XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Flagship UV

XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Flagship UV

Features

XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Flagship UV is the more affordable of the two fifth-generation Tornado versions from X-Man Design. Instead of MagLev, it uses classic springs, and inside there is an 8-magnet Ball-Core. The cube is light (66 g at a size of 55.5 mm) and has a glossy UV Coated finish. It is best suited to cubers who like the predictable resistance of springs and want a lot of control over every move.

How it turns

The springs give a natural, calmer resistance than MagLev. This makes the cube easier to control during algorithms and less prone to overshooting. Eight magnets in the core pull the corners towards the centre, so the layers align on their own and the cube stays stable during fast turning. It comes factory-lubed with several lubes of different viscosity, so it turns smoothly right out of the box. Early users describe it as faster than the previous Tornado models. However, one of them noticed that the magnets are fairly weak, even at the strongest setting. If you like layers with a strong "click", keep this in mind.

Adjustment

• Dual Adjustment System: 8 levels of axis distance (tension) and 8 levels of elasticity, giving 64 combinations. The settings are numbered and you change them by hand, without a tool.
• Corner-core magnets: 9 strength levels.
• Edge magnets: 7 levels. A setting changed on one face applies to the whole cube.
• One-piece spherical core housing that keeps the magnets in place.

Tornado V5 Flagship or Pioneer?

Both versions have the same size, UV coating and a very similar adjustment range. The Pioneer has MagLev instead of springs and a 20-magnet Ball-Core (8 magnets under the corners and 12 in the edges). This makes it faster and lighter to turn, but also slightly heavier (approx. 70 g). The Flagship is cheaper and gives a more controllable feel. It is a good choice for cubers who don't need MagLev or simply prefer springs. If you are looking for your first cube, a simpler magnetic model will probably be enough. The Flagship works best for someone who wants to fine-tune the settings to their own style.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: X-Man Design
• Size: 55.5 mm
• Weight: 66 g
• Core: 8-magnet Ball-Core
• Turning system: springs (no MagLev)
• Adjustment: 8 tension levels and 8 elasticity levels, 9 corner-core magnet levels, 7 edge magnet levels
• Finish: UV Coated (glossy)