Lanlan Octahedron

LanLan Octahedron (FTO)

LanLan Octahedron is a classic FTO (Face Turning Octahedron): an octahedron-shaped puzzle in which each of the 8 faces turns. It looks like two pyramids joined at their bases. The idea is similar to a 3x3 cube: you turn layers and solve the pieces. However, there are more moves, and the relationships between pieces are less obvious. That's why people usually pick up this puzzle once the 3x3 is no longer a challenge. We offer the black-body version.

How it turns

According to some reviews, the LanLan octahedron turns fairly smoothly, and catches are rare. To be honest, though, it's an older design, not a modern speed puzzle. Some users complain that it's stiff out of the box and catches during faster turning. With looser tension, it pops more often. Reviewers who lubed the puzzle and fine-tuned the tensioning say they could even solve it quickly. For casual solving, this doesn't matter much. If you're thinking about times, be ready to put some work into the setup.

Tension adjustment

Each of the eight faces has its own adjustment screw, so you can set the tension separately for each axis. This is useful when one layer turns noticeably tighter or looser than the others. You adjust the tension with a screwdriver after removing the cap from the centre of the face.

Who is it for?

For people who know the 3x3 well and want to try something different, and for collectors of unusual puzzles. FTO is not a WCA event, so this is more of a hobby puzzle than gear for official competitions. For a child's first puzzle, it's better to choose a simpler model, such as a classic 3x3 cube or a Pyraminx.

Specifications

• Type: Face Turning Octahedron (FTO), 8 turning faces
• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Dimensions: approx. 74 x 74 x 61 mm
• Weight: approx. 135 g
• Tension adjustment: adjustment screws, a separate one for each face
• Body colour: black
• Official WCA competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle