The MeiLong 9x9 V3 is the third generation of the 9x9 in MoYu’s MeiLong range, sold under its sub-brand MoFang JiaoShi (MFJS). Its most noticeable feature is its size: 65.5 mm along each edge, almost ten millimetres less than the previous MeiLong 9x9, which was around 75 mm.

• BrandMoYu (MFJS)
• Type9x9
• Size65.5 mm
• MagnetsNo
• FinishStickerless matte
• WeightAbout 176 g

Design

It is stickerless (no stickers: the colour is in the plastic itself) and has a finely textured matte surface that reduces reflections. The outer layers are slightly wider for better grip, and the weight, about 176 g, is well below that of the previous generation (around 284 g), which you notice in solves that can last more than ten minutes.

Mechanism

MoYu has redesigned the core with a central column and a locking system so that the centres do not wobble, and the layers interlock to reduce misalignment when several are turned at once. The tension (how tightly the layers are held) is adjusted with a single screw. This version has no magnets, so the layers do not settle back into place on their own and it is best to align them before each turn; there is a magnetic variant with a ball-core, which is slightly heavier.

What level it suits

The 9x9 is not an official WCA event and is solved by reduction, like a 4x4 or 5x5 but with many more pieces. It suits anyone who is already comfortable with big cubes and wants to try higher-order ones.