YJ Meta3 3x3 (8-Magnet Ball-Core + UV)

YJ Meta3 3x3 (8-Magnet Ball-Core + UV)

The Meta3 is YJ's new 3x3 and the successor to the MGC Beta 3x3. It comes in three versions, and this is the middle one. The YJ Meta3 3x3 8-Magnet Ball-Core + UV has standard magnets in the pieces, plus 8 magnets in the core and a glossy UV coating. However, it does not have the magnets in the center wings (wing magnets) found in the base and flagship versions. Color scheme: stickerless bright.

How it turns

The core magnets pull the corners towards the center of the cube. This helps the layers snap back into alignment more easily, and the cube feels calmer during fast turning. Without wing magnets, the centers don't give an extra "click", so the movement feels more uniform than in the versions with the full set of magnets.

Opinions on the Meta3 are fairly mixed. Some cubers compare its feel to MoYu cubes and praise its corner cutting and smooth turning. Others say that out of the box the cube doesn't show its full potential and needs some time for setup, meaning lube and choosing the right compression. There are also some reports of corner twists with this version. This model is best chosen if you plan to set it up yourself, rather than expecting a ready-to-go cube straight out of the box.

Design and adjustment

• 8 core magnets (corner-to-core) help align the layers and stabilize the cube.
• Center skirts and edge cutouts: the centers have skirts and the edges are shaped to fit them. This feature is shared by all Meta3 versions.
• Sharper corner caps designed to reduce corner twists.
• Pieces with a "scale pattern" on the inside, which according to YJ improves turning smoothness.
• 9 compression levels.
• UV coating gives a glossy surface with strong grip and is more resistant to wear.

Which Meta3 version?

The base version has 96 magnets, including wing magnets in the centers, and a matte, frosted finish. The version described here has 64 magnets, including 8 in the core, and a UV coating. The flagship combines both and adds repelling magnets in the edge feet, for a total of 124 magnets. This gives it the most "solid" and stable feel. The middle version is a good choice if you want core magnets and a UV coating but don't want the extra resistance from wing magnets.

Who is it for?

For cubers who have already had their first magnetic cube and enjoy fine-tuning the setup themselves. As a first cube for a child, a model that performs well straight out of the box is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: YJ
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Magnets: 64 in total, including 8 in the core, no wing magnets
• Adjustment: 9 compression levels
• Finish: UV
• Color: Stickerless Bright