QiYi Gear Pyraminx

QiYi Gear Pyraminx

QiYi Gear Pyraminx has the shape of a Pyraminx and a gear mechanism inside. This gear puzzle doesn't solve like a classic Pyraminx. It was designed by Timur Evbatyrov, the creator of the original Gear Pyraminx. The QiYi version is a refreshed edition of this design, with a mechanism that runs more smoothly than in older copies.

How the gear mechanism works

On a regular Pyraminx, you turn each layer on its own. Here, each turn is passed through geared pieces to the neighbouring parts, so other pieces move together with the layer. This linked movement is the trickiest part. Knowing Pyraminx methods only helps to a point, because first you need to understand how the mechanism behaves. This puzzle takes patience, and you can't solve it by feel.

Build quality and turning

The faces are made of thick plastic tiles (tiled version), not stickers. This means the colors won't wear off, and the whole puzzle feels solid and handles frequent turning well. Straight out of the box, it turns smoothly and the gears mesh well, so there's no skipping or catching. Gear Pyraminx has no magnets, and the turning is calm and predictable. It's a puzzle for solving and collecting, not for setting times.

Color versions

• Black: black body with colored tiles.
• Transparent: a see-through version that lets you watch the gears working inside. It's the most popular choice among collectors.

Who is it for?

For those who have already mastered the Pyraminx and the 3x3 and want to take on a different kind of puzzle. Gear Pyraminx is also a great fit for fans and collectors of gear puzzles, especially as a companion to the Gear Cube, Gear Ball or Gear Cylinder. It's not a WCA event, so Gear Pyraminx can't be used at official competitions.

Specifications

• Type: Pyraminx-shaped gear puzzle
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Design: Timur Evbatyrov
• Dimensions: approx. 97 x 97 x 81 mm
• Weight: approx. 76 g (black version)
• Surface: plastic tiles (tiled)
• Magnets: none
• WCA competition legal: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions