VeryPuzzle IRT V1

VeryPuzzle IRT V1

VeryPuzzle IRT V1 is a puzzle for collectors and anyone who enjoys unusual twisty puzzles. The manufacturer also calls it the Big Stingray. It only looks like a megaminx from a distance. The layers turn around axes that pass through the faces of two solids: the regular icosahedron and the rhombic triacontahedron. We offer the V1 version in black.

What is IRT?

The name IRT comes from these two axis systems: I stands for Icosahedron, RT for Rhombic Triacontahedron. A regular megaminx works differently, as it turns only around the faces of a dodecahedron. Here the axes belong to two different families and intersect each other, so a move on one axis changes the shape of the layers on other axes. In practice you need to watch the alignment, because the next turn is only possible once the layers are lined up precisely. This design belongs to the same family as the DIRT V1.0, an expanded VeryPuzzle design that combines the axes of the dodecahedron, icosahedron and rhombic triacontahedron.

V1, F1 and F2 versions

IRT comes in several variants that are easy to confuse:

• IRT V1: the basic version, i.e. this product.
• IRT V1 F1 (#82): extra cuts on the quadrilateral faces, which means more pieces and a harder solve.
• IRT V1 F2 (#83): a variant with symmetrically shaped grips on the icosahedron axes.

If this is your first encounter with IRT, it makes sense to start with the V1 version. The F1 and F2 variants are better suited to those who already know the basic model or are collecting the whole series.

Who is it for?

This is not a speedcubing puzzle, nor a gift for a beginner. IRT V1 is chosen by collectors and experienced puzzlers who can already solve a megaminx and other dodecahedral puzzles and want to take on a mechanism with several intersecting axis systems. There is no ready-made method to memorize like with a 3x3. You will usually have to work out the solution yourself, using commutators.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: VeryPuzzle
• Model: IRT V1 (Big Stingray)
• Type: twisty puzzle based on the axes of the icosahedron and the rhombic triacontahedron
• Size: approx. 74.5 mm
• Body colour: black