FanXin Pear Cube

FanXin Pear Cube 3x3

FanXin Pear Cube is a pear-shaped 3x3 shape mod from the FanXin fruit series. Inside, it works just like a regular 3x3 cube, but the outer shape is cut so that when solved it looks like a piece of fruit. After a few moves the pear loses its shape completely, and getting it back is the real goal of solving. The model has been on the market since 2020.

Solving by shape

The faces don't differ in colour as clearly as on a classic cube, so you recognise the pieces mainly by their shape. You look at which part bulges out, which is narrower and how each piece fits the outline of the pear. The moves and algorithms are the same as on a 3x3, so anyone who can solve a regular cube can handle this one too. The challenge is to correctly identify the pieces and their orientation. Compared with the other fruits from the second FanXin series (the peach and the orange), users often rate the pear as easier.

How it turns

Buyers praise it for turning smoothly and working without problems right out of the box. However, it's a puzzle, not a speed cube. It has no magnets and corner cutting is fairly weak, so lockups happen easily when you turn fast. With a shape like this it hardly matters, because you solve it at a relaxed pace. You can change the layer tension with the adjustment screws.

Who is it for?

For cubers who can already solve a 3x3 and want to try shape mods, or who collect unusual puzzles. The pear also makes a good gift for a child who knows the classic 3x3 cube, and when solved it looks great on a shelf. It isn't suitable for timed practice and is not permitted in official competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 shape mod, pear shape
• Manufacturer: FanXin
• Series: fruit series (Fruit Cube)
• Size: approx. 70 x 70 mm, height approx. 10.5 cm
• Weight: approx. 103 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour: green
• Release year: 2020
• Allowed in WCA competitions: no