MoYu Maple Ball Core Magnetic Cube

MoYu Maple Ball Core Magnetic Cube

The Maple Cube is MoYu's version of the Ivy Cube, also sold as the MFJS Ivy Cube M Ball-Core. The Ivy Cube is also known as the Maple Leaf because its centers are shaped like leaves. The MoYu Maple Ball Core Magnetic Cube is a magnetic puzzle with a Ball-Core, which means it has magnets in the core. Besides the magnets, it has tiles instead of stickers and a dual adjustment system. The Ivy Cube is not a WCA event, but it is popular as a side puzzle and at unofficial competitions.

What is the Ivy Cube?

It is a puzzle that turns around its corners, similar to the Skewb. However, it has fewer pieces and is much simpler. It is a good choice if you can already solve a 3x3 cube and want something new. It also works well as a quick, not-too-difficult puzzle for kids.

How it turns

The Ball-Core adds magnets inside the puzzle. In practice, the layers snap into place on their own (auto-alignment), and the puzzle is more stable during fast turning than a version with magnets only in the pieces. Users also praise its corner cutting, which is much better than in older Ivy Cubes. According to them, the Ball-Core stabilization and the shaped centers let you solve fast without constantly straightening the puzzle against the table. The centers have a contoured surface, so they are easier to grip.

Adjustment and build

• Dual Adjustment System: 9 compression settings and 6 tension settings. You can set the puzzle looser or tighter to suit your turning style.
• Tiles instead of stickers: the colored tiles do not peel off or wear out like vinyl stickers.
• Stickerless Bright: a bright color scheme with colors that are easy to tell apart.

Which Maple Cube version should you choose?

MoYu has released four versions: non-magnetic, magnetic, Ball-Core and Ball-Core UV. The non-magnetic version turns less precisely. The magnetic version gives a clear "click" with every move. The Ball-Core adds auto-alignment and extra stability on top of that. The Ball-Core UV has the same mechanism plus a glossy coating that offers better grip. If you want to solve the Ivy Cube for time, the Ball-Core version is a sensible choice. For casual solving, the standard magnetic version is more than enough.

Specifications

• Type: Ivy Cube (Maple Cube), magnetic, with Ball-Core
• Manufacturer: MoYu (MFJS series)
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 69 g
• Adjustment: 9 compression levels, 6 tension levels
• Finish: tiled, stickerless bright