QiYi 3x3x3 Sail W

QiYi 3x3x3 Sail W

QiYi Sail W is a budget 3x3 cube without magnets. It is the successor to the QiYi Sail and is sold in China as the QiHang W. It has a classic 56 mm size, weighs approx. 80 g and comes with stickers in two plastic versions: black (Black) and white (White). It was released in 2019. Compared with the original Sail, QiYi strengthened the mechanism to make the cube more resistant to drops and falling apart, and rounded the center caps, which reduces catching.

How it turns

The Sail W is light and fairly fast right out of the box, even without lube. The feel is clearly "clicky" and tactile, so you feel every turn. Its weaker side is corner cutting. Users rate it at around 20-30 degrees, which is less than modern magnetic cubes offer. With imprecise turning, lockups can happen. Without magnets, the cube doesn't align the layers by itself, so you need to turn more precisely, but for a beginner this isn't a big drawback.

Compared with supermarket cubes, it's a noticeable step up in quality. For serious speedcubing and competitions, though, you're better off with an inexpensive magnetic model.

Tension adjustment

You adjust the tension with the screws under the center caps. Loosened, the cube turns more lightly and handles cutting a bit better; tightened, it's more stable and less prone to popping. The simple design and low price also make the Sail W a good choice for mods and for learning how to take a cube apart.

Who is it for?

The Sail W works well as a first cube for a child or an adult who is just learning the beginner's method, and as a cheap spare cube for your backpack or travels. If you want to improve your times and solve regularly, we recommend a magnetic cube. The difference in stability and cutting is significant.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 cube, non-magnetic
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 80 g
• Adjustment: tension screws
• Versions: black (Black) or white (White) plastic, with stickers
• Release year: 2019
• Allowed in official competitions: yes