YJ MGC EVO 3x3 II Ball-Core

YJ MGC EVO 3x3 II Ball-Core

The first MGC EVO was not well received. Reviewers mainly pointed to its weak core and average performance. For the second generation, YJ focused on exactly that: the core. YJ MGC EVO 3x3 II Ball-Core is a magnetic 3x3 cube that has magnets in the core in addition to the magnets in the pieces. They help align the layers and keep the cube stable during fast turning. This version has a matte (frosted) surface and comes in a stickerless bright colour scheme.

How it turns

The EVO II is light and very fast right out of the box. Reviewers describe its feel as smooth and soft. The cube turns smoothly even without lube, which sets it apart from the first EVO, which had a noticeably sandy feel. It is flexible and slightly loose, yet it is still hard to twist a corner. The pieces are thick and fairly resistant to damage. Some users report occasional lockups. If you turn very aggressively and need a lot of control, you may find it too fast. You can slow it down a little with a thicker lube.

Ball-Core, standard or UV?

All three versions share the same mechanism. The standard version has 48 magnets. The Ball-Core version adds magnets in the core, for a total of 54. This gives stronger auto-alignment and more stable behaviour, but it also makes the cube slightly heavier. The UV version has a glossy coating with stronger grip and a classic screw-and-spring setup, without magnets in the core. The Ball-Core variant is available only with a matte finish.

Adjustment

• 11 spring compression levels set by hand. However, reviewers note that the differences between consecutive levels are small.
• 6 magnet strength levels changed with a tool.

When removing and refitting the center caps, pay attention to the clips. The caps must be seated in the correct position relative to the center.

Who is it for?

For cubers with a calmer, lighter turning style who like fast, light cubes with a soft feel and want more stability than the standard version offers. For a child's first cube, a simpler magnetic model is usually enough.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 3x3 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: YJ (YongJun)
• Size: approx. 55 mm
• Magnets: 54 (magnets in the pieces and in the core)
• Adjustment: 11 spring compression levels, 6 magnet strength levels
• Finish: matte (frosted)
• Colour: stickerless bright