HuaMeng YS3M Ball-Core 3x3

HuaMeng YS3M Ball-Core 3x3

HuaMeng is a MoYu brand, and the YS3M was developed in collaboration with Yusheng Du, who held the 3x3 single world record (3.47 s) from 2018 to 2023. The model was released in 2023 in several versions. The HuaMeng YS3M Ball-Core 3x3 uses MagLev instead of springs and has a magnetic core. It has a matte finish without UV coating, and the colour scheme is stickerless bright.

How it turns

The YS3M is fast, but its real strength is control rather than raw speed. Cubers who compare it with the RS3M V5 describe the YS3M as more stable and more controllable, and the RS3M as slightly faster. In their view, the difference is most noticeable in the Ball-Core version. The feel is tactile and fairly crisp. Out of the box, the cube is usually dry and slightly sandy. It only shows its full potential after lubing and a few days of breaking in. Reviewers praise its corner cutting. The cube doesn't force a particular turning style, so you can easily adapt it to the way you turn.

MagLev, Ball-Core and adjustment

• MagLev: repelling magnets replace the springs. This means less friction and no spring noise.
• Ball-Core: magnets in the corner feet are attracted to magnets in the core. Layers settle into place more readily, and the cube stays aligned better during fast turning. The manufacturer states about 25 degrees of auto-homing.
• Dragon scales: a scale-like texture on the contact surfaces that reduces pieces sticking to each other.
• Interlocking feet that protect against popping.
• Dual adjustment: you can change both tension and compression, so you can set the cube up more for speed or more for control.

Which YS3M version should you choose?

The standard version (M) has springs and magnets between the pieces only. The MagLev version has the same body but no springs. The Ball-Core adds a magnetic core to the MagLev and is the most stable of the three. The Ball-Core UV version has an identical mechanism and differs only in its glossy UV coating, which offers more grip. If you prefer matte plastic or don't want to pay extra for the coating, this is the version for you.

Who is it for?

For speedcubers who want a stable cube with good control at high TPS and enjoy a tactile feel. The Ball-Core is also a good fit if a regular magnetic model feels too loose to you. Be prepared for the cube to need some setup. For a child's first cube, a basic magnetic version is usually enough.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: HuaMeng (MoYu), co-designed by Yusheng Du
• Size: 55 mm
• Weight: approx. 83 g
• Turning system: MagLev (no springs)
• Magnets: in the pieces plus a magnetic core (Ball-Core)
• Adjustment: tension and compression
• Finish: matte, no UV
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright