Lanlan 3x3 Dodecahedron (Diamond)

LanLan 3x3 Dodecahedron (Diamond)

LanLan 3x3 Dodecahedron, also called the Diamond, is a 3x3 shape mod in the form of a rhombic dodecahedron. It has 12 rhombus-shaped faces and looks a bit like a cut gemstone. The mechanism is a regular 3x3: the layers turn in the same six planes as on a classic 3x3 cube. If you can solve a 3x3, you can solve this puzzle too, but because of the different shape you'll need a moment to find your way around it first.

How to solve it

The easiest way to start is to work out which pieces correspond to which parts of a 3x3. The pointed pieces where four rhombuses meet are the centers. The pieces with three colors are the corners, and the flat, single-colored areas in the middle of each rhombus are the edges. After that, you solve it with the usual method: cross, F2L and last layer.

Two things make it harder. There are six colors on twelve faces, so each color appears twice (opposite faces share the same color). That makes it easy to get confused about the color scheme. Center orientation is also visible on this puzzle. On a regular cube a rotated center doesn't matter, but here you sometimes need an extra algorithm to turn it into place.

Mechanism and feel

The internal design of the pieces is fairly simple, but for a shape mod like this it's enough. Users say the cube turns smoothly right out of the box and is solidly assembled. Still, it's a puzzle for collecting and fun, not a speed cube, so don't expect the setup options and corner cutting you know from flagship 3x3 cubes.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can already solve a classic 3x3 and wants something new without learning a new method from scratch. The Diamond also works well as a first shape mod in your collection or as a gift for someone who's starting to get bored with a regular cube. If you're only just learning to solve, it will be easier to start with a standard 3x3.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: 3x3 shape mod in the form of a rhombic dodecahedron
• Number of faces: 12 (6 colors, opposite faces in the same color)
• Turning planes: 6, as on a classic 3x3
• Size: approx. 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 75 g
• Body color: black