YuXin Huanlong 17x17x17

YuXin Huanlong 17x17x17

YuXin Huanlong 17x17x17 is one of the largest mass-produced NxN cubes. It measures 176 mm per side and weighs about 2.9 kg, roughly as much as two and a half one-litre milk cartons packed into a single block. It belongs to the Huanlong series, YuXin's line of big cubes. The stickerless bright version has no stickers, so nothing peels off or wears away, even after many hours of solving.

How it turns

For so many layers, the cube turns smoothly and has a smooth feel. Users especially praise its stability: the construction is rigid, and popping happens very rarely. Lockups and minor catches do occur, because with seventeen layers they are hard to avoid completely. Usually it is enough to align the layers carefully before the next move, and then they don't get in the way. At this size, the corner cutting you know from 3x3 cubes isn't really a factor, so calm and precise turning matters more than TPS.

The corners and edges are slightly rounded (pillow shape). This means your hands get less tired during long sessions.

Size and weight in practice

At nearly 3 kg, this is not a cube you solve in the air. You place it on a table and turn the layers while holding the rest steady. A single solve takes hours, not minutes. The cube has no magnets. You can adjust the layer tension with the adjustment screws.

Who is it for?

For experienced cubers who already solve big cubes (e.g. 7x7 or 9x9) and want to take on something much larger. It is also a great cube for collectors, as it looks impressive on a shelf. It is not suitable as a first cube or as a gift for a child who is just starting out. The 17x17 is not a WCA event, so it is not a cube you buy with official competitions in mind.

Specifications

• Type: 17x17x17 cube, stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: YuXin (Huanlong series)
• Size: 176 x 176 x 176 mm
• Weight: approx. 2927 g
• Magnets: none
• Shape: slightly rounded corners and edges (pillow)
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2018
• Allowed in official WCA competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle