Lanlan Windmill Cube

LanLan Windmill Cube

LanLan released this model in 2021 as the Curvy Windmill, but in practice it is an Axis Cube with curved cuts. This version of the Axis Cube was first built by RCPongo, who named it Spax (SPherical AXis). The LanLan Windmill Cube is a shape mod built on a 3x3 mechanism. Once scrambled, it no longer looks like a cube, but inside it works just like a regular 3x3. Despite the name, it is not the classic Windmill you may know from QiYi models, for example. It is much closer to the Axis Cube.

How do you solve it?

A 3x3 method will help, but knowing the algorithms is not enough on its own. The pieces have different shapes, so you need to keep track of which piece fits where. There is also center orientation, which you can't see on a regular cube. If you have already solved an Axis Cube, you will manage here too, although the curved cuts change how the pieces look and a few things work a little differently. According to customer reviews, the puzzle is not very difficult, but it can be confusing at first, because when scrambled it looks nothing like a 3x3.

Mechanism and turning

The cube has no magnets. Tension is set with adjustment screws, so you can tighten or loosen it. Reviews of the turning are positive: users say it turns smoothly and feels good in the hand. However, this is a collector's puzzle, not a cube for setting times. It is not allowed in official competitions, so TPS and corner cutting are not really relevant here.

Who is it for?

For someone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants something new, but not a very hard puzzle straight away. It is a good next step after the Axis Cube or Mirror Cube, and an interesting addition to a shape mod collection. For a child who is just learning to solve a cube, a regular 3x3 model is a better place to start.

Specifications

• Type: shape mod puzzle on a 3x3 mechanism (Axis Cube with curved cuts)
• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Release year: 2021
• Size: approx. 58.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 108 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Body color: black
• WCA competition legal: no