QiYi QiMing Pyraminx

QiYi QiMing Pyraminx – a budget non-magnetic pyraminx

The QiYi QiMing Pyraminx is an affordable pyraminx without magnets. The layers settle into place thanks to ball-bearing positioning. QiYi didn't add any unusual features here. Instead, it focused on careful build quality and a design similar to newer pyraminxes, which makes this model a great choice as your first pyraminx for learning and casual solving.

Design and mechanism

The edge bases are short and heavily rounded. Inside, they have dimples and grooves for the balls, which point vertically towards the centre of the puzzle. The balls sit low. When a layer reaches the right position, you feel a gentle click and the puzzle snaps it into place. Apart from the edges, all internal parts are made of uncoloured plastic, so the pieces slide over each other more easily.

You adjust the tension with the adjustment screws. This lets you loosen the puzzle a little for faster turning or tighten it if you want more control and less risk of popping.

How it turns

Turning is light and smooth. The balls keep the layers from drifting out of alignment during faster turns, and the click helps you feel when a move is complete. The leading edges are heavily rounded, so corner cutting is noticeably better than you might expect at this price. The puzzle forgives moves that aren't perfectly aligned and rarely locks up. The tips turn fairly lightly but with a distinct click, so it's hard to overturn them.

Without magnets, the feel is "looser" than on magnetic pyraminxes. If you're used to strong magnetic stopping of the layers, you may feel you have less control at very high TPS.

Who is it for?

The QiMing is a sensible choice for a first pyraminx, including for kids, and for anyone who simply wants to solve a pyraminx without spending much. You can use it in official competitions. A speedcuber aiming for ever better times in this event will probably sooner or later reach for a magnetic model with more advanced adjustment options.

Specifications

• Type: pyraminx, non-magnetic, ball-bearing positioning
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Release year: 2018
• Size: approx. 79 mm
• Weight: approx. 82 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Approved for official competitions: yes

In the box:

1. puzzle
2. solving instructions