Lee 7x7 Shield Cube

Lee 7x7 Shield Cube

Lee 7x7 Shield Cube is a shape mod, a type of puzzle that loses its shape when scrambled. It has a 7x7 mechanism, and its name refers to the Shield Cube family. The best-known versions are the 3x3 and 2x2, which resemble a shield or a hexagonal prism. Lee is a brand known for handmade shape mods produced in small batches. Mods like this are usually made from a standard cube with extra pieces glued on. This one is black.

How solving works

Mechanically it is still a 7x7, so you follow the same steps as on a regular cube: centers, edge pairing, the 3x3 stage and parity. The difficulty is that after a few moves the Shield no longer looks like a cube, and each layer sticks out in a different direction. This makes it harder to tell which piece goes where. In shape mods, the shape of a piece often helps you work out its position, but it can also force you to place pieces more precisely than would matter on a regular 7x7. Before you take on this puzzle, you should be able to solve a standard 7x7 comfortably.

What to expect

This is a collector's puzzle, not a speed cube. Comparing TPS, corner cutting or magnet strength makes no sense here. The cube is handmade, so minor irregularities in how the pieces fit together are normal in this category. The added pieces also change the cube's balance, so turn it calmly and don't force layers that aren't properly aligned. After a pop, you'll have to reassemble the pieces by hand, which takes patience on an unusually shaped 7x7.

Who is it for?

For experienced cubers who already solve big cubes and are looking for something more challenging than another 7x7. It's also a great fit for collectors of unusual puzzles, especially those who already own smaller Shields and want to collect more versions. It's not a suitable gift for someone who is just starting out. A smaller shape mod or a regular 7x7 cube is a better first step.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee
• Type: shape mod, 7x7 mechanism
• Build: handmade
• Color: Black