body colour: black