X-Man Volt Square-1 V2 Full Magnetic

X-Man Volt Square-1 V2 Full Magnetic

The second generation of the Volt, the successor to the Square-1 on which world records were set. The X-Man Volt Square-1 V2 Full Magnetic (also labelled V2 M UD) is the fully magnetic version. There are magnets in the slice and in every piece of the top and bottom layers. In this generation the manufacturer improved the design for durability, and the puzzle is legal for official WCA competitions.

How it turns

The cube is smooth, and with a good setup it turns lightly. The magnets in the U and D layers are fairly strong and clearly help you align the layers before a slice. The slice magnets are weaker, so the slice move stays light. The pieces fit tightly together, so the cube feels solid and has a pleasant, full sound. Popping is rare.

There are also some weaker points worth mentioning. Corner cutting is limited, and on sloppy turns the magnets have to make up for your fingers. During fast algorithms you may get slight catching, especially if the cube is set too loose. Out of the box, the U/D layers can feel dry and heavy, which is why most users lube the cube and tighten it to their liking.

Adjustment and design

Tension is adjusted with adjustment screws, as is typical for a Square-1. Compared with the V1, the adjustment mechanism has been slightly changed, and a nut keeps the cube from loosening by itself while you solve. The piece walls are thinner, so despite full magnetisation the cube weighs approx. 85 g.

Note for collectors: the gold XMD logo wears off from finger contact over time.

Full Magnetic or Magnetic Slice?

The Volt V2 is also available in a Magnetic Slice version, which has magnets only in the middle layer. Full Magnetic adds magnets in U and D, so aligning the layers before a slice is more precise, and the cube is slightly heavier. If you want the cube to "snap" into position by itself, go for Full Magnetic.

Who is it for?

For anyone who trains Square-1 seriously and is looking for a proven competition puzzle. Beginners won't be put off either, because the magnets forgive quite a lot of inaccuracy. Keep in mind, though, that the cube only shows its full potential after setup.

Specifications

• Type: Square-1, fully magnetic (magnets in the slice and in the U and D layers)
• Manufacturer: X-Man Design
• Dimensions: 54 x 54 x 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 85 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Released: 2019
• Colours: Black, yellow+white, black+white

In the box:

1. puzzle