The Valk 3 3x3x3 Elite M

The Valk 3 3x3x3 Elite M

Valk 3 Elite M is a magnetic 3x3 cube released in 2019, when it was the flagship model of the Valk series. The biggest difference compared to earlier Valks is the interchangeable magnetic center cups. They let you set the magnet strength without taking pieces apart or gluing anything. The set also includes three sets of springs, so you can tune the cube more for speed or more for control.

Magnets in the centers and adjustment

In a classic magnetic cube, the magnets work only between the edges and the corners. In the Elite M, each edge has four magnets instead of the usual two. As a result, once you fit the magnetic center cups, the layers are also attracted along the center-edge line. The manufacturer calls this a twin-magnetic positioning system. In practice, the cube "snaps" layers into place more firmly and stays more stable during fast turning.

• Magnetic center cups: green (weak), white (medium, factory-installed), red (strong).
• Springs: three sets of six, namely green (soft), white (medium, factory-installed) and red (hard).
• Tension: adjustable with screws.

How it turns

The cube is light and fast. Users describe its feel as smooth, with a bit of the "crunchiness" typical of Valks, but softer and quieter than in older models. Straight out of the box it usually doesn't show its full potential, because it needs some setup: cleaning off the factory lube, lubing it and testing a few combinations of magnets and springs. If the cube feels too "heavy" with the white or red center cups, the weaker green ones give a lighter, more flexible turning feel.

Who is it for?

The Valk 3 Elite M is best suited to advanced cubers who like tailoring a cube to their preferences and don't mind spending time on setup. If you want a cube that's ready for speedsolving right out of the box, a simpler magnetic model will suit you better. The cube is legal for official competitions.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube
• Series: Valk 3
• Size: 55.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 78 g
• Magnets: in the pieces and in interchangeable center cups (3 strength levels)
• Adjustment: screws, 3 sets of springs
• Variants: Black, Stickerless Bright
• Release year: 2019

What's in the box

1. cube
2. cube box
3. three sets of magnetic center cups (green, white, red)
4. three sets of six springs (green, white, red)
5. 4 photos (two on soft paper and two on card)
6. Valk 3 Elite M card
7. thank-you card from Mats Valk with a link to a tutorial
8. card with instructions for the center cups and springs
9. cloth with an embossed VALK logo
10. stickers: a large "the Valk Elite M" sticker and two logo stickers
11. Black version only: a full sticker set in 6 colors, two center stickers of each color and a transparent film for applying the stickers
12. solving guide