Cubicle 

Cubicle lubes for speed cubes

Cubicle lubes are product lines from TheCubicle, an American shop and manufacturer of speedcubing accessories, including Cubicle Labs and Angstrom. In this category you'll find Lubicle, Angstrom, Silicone Weight, the FZ series, DNM-37, Compound X and V, Mystic, Silk, MAX Fleet and Traxxas 50k. They work in very different ways: some speed your cube up, others slow it down and give you more control, and some are meant mainly for the core and springs. That's why it's worth deciding what you want to change about your cube before you buy.

Lubes for pieces: more speed

DNM-37 is a water-based lube applied to the plastic pieces. It speeds a cube up quickly, and because it absorbs and holds moisture from the air, it lasts longer than you'd expect from such a thin lube. Water-based Compound V works in a similar way and is slightly thicker. FZ-Rush is silicone-free, has a hydroxyl base and gives a fast, comfortable feel. Lubicle Speedy is a lighter, thinner version of Lubicle that speeds the cube up without taking away its smoothness. Angstrom Celeritas comes in two parts: you apply Reagent A first, then Reagent B. Many cubers describe the result as a very fast, "slippery" feel. Mystic is plant-based with added aloe and gives lively, fast turning. It's best used within a year and should not be used if you're allergic to aloe.

Lubes for pieces: more control

If your cube is too fast out of the box, you can calm it down with Compound X. It's a water-based lube that works the opposite way to DNM-37: it reduces overshooting without clogging the mechanism with lots of silicone. FZ-Super Honey is thick and sticky. It forms a thin layer between the pieces, making the cube slower and more "solid", and it washes off easily with water. The modified silicones Angstrom Dignitas (medium viscosity, a balance between speed and smoothness) and Angstrom Gravitas (high viscosity, smooth and controlled) last longer than regular silicone. Silk gives a soft, controlled feel.

Lubes for the core, screws and springs

The mechanism needs a thick lube. Lubicle Black reduces friction where metal touches metal or plastic. Traxxas 50k is a very thick silicone oil often used on the core and screws. Water-based lubes such as DNM-37 or FZ-Glide should not be applied to metal parts.

Silicone Weight 1–5 and how to get started

The Silicone Weight series is a range of classic silicone lubes in five viscosities. Weight 1 is the lightest, and the higher the number, the thicker the lube. If you're lubing a cube for the first time, one piece lube chosen for the feel you want and one core lube are all you need. Start with one or two drops, because it's easier to add more lube than to remove excess.