QiYi Warrior 7x7

QiYi Warrior 7x7

A budget 7x7 cube from QiYi that makes it easy to get into big cubes. The QiYi Warrior 7x7 measures 62.5 mm, so it's compact for a 7x7 and easier to hold than larger models. This is the basic version: no magnets, a matte (frosted) surface and the Stickerless Bright colour scheme, which means coloured plastic instead of stickers.

How it turns

Size matters a lot on a 7x7. A smaller cube tires your hands less during long sessions, and a single 7x7 solve usually takes anywhere from a few to over ten minutes. Shops that carry this model describe the turning as smooth and the cube as fairly easy to control. QiYi has used several design features here:

• Integrated centre caps that don't fall off while you solve.
• A wider outer layer that makes it easier to grip the right layer with your fingers.
• Friction-reducing grooves (anti-stick) on the pieces, so the layers jam less.
• Improved corner cutting, meaning the cube handles turns better when the layers aren't perfectly aligned.

Without magnets, the layers don't snap into place on their own. You need to align them more precisely, and lockups happen more often than on magnetic versions. For relaxed solving and learning, this isn't a problem. When you solve faster against the clock, the difference is clearly noticeable.

Basic or magnetic version?

The Warrior 7x7 also comes in magnetic versions, matte and UV-coated. They use a dual-layer magnet system (144 magnets on the outer layers and 72 on the inner layers). This gives the turns a noticeable "click" and makes the cube more stable during fast turning. The non-magnetic version is lighter, cheaper and has a looser, unpositioned feel. Not everyone minds that, especially at the start.

Who is it for?

For anyone who already solves 4x4 and 5x5 and wants to try a 7x7 without spending a lot. It also works well as an inexpensive cube for learning parity and the reduction method, or as a backup 7x7. If you want to train 7x7 regularly for time, you'll probably prefer the magnetic version.

Specifications

• Type: 7x7x7 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: 62.5 mm
• Magnets: none (basic version)
• Finish: matte (frosted)
• Material: ABS plastic
• Colour scheme: Stickerless Bright