SengSo Crazy 5x5 V2

SengSo Crazy 5x5 V2

At first glance it looks like a regular 5x5 cube, but there is a circular cut in the middle of every face. The SengSo Crazy 5x5 V2 by ShengShou works like a full 5x5 cube, except that the piece inside the circle does not turn together with the face. When you turn an outer layer, only the part outside the circle moves, while the centre stays in place. Because of this, the usual 5x5 solving methods don't carry over one-to-one, and you have to keep an eye on what happens in the middle of each face.

What makes it challenging

On a standard 5x5 you simply build the centres and don't think about them again. On the Crazy 5x5 the pieces inside and outside the circle behave differently, so matching colours alone is not enough. The position of the circle pieces relative to the rest of the face matters too. If you know reduction on the 5x5, this is a new problem to crack, not a repeat of the same thing.

How versions V1-V4 differ

The Crazy 5x5 series comes in four versions. The 5x5 mechanism stays the same, but the circle on the faces gets bigger. In V1 it is the smallest. V2 has a noticeably larger circle that covers the face centre together with the pieces around it. In V3 and V4 the circle takes up a large part of the face, so these versions are harder. V2 is a sensible choice if V1 seems too easy but you're not ready for the hardest versions yet.

Who is it for?

This cube is for people who can solve a regular 5x5 and are looking for a puzzle with a new kind of problem. It is a collector's cube from the shape mod category, not a speedcubing cube. It has no magnets, and its goal is the challenge, not the time. For your first 5x5, it's better to choose a classic model and come back to the Crazy once you've mastered the basics.

Specifications

• Type: Crazy 5x5 cube (shape mod) with a circular cut on every face
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo brand)
• Version: V2
• Magnets: none
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright
• Weight: 176 g