MF8 4x5x6 Cube V2

MF8 4x5x6 Cube V2

MF8 4x5x6 Cube V2 is the second version of mf8's fully functional cuboid. Each axis has a different number of layers: 4, 5 and 6. Every face can be turned by 90 degrees, not just 180 as on simplified cuboids. The puzzle measures 76 x 61 x 91 mm, and after such a turn it changes shape. Getting it back into a cuboid is part of the challenge.

How it works in practice

The faces are rectangular, so after a 90-degree turn a layer sticks out beyond the outline of the puzzle. Some moves are then blocked until you restore the shape. This is called bandaging. The puzzle only starts to behave like a regular cube once it is back in cuboid form. The difficulty comes from keeping track of the shape rather than from long algorithms. Much of what you know from 4x4, 5x5 and 6x6 still applies, but you need to adapt it to the uneven dimensions.

Mechanism and feel

This is a puzzle for relaxed solving, not a speed cube. It has no magnets and is not tuned for high TPS. Opinions are mixed. Some users find the turning smooth. Others notice that the outer layers on the 4x5 side lock up easily, while the rest turns noticeably lighter. Lubing often helped with the first version, so it's worth having lube at hand for the V2 as well. Don't expect the plastic quality and fit of flagship speedcubing cubes.

Colour versions

• Black: coloured tiles on a black body.
• Primary: coloured plastic without a black body. The manufacturer released this version as a limited edition.

Who is it for?

For people who can already comfortably solve bigger NxN cubes and want to try something other than yet another 3x3. It also makes a great addition to a cuboid collection. It's a poor choice as a first puzzle, including for a child: the shape-shifting and blocked moves can discourage someone who is only just getting to know the regular 3x3 cube.

Specifications

• Type: 4x5x6 cuboid, full function (shape-shifting)
• Manufacturer: mf8
• Version: V2
• Dimensions: 76 x 61 x 91 mm
• Weight: approx. 232 g
• Magnets: none
• Colours: Black, Primary