SengSo Gigaminx V3

SengSo Gigaminx V3

The Gigaminx is the Megaminx's bigger brother. It has the same dodecahedron shape, but each face has one extra layer on every side, which makes it the 5x5 equivalent in the minx world. In the third generation, ShengShou has made the puzzle noticeably smaller and lighter. SengSo Gigaminx V3 is built on a 35 mm module, consists of 396 pieces and weighs 208 g. For comparison, this manufacturer's first Gigaminx weighed approx. 374 g. We offer the stickerless version in the bright colour scheme.

How it turns

With twelve faces and long solves, size matters a lot. On a smaller Gigaminx, your fingers travel a shorter distance with every move, and the lower weight means your hands get less tired during longer sessions. Some of the internal pieces are hollow, which helped bring the weight down.

Stability comes from a one-piece core with twelve axes and snap-on centre caps that hold the surrounding pieces in place. As a result, the puzzle is designed to resist popping better and not loosen up during faster turning. Rounded corners and widened outer pieces are meant to help when a move is not perfectly aligned and to reduce catching.

This model has no magnets. The layers do not settle into place on their own, so you need to finish your turns more precisely. If you are used to magnetic minxes, it may take you a moment to get used to this. ShengShou also makes a magnetic version of the V3 with 240 magnets, which gives a clear "click" and better control over layer positioning.

Adjustment

• Screw tension adjustment. A looser setting gives faster turning, a tighter one gives more control.
• Easily removable centre caps. You can reach the screws without taking the whole puzzle apart.

Who is it for?

For those who already solve the Megaminx and want to move on to a bigger minx, but do not need a magnetic version right away. The Gigaminx V3 is also a great addition to a collection of minx-type puzzles. It is rather a poor choice as a child's first puzzle: it has almost four hundred pieces, and a single solve takes a long time. It is better to start with a classic 3x3 cube or a Megaminx.

Specifications

• Type: Gigaminx (5x5 minx), stickerless
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo)
• Module: 35 mm
• Number of pieces: 396
• Weight: 208 g
• Magnets: none
• Core: one-piece, 12 axes
• Adjustment: screw tension adjustment
• Material: ABS plastic
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright