Introduction
Back when I started cubing, everything was straightforward. Moyu would release a new 3x3, you would buy it, and you would main it. Rinse and repeat. This was until new companies like QiYi and GAN showed up, and the competition pushed innovation and better releases from each of them.
Coming to today. It’s almost like there is a new 3x3 every month that you need to contemplate buying, and it can all get confusing. In this blog, we will be exploring some of the 3x3s in the current meta and finding out which one is the best for you.
X-Man Tornado v4
QiYi’s sub-brand, X-Man has returned with the successor to its World Record setting cube. This time with a simple choice between two. A Flagship edition and a Pioneer edition.
Let’s compare the two first.
Both these cubes have a variety of customizable spring and axis distance settings. The magnets are also adjustable and easier to use than the predecessor, the Tornado v3.
Having tried out these cubes, here is my general opinion on each.
V4 Flagship edition:
The feeling of this cube is extremely similar to the Tornado v3 flagship, but an upgrade at the same time. It is very soft and smooth. It seems to be more stable, consistent and performs solidly. Having mained the v3 Flagship for over a year, I instantly liked this cube. It is a trustworthy cube if you are looking to set some PRs or win competitions.
V4 Pioneer edition:
This is a unique maglev release. It is the first time I have tried a maglev cube that is inherently slow and controllable, which was a refreshing experience. When compared to the flagship, the feeling is hard to describe in words. The best way to put it would be that the plastic feels tougher. While this is a nice upgrade to the Pioneer v3, it is still not up to par to both the Flagship cubes. However, if you were one of those who liked the Pioneer v3, you will surely love its successor.
You can purchase the Tornado v4 here.
MoYu WeiLong v10
Something that cubers have looked forward to this year is what Moyu is going to come up with to top the already successful Weilong v9. And they did not disappoint.
The WeiLong v10 is available in four versions, but I will be focusing on the two higher end versions for this blog (20M Ball Core). Here’s a summary of all the versions.
This cube has a brand new, quick and easy-to-use spring and elasticity adjustment system. The magnets, although not adjustable, are of a very nice medium strength, and you won’t feel the need to change that.
This cube also has an auto alignment feature, which helps finish turns and might be helpful for inaccurate turners.
This cube itself is a game changer. There is just something about the design that makes for a very pleasant solving experience, which is almost addicting. I would describe it as soft and airy.
It is also fast and responds well to lubes. It retains the characteristics of the WeiLong v9 like the stability and speed, while providing a more forgiving magnet strength and a better handfeel.
The choice between Maglev and Spring is entirely up to personal preference. Personally, I found the Spring edition better suited to me, as it is more controllable.
I currently main a modded 20M Ball Core Spring edition of this cube. One of the modifications includes removing the repelling magnets from the underside of the edges and from the core. This essentially removes the auto alignment and makes for a more consistent solving experience (ie. each turn takes the same amount of force).
You can purchase the Moyu Weilong v10 here.
YJ MGC EST
YJ has a history of going different routes to everyone else when it comes to 3x3 releases. The MGC EST is no exception to this.
This is a very unique looking 3x3, with deep indents on both corners and edges and orange-coloured internals. The centers are also similar to the RS3M v5, but accentuated. The pieces are also quite hollow which makes the cube very light.
On the stock settings, this cube has weak magnets and is pretty loose. I would recommend tightening the cube once you get it. It also has a micro-actuator in the core, which helps mitigate friction between the screw and spring. The customizability of the magnets is quite complicated, as you have to take apart the whole cube to change the strength.
Ironically, while YJ has gone all futuristic on this cube, the feeling is quite retro, almost like a Moyu Hualong or Qiyi Thunderclap, a throwback for the old-timers out there. I would describe it as crisp and loud but the plastic feels soft at the same time. The cube is also very flexible. Although it is not going to be my main cube right now, it still provides a very fun solving experience, and is a nice addition to my collection.
You can purchase the YJ MGC EST here.
Drift 3M plus v2
Cubelelo’s homegrown line of ‘Drift’ 3x3s just got its best upgrade. The Drift 3M plus v2 is a bang for the buck at only Rs. 749. The design concept is based on the RS3M v5, and you can see the influence being most prominent on the corners.
This cube has a hollow, loud and crunchy feel to it. It is also very fast right out of the box. It may require some set-up and experimentation with the dual adjustment if you plan to use it as your main. While the other cubes in this blog have been more about speedsolving and performance, the Drift 3M plus v2 fits all purposes. If you are looking to learn to solve one, or give a cube to someone as a gift, or just a cheap yet high quality cube, this cube is for you.
You can purchase the Drift 3M plus v2 here.
Hopefully this blog helped you pick a 3x3 that is apt for you. Thank you for reading!
