XMD Hong 5x5x5 Magnetic Ball-Core UV Coated

XMD Hong 5x5x5 Magnetic Ball-Core UV Coated

X-Man Design, a brand owned by QiYi, introduced the Hong in early 2024. It was the first mass-produced 5x5 cube with a Ball-Core. XMD Hong 5x5x5 Magnetic Ball-Core UV Coated combines magnets in the pieces, a magnetic core and a glossy UV coating. In our shop it is available in the stickerless bright colour scheme.

Ball-Core in a 5x5 cube

In a Ball-Core design, magnets sit in the spherical core and in the corners, so the corners are pulled towards the centre of the cube. This matters especially on a 5x5: a big cube has many layers, which makes unwanted shifting or overshooting more likely. The magnets in the core help each layer settle in the right place, and moves feel more predictable during fast turning.

How it turns

Reviewers describe the Hong as fast and stable right out of the box. They also praise its corner cutting and strong resistance to popping. The manufacturer mentions widened outer layers and protection against pops and corner twists. According to users, the magnets are medium to strong. However, a factory cube can be very dry, sometimes a little sandy, and the inner layers may feel sluggish. A good lube job and a short break-in usually fix this. If you don't enjoy setting up your cubes, keep this in mind before you buy.

Adjustment and finish

The Hong does not have a numbered tension adjustment system like some flagship 3x3 cubes. Tension is adjusted the classic way, with screws and springs. Magnet strength is fixed. The UV coating gives a glossy surface that offers better grip than matte plastic.

Who is it for?

It's a good cube if you solve 5x5 regularly and want a stable, magnetic cube with a Ball-Core. The Hong also makes sense as your first serious 5x5 after a budget model, as long as you are ready to lube it. For occasional solving, a cheaper magnetic 5x5 will be more than enough.

Specifications

• Type: 5x5x5 magnetic cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: X-Man Design (QiYi)
• Size: approx. 61 mm
• Weight: approx. 131 g
• Magnets: in the pieces plus a magnetic Ball-Core
• Adjustment: classic, with screws (no numbered settings system)
• Finish: UV Coated (glossy)
• Colour scheme: Stickerless Bright