YuXin YuanBao Cube

YuXin YuanBao Cube

YuXin YuanBao Cube is a shape mod puzzle built on a 3x3x3 cube mechanism. Its shape resembles a yuanbao, a traditional Chinese boat-shaped silver or gold ingot. In China, this shape has long been associated with wealth and prosperity. The package contains the puzzle only. The cube is stickerless, and the shop offers two colour variants: Blue and Green.

How it works

Inside is the mechanism of a classic 3x3 cube, but the pieces come in different sizes and shapes. After a few moves, the neat ingot turns into an irregular shape, and solving it really means restoring its original form. Knowing any 3x3 method helps. However, it is harder to see where each piece is, because the shape is confusing and hides the reference points you know from a regular cube. If you have already mastered the standard cube, this is a nice change from classic solving.

What to expect from the turning

This is not a speed cube, so don't judge it by the same standards as magnetic 3x3 cubes. Shape mods of this type turn more slowly. With irregular pieces, catching and lockups happen more often than on a regular cube, and corner cutting is clearly limited. Calm, precise moves work better here than fast turning. User reviews agree: people mainly praise the looks and rate the mechanism as average.

Who is it for?

The YuanBao Cube is a good choice for shape mod collectors and for anyone who can solve a 3x3 and is looking for a new challenge. It also makes a great gift, because its unusual, decorative shape looks good on a shelf, solved or not. For your first cube to learn solving, it is better to pick a regular 3x3 and save the YuanBao for later.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: YuXin
• Type: shape mod on a 3x3x3 mechanism
• Shape: Chinese yuanbao ingot (sycee)
• Finish: stickerless
• Available colours: Blue, Green