Z-Cube 3x3x3

Z-Cube 3x3x3 Luminous

A classic 3x3x3 cube from Z-Cube whose main feature is plastic that glows in the dark. The Z-Cube 3x3x3 Luminous is a simple cube without magnets, made of transparent, phosphorescent plastic. First you need to leave it in the sun or under a UV lamp for a while. Once you turn off the lights, the pieces start to glow. This cube is meant more for fun and for your collection than for improving your times, and that's the best way to think about it when buying.

Glow in the dark

The cube has no batteries or LEDs. The plastic itself glows: it absorbs light and then releases it in the dark. It charges best in sunlight or under a UV lamp. The glow fades over time, so you'll need to recharge the cube every now and then. In daylight it looks like a regular transparent cube.

How it turns

The mechanism is simple: no magnets, no Ball-Core and no tension adjustment. The cube is light and turns fairly smoothly, but it's quite loud. Corner cutting is weak, so with faster turning and imprecise moves you may get lockups and catching. It's good enough for learning the layer-by-layer method and for relaxed solving. It's not suitable for timed speedcubing, though, and there's no point comparing it with magnetic speed cubes.

Who is it for?

For kids and for anyone who wants a cube with an interesting effect: as a gift, for a collection or for solving in the evening with the lights off. It can also be an extra cube for someone who already has a good magnetic 3x3 for practice. If you want a cube for learning speedcubing and improving your times, it's better to choose a budget magnetic model. You'll progress faster on one, and turning is less tiring.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x3 cube, non-magnetic
• Manufacturer: Z-Cube
• Version: Luminous (glows in the dark after charging with light)
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 93 g
• Material: transparent, phosphorescent plastic
• Adjustment: none