ShengShou 8x8 Kilominx

ShengShou 8x8 Kilominx

The ShengShou 8x8 Kilominx, also known as the Royal Kilominx, is a dodecahedron puzzle with eight layers on each face. It belongs to ShengShou's megaminx+ family and has flat faces (no pillowing). In ShengShou's line of dodecahedrons from 2 to 9 layers, this was the model that filled the last missing slot. It was released in 2018.

How is it different from a Megaminx?

Kilominxes have an even number of layers, so they have no fixed face centre. You first have to build each face colour from several centre pieces. In practice, you solve it much like a large even-layered cube: you build the centres, pair up the edges and then finish it as a Kilominx, the dodecahedron equivalent of a 2x2. The other models in this series are the Kilominx (2 layers), Master Kilominx (4) and Elite Kilominx (6). If the Elite Kilominx gave you no trouble, the 8x8 is a longer and more demanding version of the same method.

How it turns

For a puzzle of this size, it turns smoothly, and it feels solid and stable, like other flat ShengShou minxes. According to users, the outer layers turn more heavily, while the inner ones are noticeably lighter. With this much weight, that's normal, and nobody buys this model for TPS. This is a puzzle for slow, relaxed, long solves. You can adjust the tension with screws.

Size and weight

The puzzle is approx. 129 mm in diameter and weighs nearly 1.2 kg, so you hold it with both hands. It's not suitable for practising fast fingertricks, but it looks very impressive on a shelf.

Who is it for?

For collectors of dodecahedrons and anyone who has already solved smaller Kilominxes or Megaminxes and is looking for a longer challenge. This puzzle is not a WCA event. For your first minx-type puzzle, a classic Megaminx or Kilominx is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: 8x8 Kilominx (dodecahedron, 8 layers per face), flat faces
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Size: approx. 129 mm
• Weight: approx. 1185 g
• Adjustment: tension adjustment screws
• Body colour: black or white, stickers in 12 colours
• Release year: 2018
• Allowed in official competitions: no
• Included: puzzle and a set of spare stickers