Lanlan 12-axis dodecahedron

LanLan 12-axis Dodecahedron

LanLan 12-axis Dodecahedron is a puzzle shaped like a rhombic dodecahedron. Like the Megaminx, it has 12 faces, but they are rhombic rather than pentagonal, and each one turns around its own axis. That is where the "12-axis" in the name comes from. The model was released in 2016 and is one of those puzzles you buy for the challenge itself, not for setting times.

Where the idea came from

According to collectors, the design comes from Oskar van Deventer, and LanLan released it as a mass-produced version. It is a jumbling puzzle: a 180° face turn keeps the shape intact, while partial turns change it. If you know the Curvy Copter or the Helicopter Cube, you will recognise some of the patterns here. Everything else is a new puzzle with a different arrangement of pieces.

How it turns

Buyers point out that the mechanism is stable and turns smoothly on every layer. For a puzzle in this category, that matters, because catching and lockups can quickly put you off unusual shapes. The puzzle has stickers on a black body and performs well straight out of the box. It has adjustment screws, so you can set the tension yourself: tighten them if the puzzle feels too loose, or loosen them for lighter turning.

Who is it for?

This dodecahedron is a great pick if you can already solve the classic cubes and are looking for something new for your collection. It is a good fit for fans of the Megaminx, the Skewb or copter-type puzzles. It is not approved for official WCA competitions, so you buy it purely for the joy of solving. For a child's first puzzle, a 3x3 cube is a better choice, because here you have to work out the solution on your own or find a tutorial for it.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Shape: rhombic dodecahedron, 12 axes of rotation
• Size: approx. 69 mm
• Weight: approx. 133 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Body colour: black, with stickers
• Release year: 2016
• Official WCA competitions: no