Lee 5x5 Axis Cube

Lee 5x5 Axis Cube

Lee 5x5 Axis Cube is a shape-shifting 5x5 cube built on the mechanism of a regular 5x5 cube. Lee glues 3D-printed caps onto its pieces. When solved, the puzzle is a cube, but the cutting lines run diagonally, just like on the classic Axis Cube 3x3. A few moves are all it takes for the cube to lose its shape and turn into a solid with irregular edges. The available version has a black body.

How it differs from a regular 5x5

The mechanism and the way the layers turn stay the same, so you can still solve it with the reduction method. The difficulty comes from the shape. The pieces have different shapes and sizes, which makes them harder to recognise, and some of them have to be placed in the correct orientation, even though this would not matter on a standard 5x5. While turning, you no longer see the usual layers, because in a scrambled state the boundaries between them are hard to make out. If you already know the Axis Cube 3x3, this problem will feel familiar, but with five layers there are many more pieces, and pairing the edges and solving the centers takes considerably more attention.

Build quality and turning

This is a hand-finished shape mod, not a cube made from a factory mould. Traces of 3D printing may be visible on the surface of the caps. According to the available specification, the cube has no magnets. The caps increase the size and weight of the pieces, so turning is calmer than on a 5x5 speed cube. It is better to turn smoothly and accurately, as aggressive turning may cause lockups. You solve this cube for the puzzle itself, not for time.

Who is it for?

Lee 5x5 Axis Cube is for people who solve the 5x5 with ease and are looking for a new challenge, as well as for collectors of shape mods and shape-shifting puzzles. If you don't know the reduction method yet, it will be easier to start with a regular 5x5 or with the Axis Cube 3x3.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting 5x5 cube (Axis-type shape mod)
• Manufacturer: Lee
• Construction: standard 5x5 cube with glued-on 3D-printed caps
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Magnets: none
• Body colour: black