Lee 4x4 Shield Cube

Lee 4x4 Shield Cube

The Shield Cube is a shape mod by Lee built on a 4x4 cube mechanism. It turns exactly like a regular 4x4, but the shape is different. Once scrambled, it no longer looks like a cube, and you have to restore its shape. Lee specializes in unusual cube modifications like this one, and the Shield Cube is one of the 4x4 puzzles in his range. This version has a black body.

How the 4x4 Shield Cube differs from a regular 4x4

On a classic 4x4 cube, all pieces look alike from the outside, so only the colors matter. On a shape mod, the pieces differ in shape, so while solving you also look at where each piece fits, not just at the colors. The method stays the same: centers first, then edges, and finally a 3x3 stage. What changes is how you recognize the pieces, and that takes a bit of getting used to.

The Shield Cube also has the same parities as any 4x4, so you need to know the OLL parity and PLL parity algorithms. With shapes that differ from a cube, it is easier to misrecognize them than on a regular cube.

Who is it for?

For those who can already solve a 4x4 cube and want to try something different from yet another faster 4x4. It's a puzzle for solving for fun and for your collection, not a cube for chasing times. TPS doesn't matter here; what counts is how quickly you recognize the pieces. We don't recommend it as a first cube. If you are just learning, it's easier to start with a regular 3x3 or 4x4 and only then move on to a shape mod.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee
• Type: shape mod based on a 4x4 cube
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: approx. 63 x 61.6 x 61 mm