GAN 356 ME V2

GAN 356 ME V2 3x3

A budget magnetic 3x3 cube from GAN, in its second version with spring tension adjustment and center travel adjustment. The GAN 356 ME V2 has a standard size of 56 mm and weighs approx. 77 g. We offer it in the stickerless bright color scheme, with matte pieces without UV coating. It's a way to get a GAN cube with the light turning typical of the brand, without the elaborate systems of the flagship models.

How it turns

Turning is light and smooth. Corner cutting is rated at approx. 55° forward and approx. 35° reverse. In practice, this means fewer lockups on imprecise turns, which especially helps people who are just learning algorithms and developing their turning technique.

Opinions on the cube's feel are mixed. Some users describe it as fast and light, others as rather controllable and not the fastest in GAN's lineup. The magnets are factory-installed and their strength cannot be changed. The low weight combined with the matte surface means that people with smaller hands or those used to heavier cubes may need a moment to get used to it.

Adjustment and design

• 4 elasticity levels, i.e. spring tension: from a looser setting for fast turning to a tighter one for control.
• 3 center travel levels, i.e. how far the layers can move away from the center. Shorter center travel gives a tighter, more solid feel.
• Together this gives 12 setting combinations. That's fewer than in more expensive models (e.g. the GAN356 Maglev has 6 levels of each adjustment), but enough to set the cube looser or tighter to suit you.
• The contact surfaces of the pieces have a honeycomb structure that helps distribute lube evenly.

Matte or UV?

The ME V2 is also available in a UV Coated version with a glossy coating that offers better grip. This version is matte, without UV coating. Adjustment is the same in both variants, so the choice mainly comes down to which surface you prefer in your hands.

Who is it for?

It's a great first proper speedcube, including for a child who has outgrown a regular non-magnetic cube. More experienced cubers will find the ME V2 useful as a backup cube or one to always carry with them. A speedcuber looking for a main competition cube with a wide range of adjustment will probably reach for higher-end GAN models.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: GAN
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Magnets: factory-installed, no strength adjustment
• Adjustment: 4 spring tension levels and 3 center travel levels
• Corner cutting: approx. 55° forward, approx. 35° reverse
• Finish: matte, no UV coating
• Color scheme: stickerless bright