KungFu Qinghong 3x3x3

KungFu Qinghong 3x3 - a budget speed cube

KungFu Qinghong 3x3x3 is a simple non-magnetic 56 mm cube from a brand known for affordable cubes. Despite its low price, it was designed for speedcubing, not as an ordinary toy. It has tension adjustment, good-quality plastic and well-fitted pieces. It works well as your first "real" 3x3 cube or as a spare cube for school or your bag.

How it turns

Turning is light and smooth, and the feel is rather soft and quiet. At the same time, the cube is not loose. Users usually describe it as smooth and fast right out of the box. After a few days of intensive solving, though, it's worth lubing it, because the factory lube wears off quickly.

Corner cutting reaches slightly over 45 degrees, so the cube forgives small inaccuracies in layer alignment, and lockups during faster solving are rare. On tighter settings, moves are solid and predictable. Keep in mind, however, that this is a non-magnetic cube. It has no noticeable "click" to help you finish layer turns, and it gives you less control than magnetic models. It feels best in the hands of someone who turns fairly accurately.

Tension adjustment

Under each center cap (the cover on the center of each face) there is a screw with a spring that you can tighten or loosen. A tighter cube is more stable, while a looser one turns faster and cuts corners better. Don't loosen it too much, because on very loose settings the Qinghong starts to pop. The center caps are firmly fitted, so remove them carefully the first time you adjust the tension.

Who is it for?

For beginners who want to find out whether cubing is for them, and for parents looking for an inexpensive 3x3 cube for learning to solve. Compared with a supermarket cube, it is much smoother and almost never locks up. If you already solve regularly against the clock, a magnetic 3x3 cube will serve you better, as it offers more stability and control. The Qinghong is legal for official competitions.

Specifications

Type: 3x3x3 cube, non-magnetic
Manufacturer: KungFu
Size: 56 mm
Weight: approx. 81 g
Adjustment: tension screws under the center caps
Available versions: Black, White, Stickerless Bright
Legal for official competitions: yes