Vin Cube 5x5 (Ball-Core)

Vin Cube 5x5 (Ball-Core)

Vin Cube is a young brand that previously released 2x2, 3x3 and 4x4 cubes. The Vin Cube 5x5 (Ball-Core) is its magnetic 5x5 cube with magnets in the core, designed so that a good 5x5 doesn't have to cost as much as a flagship. This version has no UV coating. The plastic is semi-glossy with medium grip. Colour scheme: stickerless bright.

How does it feel?

The cube turns fast and light, but its feel isn't typically smooth. It's rather dry and "mechanical", and reviewers describe the internals as slightly sandy or papery, less tactile than most of the competition. One user noticed audible springs straight out of the box. A little lube helped with that. Corner cutting is better than many expected from a cube at this price. According to the specs given for this model, it's 35° forward and 20° in reverse.

The magnets are moderate, rather on the lighter side. If you like a strong, distinct "click" with every move, you may find them too weak.

Ball-Core and construction

• Ball-Core, meaning magnets connecting the corners to the core. According to reviewers, they work more as layer stabilization than strong auto-alignment, and the cube is less likely to misalign during fast turning.
• 112 magnets, factory-installed.
• Larger gaps between pieces improve corner cutting, while widened edges increase stability.
• An anti-pop mechanism reduces popping.

Standard or UV version?

The mechanism is the same in both versions. The UV version has a high-gloss coating and noticeably more grip. The standard version is semi-glossy and less "sticky" on the fingers. The choice mainly depends on which surface you prefer.

Who is it for?

This cube is a good fit for someone getting started with bigger cubes, and as a clear upgrade from a simple, older 5x5. If you train 5x5 seriously and are comparing it with top models such as the X-Man Hong or MoYu AoChuang V6, you should know that some users rate those as faster or better turning. Opinions are divided here, though. One reviewer also noted that the orange and yellow are slightly darker than usual, which makes red harder to tell apart from orange in poor lighting.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 5x5 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: Vin Cube
• Size: 61.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 133 g
• Magnets: 112 magnets plus Ball-Core
• Corner cutting: 35°, reverse corner cutting: 20°
• Finish: semi-glossy, no UV coating