The VIN Cube 3x3 Lite is the entry-level model in the 3x3 line-up from VIN Cube, a recent Chinese speedcube brand. It’s a light magnetic cube, 55.5 mm and around 70 g, with a frosted finish (matt and satiny, so fingerprints barely show) and a very wide-ranging setup system for its price range.

• BrandVIN Cube
• Type3x3
• Size55.5 mm
• WeightAround 70 g
• MagnetsYes, 48
• FinishFrosted, stickerless

How it works

It has 48 magnets between pieces, the classic configuration for a magnetic cube: they help each layer align at the end of a turn. The setup uses the CFRS system, with 128 combinations of tension and compression that you change with the included tool; depending on the position of the arrows, the cube becomes lighter and looser or firmer and more stable. The pieces have a honeycomb texture inside that holds the lubricant and reduces friction.

Design

It’s stickerless (no stickers: the colour is in the plastic) and the core is transparent. Within the range, the Racer adds a magnetic ball-core and the Nova incorporates MagLev; the Lite does without both and sticks to the essentials.

What level is it for?

It works well as a first magnetic 3x3 or as an everyday cube for anyone who can already solve and wants to bring their times down. It comes with a bag to store it in.