Lanlan Gear Rhombic Dodecahedron

LanLan Gear Rhombic Dodecahedron

LanLan Gear Rhombic Dodecahedron is a gear puzzle shaped like a rhombic dodecahedron, a solid with 12 rhombus-shaped faces. Distributors describe it as a variant of the gear 3x3x3. Inside, it uses a mechanism from the Gear Cube family, but in a completely different shape. Body colour: black.

How a gear puzzle works

On a regular cube, you turn one layer while the rest stays still. Gear puzzles work differently. The gears on the edge pieces link the layers together, so turning an outer layer also turns the middle layer. As a result, the pieces move in a completely different way than on a classic cube, and the edges also rotate around their own axis. The gears mesh with each other, so after a few moves it is hard to predict where a given piece will end up. The rhombic faces make orientation even harder. Even if you already know the classic Gear Cube, you will need time to get used to how the solved and scrambled states look.

How it turns

According to user reviews, the gears turn smoothly right out of the box, and many people don't feel the need to lube the puzzle. If you do want to lube it, keep in mind that the shape of the puzzle makes it hard to reach the mechanism. A few reviews also mention corners popping out during scrambling. So it is best to turn calmly and not force a move when the layers are not properly aligned. This is a puzzle for solving and collecting, not a cube for breaking records. It has no magnets and no tension adjustment system.

Who is it for?

For those who have already mastered the 3x3 and want to try something different, and for collectors of unusual puzzles. It will be easier if you already know the classic Gear Cube. For a child's first puzzle, a regular 3x3 cube is a better choice; come back to the Gear Rhombic Dodecahedron once the basics are no longer a challenge. It also looks great on a shelf, with the gears visible on the surface of the puzzle.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: gear puzzle, rhombic dodecahedron (12 faces)
• Mechanism: gears from the Gear Cube 3x3x3 family
• Magnets: none
• Body colour: black
• Weight: approx. 155 g