MoYu Meilong 4x4x4 + Robot

MoYu MeiLong 4x4x4 + Robot

MoYu MeiLong 4x4x4 + Robot is a 4x4 cube from the budget MeiLong series, sold in a robot-shaped box that doubles as a stand. This version is stickerless in the bright colour scheme, so the colours are in the plastic itself and there are no stickers to wear off or peel. The robot will appeal mainly to younger cubers and to anyone looking for a cube as a gift. Inside is a regular MeiLong 4x4, one of the more popular inexpensive 4x4 cubes of recent years.

How the MeiLong 4x4 turns

The MeiLong 4x4 is a cube for beginners. Turning is fairly smooth and the plastic is solid. Out of the box, the cube is often set up quite tight and may feel dry. Users point out that after lubing and slightly loosening it, it turns noticeably better. Be aware of its limitations: corner cutting is average, the inner layers can feel a bit clunky, and lockups occur during fast solving. Popping can also happen. Without magnets, the layers drift out of alignment more easily, so it is worth turning accurately.

The robot: a box and a stand in one

• The robot's arms and legs can be raised and lowered.
• The front window is removable, so you can put the cube in or take it out.
• Several robots can be stacked on top of each other and posed in different ways, which makes them a great fit for a MeiLong cube collection.

Magnetic or standard version?

The MeiLong series also includes a magnetic 4x4 version (marked M), also available in the robot box. The magnets help the layers settle into place, so the cube is more stable and you get fewer lockups. This matters especially on a 4x4, where you have to keep the inner layers aligned. The standard version is enough for learning the reduction method and parity algorithms. However, if you are thinking about speedsolving, it is better to go straight for the M version.

Who is it for?

As a first 4x4 cube for a child, as a gift, or for someone who wants to try something bigger than a 3x3 without spending much. The robot makes the cube look great on a shelf. A speedcuber looking for a training cube will get more out of the magnetic MeiLong 4M or a higher-end 4x4 model.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4x4 cube, stickerless (bright)
• Manufacturer: MoYu (MeiLong series)
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Cube weight: approx. 120 g
• In the set: cube and robot-shaped box/stand