XMD Tornado V3 M Standard 3x3x3

XMD Tornado V3 M Standard 3x3x3

XMD Tornado V3 M Standard is the base version of the magnetic 3x3 cube from X-Man Design, a brand owned by QiYi. It has the same shell and the same adjustment system as the more expensive Flagship and Pioneer versions, but without core magnets and without MagLev. The magnets sit only in the corners and edges, and the cube runs on regular springs. It is available in a stickerless bright colour scheme.

How it turns

Of the three Tornado V3 versions, the Standard is the most controllable and the slowest turning. The Flagship is noticeably faster, and the Pioneer with MagLev is the fastest of them all. Reviewers and users describe the turning as smooth and fairly quiet. Corner cutting is rated well. If you like a very light and fast cube, you may find the Standard too calm. If you tend to overshoot on faster cubes, this kind of feel usually helps.

Compared with the Tornado V2, the manufacturer has improved a few things. The rivets in the mechanism have been replaced with screws, and the center caps can be fitted in any orientation.

Adjustment

• Dual adjustment: separate adjustment of tension (tensioning) and spring elasticity (compression). You set it without tools: just remove the center cap, flip up the holder and turn it with your fingers.
• Magnet strength adjustment: the magnets can be set weaker or stronger. Use the included tool for this adjustment.

There are quite a lot of settings. Some people like that, while others need a bit of time before they find their setup.

Standard, Flagship or Pioneer?

The Flagship additionally has core magnets (corner-core), which stabilize the layers more strongly and give a more pronounced magnetic feel. The Pioneer also has MagLev, meaning repelling magnets instead of springs, so it turns the fastest. The Standard has none of these features, but its adjustment is the same as on the more expensive versions.

Who is it for?

For anyone who wants to move from their first cube to a model with proper adjustment, and for cubers who prefer a stable cube to a very fast one. It also works well as a backup cube for someone who solves on the Flagship or Pioneer. If you are looking for a strongly magnetic, "snappy" feel, you should rather choose a version with core magnets.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: X-Man Design (QiYi)
• Size: 55.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 69 g
• Magnets: corners and edges (no core magnets)
• Turning system: springs (no MagLev)
• Adjustment: tensioning, compression and magnet strength