QiYi Warrior Skewb V2

QiYi Warrior Skewb V2

The QiYi Warrior Skewb V2 is an affordable stickerless Skewb from the Warrior line, improved over the first version in one specific area: the positioning system. Instead of the flexible plastic nubs that helped the layers settle into place in the original Warrior Skewb, the V2 uses a steel ball system, i.e. a steel ball pressed by a small spring. It is still a budget puzzle without magnets, but the layers click into place more noticeably than in the older model.

How it turns

The spring-loaded ball gently "clicks" when a layer reaches the right position. This makes it easier to land your turns and finish them cleanly, although the effect is not as strong as the pull in a magnetic Skewb. Turning is light and soft. The manufacturer highlights the rounded corners, which are meant to improve corner cutting, so the puzzle should handle less precise moves well. The anti-pop feature, a cross-shaped lock in the side pieces, is designed to reduce popping during fast and more aggressive turning.

Finish

The puzzle is stickerless, with each face made of a separately coloured plastic. The shades are chosen to be easy to tell apart while solving, and there are no stickers to wear off or peel. The surface is matte, not glossy, so fingerprints and minor scratches are less visible.

Warrior Skewb V2 or a magnetic version?

The V2 is a good first Skewb: it is great for learning a method, as a gift for a child or as a spare puzzle for practice. If you already solve the Skewb against the clock and want the layers to stay in place even more securely, you will probably move on to a magnetic model anyway. Compared with the first Warrior Skewb, however, the V2 gives you clearer, more consistent layer alignment at a similar budget price.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Type: Skewb
• Size: approx. 55 mm
• Weight: approx. 69 g
• Positioning: steel ball (spring-loaded ball), no magnets
• Finish: matte, stickerless
• Colour: Stickerless Bright