XMD Tornado V3 M Pioneer UV

XMD Tornado V3 M Pioneer UV

Pioneer UV is the most fully equipped version of the third-generation Tornado from X-Man Design, a brand owned by QiYi. The XMD Tornado V3 M Pioneer UV is a magnetic 3x3 cube. It has magnets in the pieces, magnets in the core (Ball-Core), a MagLev system and a glossy UV coating. Max Park solved the Tornado V3 Pioneer in 3.13 s, which was the 3x3 single world record at the time.

How it turns

Straight out of the box, the Tornado V3 Pioneer is very fast, smooth and fairly quiet. Corner cutting is one of this cube's strengths. Users report forward cutting of more than 45 degrees. The cube handles fast turning and high TPS well. The core magnets help the layer snap into place even when a move isn't perfectly accurate.

That said, the factory setup is fast. Some people find the cube not controllable enough in this setting. A higher tension or a thicker lube usually helps. Lockups can also happen with inaccurate turning.

MagLev, Ball-Core and adjustment

• MagLev: instead of metal springs, repelling magnets work on the axes. Turning feels lighter, but the cube is heavier than the spring version.
• Ball-Core: magnets in the corners are attracted to the core, which improves auto-alignment and layer stability.
• Tension and compression: each setting has 5 levels and can be adjusted by hand after removing the center cap, no tools needed.
• Magnet strength: 5 levels, adjusted with the tool included in the set.
• Compared to the V2, the rivets have been replaced with screws, and the center caps can be fitted in any orientation.

Standard, Flagship or Pioneer UV?

All Tornado V3 versions are the same size: 55.5 mm. They differ in features. The Standard (approx. 69 g) has only magnets in the pieces and classic springs. The Flagship (approx. 72 g) adds core magnets. The Pioneer also has MagLev, and the UV version has a glossy coating that grips the fingers better than matte plastic. If the Pioneer feels too fast for you, you can choose the Flagship. It uses springs, and some users find it more predictable.

Who is it for?

This version makes the most sense for a speedcuber who likes fast cubes and wants to set the tension, compression and magnet strength themselves. You will need to spend a little time finding your setup, though. For a child's first cube, the cheaper Standard or Flagship version is more than enough.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless (Stickerless Bright)
• Manufacturer: X-Man Design (QiYi)
• Size: 55.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 81 g
• Magnets: in the pieces and in the core (Ball-Core)
• Axis system: MagLev (no springs)
• Adjustment: 5 tension levels, 5 compression levels, 5 magnet strength levels
• Finish: UV Coated