Pyraminx 

Pyraminx: the tetrahedral WCA puzzle

The tetrahedral Pyraminx puzzle is older than the Rubik's Cube. Uwe Meffert built the first prototypes around 1970 and was granted a patent for the puzzle in the early 1980s. Despite its unusual shape, it is one of the simplest puzzles: not counting the four rotating tips, it has about 933 thousand possible positions, fewer than a 2x2 cube. That is why the pyraminx is often the second puzzle people pick up after the classic 3x3. Pyraminx is also an official WCA event, and you will find models for it in the Pyraminx WCA subcategory.

Non-magnetic or magnetic pyraminx?

Non-magnetic models, such as the QiYi QiMing A Pyraminx, MoYu Meilong Pyraminx, QiYi QiMing S3 Pyraminx or YuXin Black Kylin Pyraminx v2, are enough for your first encounter with the puzzle and for learning your first methods. Magnets make each layer "snap" into place on its own. During fast turning, moves overshoot less often and the pyraminx locks up less. Many popular models come in M versions, e.g. the YuXin Little Magic Pyraminx M and MoYu Meilong M Pyraminx. The QiYi MS Magnetic Pyraminx, YJ YuLong Magnetic Pyraminx and QiYi Warrior Pyraminx M are magnetic from the start. Strong magnets are not for everyone, though: they give more stability and control, but turning becomes heavier, and some people prefer a lighter, more flexible feel.

Pyraminx for speedcubing

Speedcubing pyraminx models are the ones manufacturers let you tune to your own preferences. One example is the GAN Pyraminx M: the Standard version has magnets between the core and the edges plus elasticity adjustment. The Enhanced version adds GES nuts and magnets between the edges and the corners, which makes it noticeably more magnetic. Speedcubers also often choose the MoYu WeiLong Pyraminx SE Magnetic, QiYi M Pro Pyraminx Flagship, MoYu RS Magnetic Pyraminx and the successive releases of QiYi's QiMing series (S2, S3). A more expensive model will not always be better for a beginner. Adjustments only make sense once you know what feel suits you.

Pyraminx modifications

Besides classic pyraminxes, you will also find modifications here that are not WCA events but work great in a collection or as a change from regular solving. These include the QiYi Gear Pyraminx with gears, the QiYi Clover Pyraminx, the QiYi Coin Tetrahedron Pyraminx, the simplified YJ 2x2 Pyraminx and the small QiYi Pyraminx Brelok keychain.