Buying a Rubik's Cube – The Best Speed Cubes of 2016
Updated: September 2016.This guide covers the best 3x3 speedcubes of 2016. As you can see by looking at the updated Best speedcubes guide, these cubes here are no longer considered to be the "best in the world" anymore. That happens due to the high rate of new and better cubes coming into the market, resulting from the "cube war" of the major speedcubes manufacturers for the "best cube" title. That said, these cubes down here are not so far behind, and are truly great in quality. These cubes allowed ~5 second solve during an official competition after all…
For more information about speedcubes and what to look for when buying one, please look at my updated speedcube guide.
The Best 3x3 Speed Cubes of 2016
Below are the best quality cubes as of 2016. It is hard to put the hand on a single cube as the "best", as it comes to self-preference. However, all of the following are considered world-class cubes, and used by world record holders.Note: the grading scale was changed in the 2017 guide, and although the scores are similar in total, in the 2017 guide they are representing higher quality.
MoYu AoLong
Where to get:
eBay
Holds the world record for the fastest single 3x3 solve (4.90s) by Lucas Etter. This cube is considered by many as the current best in the world. It has an extremely fast turning speed (for some people, too fast, which can cause overshooting a turn), amazing corner cutting including reserve cutting, without compromising on pop resistance. Its overall performance is incredible, and therefore is currently being used by many of the top speedcubers today.
Overall score: 9.1
Speed: 9.5 ; Corner cutting: 9.5 ; Reverse cutting: 8.5 ; Pops resistance: 8.5 ; Lock-up resistance: 8 ; Corner twist resistance: 7 ; Weight: 83 gr
Dayan Zhanchi
Where to get:
eBay
|
Amazon
Holds the 3rd fastest world record for a single solve (5.55s). It is pretty much good in all qualities, and is almost immune to corner twisting. It has a bit "clicky" feel when finishing a turn (some people like it). Less pop resistant than the MoYu WeiLong.
Overall score: 9.0
Speed: 8.5 ; Corner cutting: 9 ; Reverse cutting: 8 ; Pops resistance: 8 ; Lock-up resistance: 8 ; Corner twist resistance: 9.5 ; Weight: 88 gr
Gans 356S V2 (Advanced)
Where to get:
eBay
|
Amazon
Used in the current world record for fastest average solving (6.45s). One of the best speedcubes in the market. An improved version of the v1 (which known to have some issues). It has an outstanding speed. Thanks to the structure of the pieces this cube almost never pops, however sometimes get can get stuck and lock-up. Justifiably used by world-class speedcubers, although it's relatively higher price.
Overall score: 9.0
Speed: 9.5 ; Corner cutting: 9 ; Reverse cutting: 8.5 ; Pops resistance: 9 ; Lock-up resistance: 7 ; Corner twist resistance: 8.5 ; Weight: 88 gr
Yuxin
Where to get:
eBay
|
Amazon
Relatively new brand in the market, holds the former single world record fastest 3x3 solve (5.25s) by Collin Burns. It has a rounded shape of stickers, which some may not like. A very "flexible" cube which result in great qualities such as corner cutting and lock resistance.
Overall score: 8.9
Speed: 9 ; Corner cutting: 9.5 ; Reverse cutting: 9.5 ; Pops resistance: 8.5 ; Lock-up resistance: 8.5 ; Corner twist resistance: 9 ; Weight: 88 gr
So, which one should I get?
All of these cubes are 2016's highest quality cubes and therefore any of them will be a great choice. Personally, I would recommend for the MoYu AoLong, which is in my opinion the favorite. It has an amazing performance and is also very cheap in price. In addition, the Aolong was a part of a quite few world-records breaking so far.What cubes does the world-record holders use?
*This information is correct for 2016 (and not necessarily their current cubes).Feliks Zemdegs – World record holder for average (3 out of 5) solve (6.45s). 6th fastest single solve record (5.32s). World record for single 4x4 (21.54s). World Record for 5x5 single (44.83s) & average (49.32s). WR also for 6x6 and 7x7 solving.
2x2: Dayan 2x2
3x3: Gans 356S V2
4x4: MoYu AoSu
5x5: Yuxin Kirin
6x6: MoYu AoShi
7x7: MoYu AoFu
Lucas Etter – World record holder for single 3x3 solve (4.90s), 2nd fastest average 3x3 solve (7.05s). World record holder for 2x2 average solve (1.51s).
2x2: Dayan 2x2
3x3: MoYu AoLong V2
4x4: MoYu AoSu
3x3: Yuxin
Mats Valk - World 4th fastest single solve (5.13s). 5th fastest average (3 out of 5) solve (7.21s)
2x2: MoYu LingPo
3x3: Dayan Zhanchi 3x3 (Used for previous WR- 5.55s)
3x3: MoYu AoLong V2 (Currently using)
4x4: MoYu AoSu
5x5: MoYu HuaChuang