LanLan Grid Skewb

LanLan Grid Skewb

A flat LanLan puzzle built on a Skewb mechanism. The LanLan Grid Skewb is approx. 57 mm wide and only 30 mm thick. Before the first move, it looks like a low black block with a grid of grooves rather than a classic Skewb. The idea comes from the Mental Block puzzle designed by Tony Fisher. The mechanism has 4 axes of rotation, just like a regular Skewb. It is a shape mod, though: after two or three moves, it loses its shape and it gets hard to tell which piece is which.

How it solves

The moves are the same as on a Skewb, so if you know a Skewb method, you have a good starting point. Orientation is the harder part. Once scrambled, the shape keeps changing, and you need to watch how you are holding the puzzle so you don't get lost while solving. Once you get the hang of it, the solve itself doesn't take long.

According to user reviews, the turning is smooth, as on most LanLan puzzles, and it handles a small amount of corner cutting. Because the puzzle is so thin, the core and internal pieces are small and the mechanism runs under high tension. That's why the Grid Skewb pops easily, especially when you turn a layer before the previous one is fully aligned. Aligning the layers before each move on a different axis helps. Snapping pieces back in takes patience, so this puzzle is best turned calmly. Fast turning won't work well here.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve a Skewb and wants to try a shape-shifting variant. It is also a good fit for a collection of unusual puzzles. It fits in your pocket, so it's easy to take with you. We don't recommend it as a child's first puzzle: it often pops if turned imprecisely, and putting it back together can be tricky. A regular Skewb is a better choice to start with.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: Skewb shape mod, 4 axes of rotation
• Based on: Mental Block (Tony Fisher)
• Dimensions: 57 x 57 x 30 mm
• Weight: approx. 58 g
• Magnets: none
• Plastic colour: black