Shengshou 3x3x3 Magic Tower

Shengshou 3x3x3 Magic Tower

The Shengshou 3x3x3 Magic Tower is shaped like a tetrahedron, so at first glance it looks like a classic Pyraminx. Inside, though, it works differently. It is a three-layer version of the puzzle known as Jing's Pyraminx. It has no small rotating tips. Instead, each face has a triangular center piece. The Stickerless Bright version is made of colored plastic with no stickers, so nothing can wear off or peel.

How to solve it

The puzzle has 4 corners, 6 edges and 4 centers. If you know the Pyraminx, you will feel at home quickly, because the corners and edges are solved with a very similar method. The new step is the centers on the faces. Without tips, it is also harder at first to tell which color belongs to which face. It is a simple puzzle, and an experienced cuber will solve it without much trouble. If you get stuck, a solving guide is included in the box.

The puzzle is ready for fast solving straight away, with no lubing or breaking in needed. User reviews agree that turning is smooth and stable. It has no magnets, so don't expect the clear "snap" of layers into place that magnetic speed cubes give you.

Who is it for?

The Magic Tower is a good pick if you have already mastered the Pyraminx and want to try a similar puzzle with a new step to figure out. It also makes an affordable addition to a collection of non-cube puzzles. Thanks to its simple mechanism, it is also suitable for children who enjoy puzzles. This is not a WCA-legal Pyraminx, so to practice the Pyraminx event you will need a classic model.

ShengShou also makes harder variants of this puzzle: versions with more layers, the Crazy Magic Tower with extra circles on the faces, and the Void Magic Tower without centers. The 3x3x3 version is the simplest in the series and the best place to start.

Specifications

• Type: tetrahedron-shaped puzzle (Jing's Pyraminx, 3 layers)
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Size: 79 mm
• Weight: approx. 72 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Color: Stickerless Bright
• WCA competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving guide