Customer Reviews: Read 21 more reviews...
 The Rubik's cube are not as good as the 80's models August 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first got a Rubik's cube when they came out in the early 80's and absolutely loved it. I used the first one so much that I had to buy a replacement within a couple of years. The action for these cubes was fantastic. 'Clicky' 'tight' but so easy and smooth to turn. Even though I could eventually solve the puzzle in a couple of minutes, I've never tired of it.
I was really pleased when they started to produce the cube again and was keen to buy a new one. I bought a new cube and was dismayed to find that the action and build quality was terrible. I actually dug out my remaining original cube to try and see what the difference could be and saw that the original design had little areas where the inner surfaces had open pockets or gaps. I think this was what helped to reduce the drag when turning the faces.
I ended up exchanging several e-mails with the main 'Rubik's Cube' website and after trying to say that their product was as good as the original, they eventually admitted that their new cube was different. They said that they had stopped leaving these little gaps/pockets due to the risk of small children sticking their fingers in and thereafter being hurt. I personally think that this is utter nonsense.
Anyway, I ended up checking out cubes on ebay and managed to get an original 80's cube in mint condition for under ten pounds. When it arrived, it really was like being introduced to an old friend. 'Tight' 'Clicky' but smooth as silk. A total contrast to the terrible ones that are being sold as the official cube.
I've actually just ordered another 'Rubik's Cube' from another site which says that they get their cubes from a factory in Hungary which is still under the control of the inventor Mr. Erno Rubik. I am very hopeful that it will be as good as his original cube was.
Andrew Lyon
 good fun but the rubik's cube was slimy August 22, 2008
i found the rubik's cube a little slimy i had to wash my hands after i play with it plus the cubes are hard to move you got to line them im or it won't move and its only goes one way it can go the other way but its much stiffer the packages was a bit crp coz it came in a little plastic bag im not sure mabe it was just my one.
 Great puzzle - low on durability July 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this recently to take on holiday........it gave me a challenge for a week and something to do on the beach whilst soaking up the sun. I owned one in the 80's but was never able to do it, so thought now I'm a bit older I'll give it another go......and am now pleased to say after a weeks practice, driving my girlfriend mad and memorising certain moves and following the solve guide that comes with it........I can now complete it in under 2 minutes. It is a great challenge, incredibly addictive and a cool party trick.....dumbfounding people with a seemingly impossible task to solve.
There is a mention on here from one reviewer that the last step in the solution booklet doesnt work. I thought this at first, but it does work....its just not explained very well. So tip: Once you have all the all the last layer corners in the right place but not flipped, pick a face to be your front face....I always choose red. Hold the front face facing you and now JUST TURN THE TOP LAYER and get the piece that needs to be flipped in the top right hand corner. Execute the move R(anticlockwise) D (anticlockwise) R (clockwise) D (clockwise). Make sure when you turn your D face you turn it the correct way.....imagine you are looking directly at D face you are turning. (It is easy to turn it clockwise, not anticlockwise if you are not looking at it directly.) After executing this move 2 or 4 times the corner that needed to be flipped will be completed. What it DOESNT explain in the booklet is that once you have flipped one corner IT WONT GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL STATE YOU STARTED WITH........it still looks all messed up.......don't worry about it. keep going. Still holding your chosen front face facing you, turn the top layer again so the next corner piece that needs to be flipped is in the top right hand corner. Execute the move again. Keep turning the top layer, so the piece that needs to be flipped is in the top right hand corner, and execute the alogorithm. On the last corner piece.......as if by magic...all the colours line up and just twist the individual layers and you've done it! Hope this helps......
The downside of this cube is, and much the same as the other reviews....after much twisting and turning the stickers start to peel away from the edges. A great gadget that is hard to put down, its just a shame they dont make it more durable.
 Just as I remember June 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had one of the original cubes as a child and loved it. It is probably up in the loft somewhere but I wanted a new one anyway. This is exactly the same high quality I remember. It was lovely and fluid straight out of the box. I love it just as much now as I did then, now Im a bit smarter so can complete it too LOL. I have no hesitation in recommending this cube, it really is the best one you can buy.
 Frustration and Embarrassment May 7, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
This puzzle is durable and makes the owner use their mind and improve their dexterity. Whether it is educational is doubtful, although as I already said it encourages the user to think. Plus side: You can use it just about anywhere. It does not use batteries or mains electricity (a big plus for me, the bill payer), there are no small parts to lose and a sense of achievement is attained if you master the puzzle. Down side: Can become boring after a while and as I am finding out can lead to frustration.
After spending a great deal of time and energy a number of years ago, I finally mastered the mystery of the Rubik Cube and could solve the puzzle in a time that I, at least thought was impressive.
How frustrating. I bought a Rubik Cube with the intention of impressing my young grandson. How are the mighty fallen. Imagine my embarrassment when I found that I no longer had the knack for getting all those movable coloured cubes in the right order. Is this the beginning of the end, or is it the end of the beginning, or . . . nurse!! nurse!!
|
