QiYi Gear Sphere

QiYi Gear Sphere

QiYi Gear Sphere is a 3x3 Gear Cube in the shape of a sphere. It works exactly like the classic QiYi gear cube; only the shape is different. In your hand, the puzzle looks like a "mechanical ball": the gears on the edges are visible all the time and turn with every move. The sphere is available in two colour versions: Black and Transparent.

How a gear puzzle works

In a regular 3x3 cube, each layer turns independently of the others. Here, the layers are connected by gears. Turning an outer layer also moves the middle layer, but by a smaller angle, and the edge pieces rotate around their own axis. That is why knowing the LBL or CFOP method is not enough for the Gear Sphere. You need to understand how the mechanism behaves first, and only then choose the algorithms. If you can already solve a 3x3, it's a nice change from the classic cube. The set includes solving instructions, so you can get started without looking for tutorials.

Turning and adjustment

The QiYi gear mechanism turns smoothly, and the gears work without noticeable catching. In this respect, the sphere behaves like the manufacturer's flat Gear Cube. Layer tension is set with adjustment screws, so you can tighten or loosen it. The puzzle has no magnets. It's a puzzle for figuring things out and for your collection, not for breaking records, so TPS and stability during fast turning are of secondary importance here.

Who is it for?

For collectors who already have a Gear Cube and want the same mechanism in a different form. The sphere also goes well with the Gear Cylinder and other QiYi gear puzzles. It also makes a great gift for someone who already knows the regular 3x3 cube. The Gear Sphere is not a WCA event, so it won't help with training for competitions.

Specifications

• Type: gear puzzle (3x3 Gear Cube mechanism) in the shape of a sphere
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Diameter: approx. 75 mm
• Weight: approx. 109 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2020
• Official WCA event: no
• Variants: Black, Transparent
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions