XJ Curvy Face-Turning Rhombic Triacontahedron (Standard)

XJ Curvy Face-Turning Rhombic Triacontahedron (Standard)

XJ Curvy Face-Turning Rhombic Triacontahedron is a puzzle shaped like a rhombic triacontahedron, a solid made up of 30 rhombus-shaped faces. It is a face-turning puzzle, and its cuts follow curves instead of straight lines. They divide each rhombus into a star-and-petal pattern. The design comes from Kairis Puzzle and the puzzle is manufactured by XJ. It is sometimes sold under the shortened name CurFaTRhoTri. This is the Standard version with a black body.

What kind of puzzle is this?

This is not a speedcubing cube or a puzzle for timed solves. It is a puzzle for collectors who have grown tired of familiar shapes. Because of the curved cuts, pieces move between faces differently than in straight-cut puzzles. Standard algorithms from cubes and the Megaminx won't be enough, so you'll have to work out much of the solution on your own. With its unusual geometry and colourful pattern across 30 faces, it also looks great on a shelf when it's not in your hands.

Distributors describe the build quality and turning as good. Keep in mind, though, that this is a collector's puzzle, so there is no tension adjustment, no magnets and none of the setup options known from speedcubing cubes.

Standard or Plus?

This puzzle comes in two versions. Standard is the basic version of the curvy face-turning mechanism. The Plus version has deeper cuts, which means more pieces and more interactions between them, so solving it takes longer. For your first encounter with this geometry, Standard is the sensible choice. Plus makes the most sense once you have solved the basic version.

Who is it for?

For people who collect unusual puzzles and enjoy figuring out new mechanisms on their own. You should already have experience with more complex puzzles. If you're looking for a gift for a child who is just learning to solve a 3x3 cube, it's better to choose something simpler.

Specifications

• Type: rhombic triacontahedron puzzle, face-turning (curvy face-turning)
• Manufacturer: XJ (designed by Kairis Puzzle)
• Number of faces: 30 (rhombic)
• Version: Standard
• Body colour: black
• Material: ABS plastic