Lanlan 6-Axis Curvy Rhombohedron

Lanlan 6-Axis Curvy Rhombohedron: a shapeshifting 3x3 cube mod

LanLan has made many 3x3 cube modifications, and this is one of them. When solved, the Lanlan 6-Axis Curvy Rhombohedron takes the shape of a rhombohedron, a slanted prism with a rhombus as its base. The faces are clearly rounded, hence "Curvy" in the name. The puzzle is based on the Axis Cube, one of the better-known 3x3 shape mods. Inside is a standard 3x3 mechanism with six axes of rotation, and the unusual look comes from the different way the pieces are cut.

How to solve it

The rules are the same as for a 3x3 cube, so any method you already know will do. The challenge lies elsewhere. After a few moves the rhombohedron falls apart into an irregular shape with pieces of different shapes and sizes. You need to recognise which piece is a corner and which is an edge, and place them so the puzzle returns to its original shape. If you have already solved the Axis Cube or the Mirror Cube, you will find your way quickly. If you have only just learned to solve a 3x3, you will need a bit of patience, but this is not a very demanding puzzle.

Turning and adjustment

For a shape mod it turns well, and users describe the turning as smooth. The puzzle has no magnets, so the layers do not snap into place on their own. When turning faster, you need to align them more carefully, especially since the irregular shape itself makes the puzzle harder to hold. You can change the tension with the adjustment screws: loosen them if turning feels too heavy, or tighten them if the puzzle is too loose.

Who is it for?

We recommend it mainly to collectors and to those who can already solve a 3x3 and are looking for something different from yet another cube. This is a puzzle for solving for fun, not a speedcube. It is not allowed in official competitions, and the lack of magnets and the unusual shape do not favour fast timed solves.

Specifications

Type: 3x3 cube modification (shape mod), shapeshifting
Manufacturer: LanLan
Based on: Axis Cube
Size: approx. 59.5 mm
Weight: approx. 107 g
Magnets: none
Adjustment: adjustment screws
Body colour: black
Release year: 2015
Allowed in official competitions: no

What's in the box

1. puzzle