Meffert's Skewb Ultimate

Meffert's Skewb Ultimate

Meffert's Skewb Ultimate is a twelve-sided puzzle shaped like a dodecahedron, the same shape as the Megaminx. Inside, however, it uses a regular Skewb mechanism, not a Megaminx one. The split faces and uneven pieces make the puzzle look harder at first glance than it really is. It was originally sold as the Pyraminx Ball and is now made by Meffert's. We offer it with a black body.

How the Skewb Ultimate works

The puzzle turns just like a classic Skewb: diagonally, around axes that pass through the corners. Every cut is deep and divides the puzzle in half. The difference lies in where the cuts are placed: each of the 12 faces is divided into four parts, two of which are equal and two of different sizes. The result is 8 smaller corner pieces and 6 larger pieces that act as the centers on a Skewb. Some pieces have four colors, others have three.

This is where the main challenge lies. On a regular Skewb you can't see how the centers are rotated, but on the Skewb Ultimate their orientation matters. As a result, the number of possible combinations is much higher than on a Skewb, which has 3,149,280. If you already know a Skewb method, you'll handle the move mechanics easily, but you'll need to learn to recognize the pieces and keep track of the orientation of the larger parts.

Turning

Meffert's uses a mechanism with a distinct click, so the layers snap into place after every move. Turning is smooth right out of the box, and users rarely report lockups. This is not a cube for timed speedcubing. What counts here is the satisfaction of solving an unusual puzzle, not TPS.

Who is it for?

For anyone who has already solved a Skewb or Skewb Diamond and wants to try a harder variant on the same mechanism. It's also a great choice for puzzle collectors, as it looks good both solved and scrambled. For a first puzzle, a classic 3x3 or a regular Skewb is a better pick. However, an older child who has already mastered the basic puzzles can take on the Skewb Ultimate as their next challenge.

Specifications

• Type: dodecahedron-shaped Skewb (12 faces)
• Manufacturer: Meffert's
• Mechanism: Skewb, deep cuts, turns around the corners
• Pieces: 8 corners and 6 larger pieces with visible orientation
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 150 g
• Body color: black