XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Pioneer UV

XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Pioneer UV

The fifth generation of the Tornado from X-Man Design (a brand owned by QiYi) comes in two main versions. The XMD Tornado V5 3x3 Pioneer UV is the more technically advanced one. Instead of springs, it uses MagLev, a 20-magnet Ball-Core works inside, and the whole cube has a glossy UV coating. It comes in a stickerless bright colour scheme.

How it turns

Compared to the Flagship version, the Pioneer turns lighter and faster. The stronger Ball-Core pulls the layers into alignment more noticeably, which helps keep the cube stable at high TPS. User opinions are mixed, though. Some praise the fast turning and the wide range of settings. Others feel it is very similar to the Tornado V3 Premium and V4, and that on the factory setup the cube can feel soft, a bit squishy. A few people also mention squeaking straight out of the box, which usually goes away after lubing. It is best to spend some time setting the cube up to your liking right away, because only then will you see what it can do.

Magnets, MagLev and adjustment

• 20-magnet Ball-Core: 8 attracting magnets in the corners and 12 repelling magnets in the edges. The magnets sit in a one-piece spherical core housing that keeps them from falling out.
• MagLev: compression comes from repelling magnetic rings instead of springs. There is less friction and turns start more easily.
• Dual Adjustment System: 8 tension levels (axis spacing) and 8 elasticity levels.
• Magnet strength adjustment: 9 levels in the corners and 7 in the edges.
• UV Coated: a glossy, scratch-resistant surface with better grip than plain plastic.
• Size: 55.5 mm, weight: approx. 71 g.

Pioneer or Flagship?

The Tornado V5 Flagship UV has an 8-magnet Ball-Core and classic springs, it is slightly lighter and has a calmer, more controllable feel. The range of tension, elasticity and magnet adjustment is the same in both versions. The Pioneer makes sense for a speedcuber who likes MagLev, strong auto-alignment and fine-tuning the cube to their own style. If you prefer springs and more control, you will feel more at home with the Flagship. For a beginner's first cube, this many settings probably won't be needed, and a simpler magnetic model will be more than enough.