Mat + Timer Sets 

Speed Stacks G5 mat + timer set for speedcubing

When just solving is no longer enough and you want to track your progress, a stackmat comes in handy. It's a timer with a mat that measures your time the same way as at competitions. In this category you'll find the fifth-generation (G5) Speed Stacks mat + timer set. It includes the Speed Stacks Pro Gen 5 timer, the Gen 5 mat and a bag for all the gear. Speed Stacks timers of generations 3, 4 and 5 are approved for official WCA competitions, so at home you train on the same type of equipment used at tournaments.

G5 timer: what matters when you train

• Accuracy to 0.001 s. The time starts when you lift your hands off the sensors and stops when you put them back, just like in official solves.
• Two modes. 2-pad mode is for speedcubing and 4-pad mode is for sport stacking. To switch modes, hold RESET for about 5 seconds. At WCA competitions the G5 timer runs in 2-pad mode.
• Protection against accidental reset. The RESET and POWER buttons only work after a short press-and-hold, so slapping the timer hard when you stop it won't erase your result. The buttons themselves are reinforced so they don't wear out with long use.
• Data port. You can connect an external display to it, e.g. a tournament display. With an additional G5 timer cable you can also connect it to a computer.
• Power: 2 AAA batteries.

Mat and bag included

The Gen 5 mat gives you a stable, soft surface to put the cube down on after a solve. The timer clips onto the mat, so it doesn't slide off when you stop the time quickly. The display cable plugs into the underside of the timer, so it stays out of the way and is hard to pull out by accident. The bag fits both the timer and the mat, making it easy to take the whole set to competitions, your club or school. The set weighs about 422 g.

Set or separate items?

The set makes the most sense if you're buying your first competition timer and don't have a mat yet. If you already have a mat, the Speed Stacks Pro Gen 5 Set - G5 Timer + Bag is all you need. The same timer also works for sport stacking. Mats and cups for this sport can be found in the Speedstacking category.

For simply timing your solves at home, simpler timers will do too. The G5 set is worth it mainly if you're thinking about competitions and want to get used to the equipment you'll be solving on at tournaments right from the start.