YJ GuanLong V3 3x3x3

YJ GuanLong V3 3x3x3

YJ GuanLong V3 3x3x3 is the third version of YongJun's (YJ) budget speedcube. The first GuanLong came out in 2014 and quickly became a common recommendation as an affordable first cube for learning. The V3 went on sale in 2018. It has no magnets, no compression adjustment and no UV coating. It's a simple 3x3 cube for learning and everyday solving, and it turns noticeably better than the "original" cubes sold in toy shops.

What changed in the third version

The overall design is still very simple and builds on the first GuanLong. However, YJ has reshaped the key pieces, namely the torpedoes in the edges and the feet in the corners, and used larger internal roundings. These changes are meant to improve corner cutting and reduce lockups. Some cubers compare the V3 mechanism to the QiYi Sail, just in GuanLong plastic.

How it turns

The turning is average. The cube can't match mid-range magnetic models, but it's perfectly adequate for learning the beginner's method and your first attempts at F2L. According to user reviews, the cube can feel slow and dry out of the box, and the springs are fairly stiff. Good lube and adjusting the tension with the screws help. More advanced cubers sometimes swap the springs to make the cube faster.

Who is it for?

It's a good choice as a child's first cube, a spare to keep in your backpack, or for mosaics and modding experiments. If you already practise regularly and want to bring your times down, you'll quickly notice the lack of magnets. In that case, it's better to go straight for an affordable magnetic model, for example from the YJ YuLong series.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 cube, non-magnetic
• Manufacturer: YJ (YongJun)
• Release: 2018
• Size: 56 mm
• Adjustment: tension adjusted with screws
• Colour variants: Black, White, Stickerless Bright
• Allowed in official WCA competitions
• In the box: cube, solving instructions