Introduction
If you ever want a new flagship 3x3, you rarely ever need to look beyond the big three - GAN, QiYi and MoYu. They always have a good cube out on the market, the current flagships being the QiYi X-Man Tornado v4, MoYu WeiLong v10 and the GAN 15. However, with each cube being so different from the other, it can get confusing when you are trying to pick one that suits you.
This blog compares everything from each cube’s size, feel, speed and everything in between to help you choose the cube for you.
Versions
QiYi X-Man Tornado v4 M
The Tornado v4 comes in 2 versions, the Flagship edition with a Ball Core and Springs and a matte surface, and the Pioneer edition with a Ball + Maglev core and a UV coated finish.
MoYu WeiLong WR M V10
This cube comes in a whopping 4 different versions. However, if you are looking for a true flagship cube to compete with, I would suggest not looking under the Ball Core Springs edition and Ball Core Maglev edition, both of which come with a UV surface and 20 Magnet Ball Core.
GAN 15 Maglev 3x3 UV Coated
As of right now, the GAN 15 is only available in the Maglev + UV edition with core magnets.
Size
- Tornado v4: The Tornado v4 is 55 mm in size
- WeiLong v10: All versions of the v10 come in at 55.5mm
- GAN 15: The GAN 15 comes in at a standard 56 mm
Weight
- Tornado v4: This cube weighs in at 71.5 grams
- WeiLong v10: This cube weighs 72 grams
- GAN 15: It is extremely light, at only 58.6 grams
Customizability
Tornado v4:
Both editions of this cube have core and magnet customizability. There are 25 different core setting combinations. What I really like about this cube is that you can easily customize the core using just your fingers. The only hiccup is that the center caps are really hard to open on X-Man 3x3s.
To change the magnet strength, which is now in the corners, you will need the tool given in the package or a flathead screwdriver.
WeiLong v10:
MoYu has finally upgraded the core customizability on their cubes and both editions of this cube have an easy to use spring/axis distance and tension customizability. However, this cube does not have magnet customizability. The center caps too are easy to take off. You can use the tool given in the box or even your fingers to adjust the core. There are 36 different settings available.
GAN 15:
This cube comes with many customization options. The center caps are locked into place but you can easily remove them with the center removal tool given in the box. You can get 36 different combinations by customizing the core.
To adjust the magnets however, you have to take apart the whole cube and swap around the default white magnets with the blue (weak) and green (strong) magnets based on your choice.
The cube also comes with extra center pieces that you can replace with the stock centers. These extra pieces have squared off skirts at the bottom that can make the cube more stable.
Feel
Tornado v4:
- Flagship edition - I would describe this cube as smooth, firm, stable and quiet. There’s also a good amount of weight on the turns. If you have used the predecessor of this cube
- Pioneer edition - The feeling of this cube is quite similar to the Flagship, but the turns are lighter due to the maglev core. It is also faster than the Flagship.
WeiLong v10:
- Spring BC edition - I would describe the turns as crisp, airy and tactile. It’s very fun to play with and the magnets click well.
- MagLev BC edition - Similar to the Tornado v4, the maglev edition of the v10 also shares the same feel as the v10’s Spring edition but with lighter and faster turns, but not necessarily better.
GAN 15:
- This cube has that classic premium and soft turning that is a theme with GAN cubes. The turns are very light and almost effortless.
- The cube feels quite similar to MoYu cubes if you use the extra centers that come with the cube, while still retaining the richness of the GAN.
Speed
Tornado v4:
- Flagship edition - This is a cube with moderate and controllable speed which is just at the right spot for aggressive turners.
- Pioneer edition - This cube is for people who like fast and light turning maglev cubes. But if you are not a fan of the speed, some heavy lube on the pieces is enough to slow it down and still keep the lightness of the Maglev.
WeiLong v10:
- Spring BC edition- This cube is moderate to fast and can be adjusted based on your settings and what you lube it with.
- MagLev BC edition - This cube is really fast and light. It can be hard to slow it down.
GAN 15:
- This cube is very fast, but not uncontrollably fast. If you turn well on this cube, you will find the speed assisting you to do better.
Durability
All of these cubes are high-end puzzles from reputed manufacturers, so you shouldn’t have to worry about durability and longevity if you take good care of them. That said, you might want to be careful while dealing with the GAN 15’s center caps as the legs are quite thin. Another thing to note is that the quality of the UV coating is slightly better on the Gan than on the other two cubes.
Hope this blog helped you choose your newest main! Thank you for reading.
Happy Cubing!
