QiYi 3-layer Cylinder

QiYi 3-layer Cylinder

QiYi 3-layer Cylinder is a cylinder-shaped 3x3, also known as a barrel cube. Inside, it uses a standard 3x3 mechanism. Only the outer shape is different: instead of flat side faces, you get a rounded side. When solved, each face is a single color, just like on a classic cube, except that on the sides the colors follow a curve. The puzzle is stickerless in bright colors, so there are no stickers to wear off or peel.

How to solve it

If you can solve a 3x3, you can solve the Cylinder too, because the basic method is the same. The different shape does make it harder to recognize the pieces, though, and some situations look different than on a regular cube. Users warn about parity and point out that center orientation matters. You need to recognize these cases and solve them with separate algorithms. That's why the Cylinder works well as a first shape mod: it's a bit different, but you don't have to learn everything from scratch.

According to user reviews, the turning is moderately snappy, and corner cutting is good for such an inexpensive puzzle. It doesn't pop easily. Still, this is a puzzle for fun and for your collection, not a cube for breaking records.

Tension adjustment

Tension is set with adjustment screws, so you can tighten or loosen it to suit your style.

Who is it for?

For puzzle collectors and anyone who has already solved their first 3x3 cube and is looking for something new, but doesn't want to jump straight into difficult puzzles. It's also a great gift for a child who can already solve a 3x3. The Cylinder is not allowed in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 shape mod (cylinder / barrel), stickerless
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Dimensions: approx. 66.5 x 66.5 x 56.7 mm
• Weight: approx. 99 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2020
• Official WCA competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions