The Valk 2 2x2x2 Light Magnetic

The Valk 2 2x2x2 Light Magnetic

The Valk 2 is the first 2x2 cube in The Valk series, developed by QiYi MoFangGe with the help of Antonie Paterakis, former 2x2 World Champion. The Valk 2 2x2x2 Light Magnetic (Valk 2 LM for short) is the version with weaker magnets. The mechanism is the same as in the standard Valk 2 M, but turns offer less resistance. The cube comes in two variants: Black and Stickerless Bright.

Magnets like in a 3x3

In most 2x2 cubes, the magnets sit only in the corners. The Valk 2 has them in the inner edges and in the corners, just like 3x3 cubes. This eliminates the typical double click you feel mid-turn on other 2x2s. The layer stops once, in a predictable spot, which helps with control and reduces overshooting.

How it turns

The overall design is similar to the QiYi WuXia 2x2. Corner cutting is good and the pieces hold together firmly, so play in the mechanism doesn't cause unwanted lockups. The thicker plastic makes the cube noticeably heavier than most professional 2x2s and gives it a solid, "full" feel. The weaker magnets make turning lighter and livelier than on the Valk 2 M, while stability stays good.

Out of the box, the Valk 2 LM is rather slow. This changes after breaking it in: after a few hundred solves, the cube speeds up noticeably, and lubing it speeds up the process even more.

Size and adjustment

The edge length is 51 mm, so the cube is slightly larger than standard 2x2s and sits more securely in your hands. Tension is adjusted with screws, and a set of 6 extra springs is included, allowing you to do a spring swap.

Light Magnetic or regular M?

Choose the LM version if you like the stability of the Valk 2, but find the magnets in the M version too strong and feel they slow down your turning. The regular M is a better fit for those who prefer a more firmly "snapping" cube. Both are legal for official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 2x2x2 cube
• Manufacturer: The Valk (QiYi MoFangGe)
• Size: 51 mm
• Weight: approx. 81 g
• Magnets: weakened, in edges and corners
• Adjustment: adjustment screws, interchangeable springs
• Colors: Black, Stickerless Bright
• WCA competition legal: yes

In the box

1. cube
2. set of 6 springs
3. 3 collectible cards
4. cloth with the "VALK" logo
5. solving instructions in the form of cards