QiYi QiHeng Magnetic Megaminx

QiYi QiHeng Magnetic Megaminx

The QiYi QiHeng Magnetic Megaminx is the magnetic version of the Megaminx from the QiHeng series, which QiYi keeps in its budget price range. This dodecahedron puzzle is a natural next step for many people once they have mastered the 3x3 cube. The magnetic version has magnets built into the pieces. They help each face settle into place after a turn and reduce the risk of an under-turned layer blocking your next move. We stock the stickerless bright variant, made of coloured plastic with no stickers.

What is a Megaminx?

A Megaminx has 12 pentagonal faces. Each face has a fixed center surrounded by 5 edges and 5 corners. In total, the puzzle is made up of 12 centers, 20 corners and 30 edges. The principle is similar to the 3x3: you solve it layer by layer and finish the last layer with algorithms. If you know the layer-by-layer method for the 3x3, you will find your way around fairly quickly, although a single solve takes much longer. The Megaminx is also one of the official WCA events.

Why magnets in a Megaminx?

On a Megaminx, each face turns 72 degrees, not 90 degrees as on a 3x3. This makes it harder to hit the exact alignment, and an under-turned face can easily cause a lockup on the next move. The magnets pull the face into the correct position, so turning is more predictable and it is easier to keep a smooth pace. That is why speedcubing megaminxes today are practically always magnetic.

Who is it for?

The QiHeng Magnetic works well as a first magnetic Megaminx, both for someone just starting out with this puzzle and for someone who wants to move up from a non-magnetic model. It also makes a great gift for a child who can already solve the 3x3. Speedcubers who train Megaminx regularly and want tension adjustment and a more refined feel may want to consider higher-end models. For many people, though, the QiHeng is more than enough for learning and practice.

Specifications

• Type: Megaminx (dodecahedron), magnetic
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Series: QiHeng
• Size: approx. 74.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 164 g
• Colour version: stickerless bright