SengSo Crazy 5x5 v4

SengSo Crazy 5x5 v4

The mechanism is a regular 5x5 cube, but with an extra twist. ShengShou cut a circle into the centre of each face, and its contents do not turn together with the face. SengSo Crazy 5x5 v4 is the fourth version of this puzzle in the Crazy series. Here the circle on each face contains 24 pieces, more than in the earlier versions. The cube comes in a stickerless bright colour scheme, so the colour is in the plastic itself and there are no stickers that could wear off.

What makes it harder

The cube works like a full 5x5, but the circular cut divides each face into two parts. The pieces inside the circle do not follow the face as it turns, so they scramble differently than on a classic 5x5. Knowing the reduction method helps, but it is not enough. You have to keep track of the circles and their contents separately, and for this part of the solve you will usually need to work out your own approach.

How V1, V3 and V4 differ

The Crazy 5x5 versions differ mainly in the number of pieces in the circle. V1 has 4, V3 has 21 and V4 has 24. The more pieces in the circle, the more the cube departs from a regular 5x5 and the harder it is to solve. If you have not tried the Crazy series before, it will be easier to start with a lower version. V4 makes the most sense if you enjoy unusual puzzles and want a real challenge.

How it turns

This is a puzzle for fans of unusual twisty puzzles, not a cube for breaking records or high TPS. According to user reviews, the turning is decent and the corner cutting is good for this kind of design. However, some users report that when turning the middle layers, the circles sometimes do not move together with the layer. The pieces then slip off their track and the cube can end up in a state that cannot be solved. That is why it is better to turn it calmly and align the layers carefully before the next move.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve a 5x5 and want something different from yet another speed cube. It also makes a great gift for a puzzle collector. For your first 5x5, it is better to choose a classic model, as the Crazy v4 is harder than a standard cube.

Specifications

• Type: 5x5 cube with a circular cut on each face (Crazy series)
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo brand)
• Version: V4, 24 pieces in the circle on each face
• Size: approx. 70 mm
• Weight: approx. 200 g
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright