LanLan Five-Star

LanLan Five-Star

LanLan Five-Star is a puzzle with a star in its name and in its design, made by the Chinese manufacturer LanLan. The brand is best known for unusual twisty puzzles and shape mods. Five-Star is not a WCA event puzzle and is not meant for setting records. It is a puzzle for collectors and for anyone who has already mastered the classic cubes and wants to solve something different. It comes in the Black version, which has a black body.

How is LanLan Five-Star different from a regular cube?

On a classic 3x3 cube, you only need to match the colors. On shape mod puzzles, you also have to restore the correct shape, because pieces of different sizes move around when you scramble it. Knowing a 3x3 method helps, but it isn't enough. You need to understand how the pieces behave and often adapt algorithms to the new situation. With puzzles like this, the fun and problem-solving matter more than TPS.

Size and handling

The puzzle measures about 65.5 mm, so it is larger than a typical speedcubing 3x3 (usually around 56 mm). It sits comfortably in your hands, and the irregular pieces are easy to grip. With such an unusual cut, it's best to turn calmly and precisely. On puzzles of this type, aggressive turning is more likely to end in a lockup than in a faster solve.

Who is it for?

For cubers who have already solved the 3x3, and perhaps the Pyraminx or Skewb as well, and are looking for their next challenge to figure out on their own. Collectors of LanLan puzzles will enjoy it too. For your very first puzzle, a classic 3x3 cube is a better choice; save the Five-Star for when you have mastered the basics.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: unusual puzzle (category: other puzzles)
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Product dimensions: approx. 63 x 61.6 x 61 mm
• Body color: Black