LanLan Skewb PE

LanLan Skewb PE (Phoenix Eyes)

LanLan Skewb PE is a shape mod puzzle, also sold as the Phoenix Eyes Skewb. Inside, it runs on the classic 4-axis Skewb mechanism, but its shape is completely different from a regular cube. It has many faces, protruding corners and concave areas, which gave the puzzle its name. The puzzle is available in Black.

Where the shape comes from

This is not an entirely new design. LanLan created the PE by modifying two of its older puzzles: the standard Skewb and the Skewb Curvy Rhombohedron. If you have the LanLan Skewb in your collection, you will instantly recognize the same type of moves. Each turn rotates half of the puzzle around one of the corners.

How it solves

The Phoenix Eyes is a shape-shifting puzzle. After a few moves it no longer looks like a regular solid and turns into an irregular, angular form. The solving logic is the same as on a Skewb, so knowing a Skewb method helps a lot. The main challenge is recognizing the pieces while the puzzle changes shape, which takes good spatial imagination.

This is a puzzle for collecting and for fun, not for setting fast times. If you are looking for a Skewb for speedcubing and competitions, choose a classic speedcubing model.

Who is it for?

The Phoenix Eyes Skewb is a great pick if you can already solve a regular Skewb and want to try the same mechanism in a different form that is harder to "read". It also fits nicely into a collection of LanLan shape mods. As a child's first puzzle, a standard Skewb is a better choice; the PE makes a good next step.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: Skewb shape mod, shape-shifting puzzle
• Mechanism: 4-axis (Skewb)
• Also known as: Phoenix Eyes Skewb
• Weight: approx. 224 g
• Color: Black