SengSo Metallic 5x5x5

SengSo Metallic 5x5x5

SengSo Metallic 5x5x5 is a 5x5 cube from ShengShou (SengSo is the name under which the manufacturer sells its cubes). What sets it apart is its look. The outer faces have a metallic coating, so the colors reflect light and look different from a regular stickerless cube. The inner parts are made of plastic. The cube comes in the Stickerless Bright version.

What it's based on

According to distributors, it is a metallic version of the ShengShou Legend 5x5. The Legend is one of the more affordable 5x5 cubes on the market and is often recommended as a first 5x5. Reviews describe decent speed, good stability and rare popping. Lockups appear mainly during very fast turning. As a 5x5 for learning center reduction and edge pairing, this design works without any problems.

How it solves

Buyers of the Metallic version say it's fine for speedcubing and turns well for the price. That's an accurate description. The cube is perfectly good for casual solving and learning the 5x5, but it won't replace a flagship 5x5 with extensive tension adjustment. With this model, you're paying mainly for the looks, not for better performance.

The metallic coating is a layer applied to the plastic. With very intensive use it may wear off over time, so it's worth handling the cube a little more carefully than a regular stickerless one.

Who is it for?

• Collectors and anyone who wants a standout 5x5 on their shelf.
• Casual solvers who want an unusual look on a regular, smoothly working cube.
• As a gift. The cube catches the eye straight away, and you can still solve it normally.

If your 5x5 is mainly for beating your times, it's better to choose a magnetic cube with tension adjustment, designed specifically for speedcubing.

Specifications

• Type: 5x5x5 cube
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo)
• Based on: ShengShou Legend 5x5
• Size: 63 mm
• Weight: approx. 169 g
• Finish: metallic coating on the faces
• Color: Stickerless Bright