Shengshou 5x5 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 5x5 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 5x5 Mastermorphix is a 5x5 cube shaped like a regular tetrahedron. In other shops you may also find it under the name Gigamorphix or Ultramorphix. The faces are slightly rounded (pillowed), and inside there is a 5x5 mechanism. The pieces come in different shapes and sizes, so after just a few moves the puzzle loses its regular form and changes shape. It is a larger version of the classic 3x3 Mastermorphix.

How it turns

The cube comes factory lubed and turns smoothly right out of the box. Users praise its smooth turning and solid plastic. However, you should know that it has no magnets or any other system that helps align the layers. To turn one layer, the others must be precisely aligned, so imprecise moves lead to lockups. Some users also mention occasional popping. It is best solved calmly and accurately. It is not suited for high TPS.

What makes it challenging

The method is very similar to a regular 5x5 cube: centers first, then edge pairing, and then you continue as on a 3x3. The shape is what makes it harder. The pieces look different, so besides the color you also have to check whether a piece has landed in the right spot. This applies to the centers too, which are not such a problem on a regular 5x5. On top of that come additional parities. The cube is stickerless, and with such small pieces on rounded surfaces this is a big advantage, as there are no stickers that could peel off.

Tension adjustment

The tension is set with adjustment screws. You can loosen the cube so it turns more lightly, or tighten it if popping starts to occur.

Who is it for?

For people who can solve a 5x5 cube, ideally those who have already solved the 3x3 Mastermorphix. It will also appeal to shape mod collectors looking for a bigger challenge than 3x3 and 4x4 models. It is not suitable as a child's first cube. Without knowing how to solve a 5x5 it is hard to solve, and easy to get discouraged. The Mastermorphix is not a WCA event, so it is a puzzle to solve for fun, not for official competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 5x5 shape mod (Mastermorphix / Gigamorphix), tetrahedron shape
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Size: approx. 82.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 160 g
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Surface: pillowed, stickerless (Stickerless Bright)
• Lubrication: factory lubed
• Official WCA competitions: no