The QiYi Gear Barrel, also known as Gear Cylinder, is a 3x3 puzzle with a cylindrical shape and an internal gear mechanism. It replaces the usual cubic geometry with a barrel format while keeping the gear-based solving logic that characterises this QiYi MoFangGe series. The result is a puzzle that is handled differently thanks to its elongated shape, with a grip that fits comfortably in the fingers.

When you turn any of its faces, the rotating gears at the core transmit the movement to the rest of the body, forcing other pieces to move at the same time. This behaviour means solving it requires adapting the usual methods of a standard 3x3. It is available in two versions: black with stickers and transparent without stickers, the latter especially attractive because it shows the internal mechanism in action. The transparent version is very demonstrative and tends to be preferred by collectors and curious users.

The feel when handling it is that of gear cubes: slightly slower and louder turns than a modern speedcube, with a strong tactile component and a very faithful response to the mechanism's movement. It has no magnets or high-end tension adjustments; it is a puzzle intended more for curiosity and collection than for timed competition. The difficulty of solving it is comparable to a standard gear cube: it requires relearning certain sequences and adapting spatial awareness to the new format.

Within the QiYi catalogue, the Gear Barrel shares a family with the Gear Cube, the Gear Sphere and the 2x2 Gear Cube, all explorations of the same mechanical idea in different shapes. It is a logical choice for those who already own a classic gear cube and want to expand the line with a different model, or for those starting in this family who prefer a non-cubic shape from the outset. It also works very well as a display piece thanks to its striking geometry, especially in the transparent version. The transparent version is particularly educational for explaining how a gear cube works to someone unfamiliar with these puzzles. The black version, on the other hand, offers a more discreet look for those who prefer to add it to their collection without drawing so much attention.

• Format: cylinder / barrel with gears
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Versions: black and transparent
• Magnetic: no
• Non-WCA puzzle

• Format: 3x3 cylinder with rotating gears
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Available versions: black or transparent
• Magnetic: no
• Non-WCA puzzle