SengSo 5x5 Magic Tower

SengSo 5x5 Magic Tower

SengSo 5x5 Magic Tower by ShengShou is a bigger version of the Magic Tower 3x3. Inside, it runs on a 5x5 cube mechanism, but the outer pieces are shaped so that the whole puzzle looks like a rounded tetrahedron, a "pyraminx" with a pillowed surface. This puzzle combines the Magic Tower shape with the 5-layer Mastermorphix (Gigamorphix). It comes in a stickerless bright version, made of coloured plastic with no stickers.

How do you solve it?

The 3x3 version solves like a regular 3x3 cube. This one works the same way, just one level up: you solve the Magic Tower 5x5 just like a classic 5x5 cube. If you know the reduction method, you can handle this puzzle. What's harder is "reading" its state. Once scrambled, it loses its shape, and the pieces differ in size and form, so you have to look not only at the colours but also at where each piece fits by shape. If you've already mastered the regular 5x5, this is a good next step towards shape mods.

Mechanism and feel

The mechanism turns smoothly right out of the box, and with normal, relaxed turning it doesn't catch. Reviewers point out that the puzzle is stable and has a smooth feel. This is a cube without magnets, without UV coating and without Ball-Core. It has a classic design in which tension is set with adjustment screws. It's not a model for breaking speed records. This puzzle is for people who enjoy unusual puzzles and want to take on a new challenge.

Who is it for?

For cubers who can already solve a 5x5 and are looking for something other than another speedcubing cube. It's also a great pick for shape mod collectors and fans of the ShengShou Magic Tower series. For a child's first puzzle, the Magic Tower 3x3 or a regular 3x3 cube is a better choice. The Magic Tower 5x5 is not allowed in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo)
• Type: tetrahedron-shaped 5x5 cube shape mod (Magic Tower / Gigamorphix)
• Size: approx. 82.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 93 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright
• Release year: 2019
• Official competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions