Sengso 7-Axis 3x3 Cube

Sengso 7-Axis 3x3 Cube

This puzzle is shaped like a pentagonal prism. Instead of six faces it has seven: two pentagonal bases and five rectangular side faces. Each face turns around its own axis, hence the name Sengso 7-Axis 3x3 Cube. The puzzle is made by ShengShou under its Sengso brand. We offer the stickerless bright version, made of coloured plastic with no stickers.

How to solve the 7-Axis

At first glance the shape looks intimidating, but after a few moves you will see it is still a three-layer puzzle. Most people start with the middle layer, then solve one of the pentagonal bases, largely intuitively. The hardest part is the second base, where you need to permute the edges and corners. Simple algorithms are enough for this, but if you only know a beginner method for the classic 3x3 cube, it will take you a while. The strategy is similar to solving cuboids such as the 3x3x2. If you already have one, you will quickly find your way around the 7-Axis.

Sellers and early users describe the turning as smooth and controlled. Still, this is a puzzle for collecting and figuring out, not a cube for setting times. It has no magnets, Ball-Core or MagLev, so there is no point comparing it with 3x3 speed cubes.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve the classic 3x3 cube and wants to try something other than yet another cube. It is a great addition to a collection alongside cuboids and shape mods. It is about 8 cm wide, so it is noticeably larger than a standard 3x3. It also makes a good gift for a child who can already solve a 3x3 cube on their own. For a very first puzzle, a regular 3x3 cube is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: 3-layer pentagonal prism puzzle, 7 axes of rotation
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (Sengso brand)
• Dimensions: approx. 81 x 81 x 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 105 g
• Colour version: stickerless bright
• Magnets: none