YuXin HuangLong Elite Kilominx M

YuXin HuangLong Elite Kilominx M

In YuXin's kilominx family, the Elite sits in the middle. It has more layers than the Master Kilominx (the 4x4 equivalent) and fewer than the Royal Kilominx (the 8x8 equivalent). The YuXin HuangLong Elite Kilominx M is a dodecahedron that is the megaminx-world equivalent of a 6x6 cube. The letter M stands for the magnetic version. This one comes in the stickerless bright colour scheme, which means no stickers, just coloured plastic.

How it differs from a megaminx

A kilominx has no fixed centres, which on a regular megaminx show the colour of each face right away. On the Elite Kilominx you first have to build the centres from several pieces, just like on even NxN cubes. Then you pair up the edges, and only after that do you move on to a megaminx-like stage. No fixed centres also means no reference point, so at first it's easier to get lost than on puzzles with coloured centres. This puzzle is for people who can already solve a megaminx and want something harder. It's not suitable as your first dodecahedron puzzle.

Magnetic version and turning

The magnets help the layers settle into the right position. Each move ends with a clear "click", and the puzzle doesn't stay stuck halfway through a turn. On a puzzle with this many layers, that matters a lot. On the non-magnetic version it's easier to leave a layer slightly misaligned, which leads to a lockup on the next move. The outer surface of the pieces is sculpted, which improves grip and helps you feel the layer boundaries under your fingers. The Elite Kilominx is not a puzzle for setting TPS records. The M version, however, gives you more precise and predictable turning than the non-magnetic model, and during a long solve that's a noticeable difference.

Who is it for?

For cubers who have already conquered the megaminx, and maybe the Master Kilominx, and want to take on a bigger puzzle. It's also a great addition to a collection of minx-family puzzles. If you're just starting out, you'd be better off with a regular megaminx or a smaller kilominx.

Specifications

• Type: kilominx (6x6 equivalent in dodecahedron form), no fixed centres
• Manufacturer: YuXin (HuangLong series)
• Version: magnetic (M)
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright
• Surface: sculpted outer pieces
• Size: approx. 74.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 343 g