FanXin X Cube

FanXin X Cube (Fisher Skewb)

FanXin X Cube is a shape-shifting puzzle based on the Skewb mechanism. The manufacturer also sells it as the Fisher Skewb (catalogue number FX7782). The idea is the same as in the Fisher Cube: the cuts are rotated by 45 degrees around one axis. When solved, the X Cube looks like a regular cube, but after a few moves it stops being one. The version we offer is Stickerless Bright, which means coloured plastic with no stickers.

How it differs from a regular Skewb

The mechanism works just like a Skewb: four axes and turns around the corners. Only the shape of the pieces is different, but that is enough to change how you solve it:

• The puzzle changes shape. Once scrambled, it loses its cube form, so it is harder to tell which piece is a center and which is a corner.
• Centers have orientation. On a regular Skewb, you only need to put a center on the correct face. Here, some centers also have to be turned the right way, otherwise the cube shape will not close up.
• The algorithms are the same. If you can solve a Skewb, you do not need to learn a new method. The difficulty lies mainly in recognizing the pieces and their orientations.

The Fisher Skewb concept is attributed to Nathan Wilson, known for designing shape mods.

Who is it for?

The X Cube works well as the next step after a regular Skewb or as a first shape-shifting puzzle for someone who already knows the basics. It is not a good choice as a first puzzle: without knowing the Skewb, it is hard to get started because you have nothing to build on. This is a puzzle for your collection and for the fun of solving, not a tool for breaking records. It is a simple, budget model without a tension adjustment system, so if you are focused on speedsolving, keep your expectations about the mechanism realistic. For collectors, it is an inexpensive way to add a Fisher Skewb to the collection.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle (shape mod) based on the Skewb mechanism
• Manufacturer: FanXin
• Manufacturer's catalogue number: FX7782
• Size: 57.5 x 57.5 x 57.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Colour scheme: Stickerless Bright (stickerless)