Shengshou 19x19x19

Shengshou 19x19x19

ShengShou 19x19x19 is a cube for collectors and for anyone who wants to take on a truly huge puzzle. It is considered the first mass-produced 19x19 and is one of the largest cubes in the ShengShou lineup. It has 19 layers on each axis, which means 361 tiles on a single face. Each edge measures approx. 131 mm, and the cube itself weighs approx. 1.38 kg. The stickerless bright version has no stickers, so nothing peels off or wears away, even after many hours of solving.

The mechanism is the same as in other large ShengShou cubes. Inside, there are two layers of retaining pieces. The deepest one holds the corners and edges, and the second one, positioned much higher up, holds the corners. The middle layer is wider than the others because it has to house the core. The manufacturer has not added any features to improve stability or corner cutting. There are no magnets or extra guiding elements, and the overall design is relatively simple. Layer tension is set with adjustment screws.

For its size, the cube turns very lightly. It also has a bit of play, which keeps solving smooth and free of major lockups. That play comes at a price, though. With this many layers, popping happens easily if you turn too hard or at an angle. At first, it's best to turn calmly and make sure the layers are well aligned before you start turning faster. This is not a cube for setting TPS records. Solving it takes hours, and what counts is patience and precision.

ShengShou 19x19x19 makes sense for someone who has already tackled smaller big cubes, e.g. 7x7 or 9x9, and knows the reduction method well. It also works as an eye-catching piece in a collection. For your first big cube, it's better to choose a smaller model. The cube is not eligible for official competitions, as the WCA has no 19x19 event.

In the box you will find:

1. the puzzle