VeryPuzzle Megaminx Ball V1.0

VeryPuzzle Megaminx Ball V1.0

VeryPuzzle Megaminx Ball V1.0 is a spherical version of the megaminx. Inside, it uses a regular megaminx mechanism, but the outer pieces form a ball, so you can't see the twelve flat faces of a dodecahedron. You solve it the same way as a classic megaminx, it's just harder to read. It's made by VeryPuzzle, a brand known for unusual puzzles for collectors. This version has a black body.

How it differs from a regular megaminx

The first difference is the shape. A ball has no edges, which on a flat megaminx instantly show you where a face ends. You have to find your way using the colors and the cut lines.

The second difference is the color scheme. According to seller descriptions and videos, the Megaminx Ball uses a 20-color scheme instead of the standard 12. As a result, the centers have a visible orientation. It's not enough to match the colors of the pieces around a center, because each center also has to be turned the right way. This is an extra step that the classic megaminx doesn't have. Even if you already know how to solve a regular megaminx, it may take you a few attempts to work out a method for orienting the centers.

Mechanism

Tension is held by springs hidden in the core. There are no screws and no externally accessible adjustment system, so you can't change the tensioning the way you can on speedcubing cubes. The stickers are set into recesses in the pieces, so they wear less while turning.

Who is it for?

This puzzle is for people who can solve a megaminx and want to try a more challenging take on it, and for collectors of unusual puzzles. It's not suitable for speedcubing or competitions: it wasn't designed for high TPS, and with no tension adjustment you can't set it up to suit you. For your first megaminx, it's better to choose a classic magnetic model and come back to the Ball version once the dodecahedron is no longer a challenge.

Specifications

• Type: ball-shaped megaminx (12 axes of rotation)
• Manufacturer: VeryPuzzle
• Model: Megaminx Ball V1.0
• Body color: black
• Size: approx. 74.5 mm
• Mechanism: springs in the core, no external adjustment
• Stickers: set into recesses in the pieces
• Extra challenge: oriented centers