Shengshou Gem 5x5x5

ShengShou Gem 5x5x5

The ShengShou Gem 5x5 is part of the budget GEM series. All cubes in this series come in a stickerless version only and have a distinctive texture on the outer faces. This 5x5 cube has no magnets and a simple design, without the extra rounding or features found in more expensive models. The internals are made of black plastic, and the coloured parts are visible only on the outside. The corners have caps made of three parts, which you don't often see in cubes in this price range.

How it turns

The Gem 5x5 turns very lightly right out of the box, so you don't need to break it in or lube it before your first solve. Users describe the feel as smooth and fairly quiet. The layers are neither sluggish nor overly fast, so the cube is quite controllable. During faster turning its budget nature shows: according to reviews, corner cutting reaches about half a piece, and reverse corner cutting practically doesn't work. Some people also notice that the cube can go out of shape while solving. Loosening the screws helps, but looser settings increase the risk of popping, so it's best to adjust it in small steps.

Adjustment

Tension is set with the adjustment screws under the centres. There is no compression system, MagLev or magnets. It's a classic mechanical 5x5, where the entire setup comes down to the screws and, optionally, lube.

Who is it for?

For people who have already solved the 3x3 and 4x4 and want to try the 5x5 without spending much. You can easily practise the basics of reduction (centres, edges, then the 3x3 stage) on the Gem. It also works well as a first 5x5 for a child or as a cube for casual solving. The Gem 5x5 is approved for official WCA competitions, but if you plan to train 5x5 for time regularly, you'll quickly notice its limitations, so it's better to look for a magnetic model right away.

Specifications

• Type: 5x5x5 cube, stickerless, non-magnetic
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Size: approx. 63.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 168 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Internals: black plastic
• Release year: 2018
• WCA competition approved: yes

The set includes:

1. the puzzle
2. solving instructions