Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: The Dark by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Steve Brundage: Cube 3 Reviewed
One "Rubik's" Cube, 2 video files, 2 cheat sheets, over 3 hours, the tricks that fooled Penn & Teller and $35 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect
The effects can be found in the ad copy and the video trailer, but essentially you're getting a series of effects that start with a mixed up cube and end with the cube solved by magic.
Method
The method is the same for each effect, just customized/tweaked slightly for the effect at hand. The method is totally doable, even if you don't know how to solve the cube. However, all of the effects require you to start with a solved cube. So if you have an unsolved cube, you'll have to solve it first, or take it apart, or have a friend solve it, etc.
Also, keep in mind that while practicing the method, you may accidentally mix up the cube, so you'll have to be able to have a way to get it back to a solved state before practicing/performing again.
The method for all of these effects is not simple, but it's not complicated either. It will require a bit of nimbleness on your part, and will definitely require practice. Also, included is a full tutorial for solving the cube, so if you learn that, then you'll never have to worry about accidentally mixing up the cube.
Ad Copy Integrity
The written ad copy, while a little over-hyped in a couple of places is accurate. The video trailer, is sort of accurate. However, there's a problem that's bugging me. All of the effects shown on the trailer are taught on the included video. However, the method for mixing up the cube shown on the video puts the cube in a different looking situation than what is shown in the video.
In other words, if I follow the instructions taught on the training video, and then I go to do the cube in the bag effect, if I were to show you my cube and then show you the cube in the trailer, they would look different. I wasn't sure if that means that he used a different method (i.e., different cube mix) in the trailer or if they cheated in the trailer. Well after some digging, I found out that the trailer was shot using one method, but once they shot the video, they changed the method slightly due to the fact the method ussed in the trailer actually belongs to someone else. That's my understanding up to this point in my life at this time.
With that said, however, the effects shown in the trailer are all taught in the included video, and other than the fact that the cubes appear to look different as pointed out above, the effects look basically the same. However, the performance in the trailer seems a little smoother.
Product Quality
The included cube is a very good quality speed cube. That opinion is coming from a position of some level of authority being a hard core cuber myself. I've tried and tested tons of different cubes, and this is one of the best speed cubes I've ever used. I'm not sure what brand it is or how much it would cost to buy separately. Speed cubes cost anywhere from $4.00 to $50 or more, depending on the brand, modifications done to the cube, etc.
Before getting Cube 3, my favorite cube was the YJ GuanLong. It's $4.00 bucks, and moves like butter. However, once that cube wears out, I'm seriously considering switching to the one supplied with Cube 3.
On top of that, you receive a small thumb drive that contains two videos and two PDFs. One video is a full tutorial on solving the cube. The other video is a full training on all the effects. The teaching and explanations are top notch and cover everything in great depth. The two PDFs included are from one of the better learn-to-solve-the-cube websites: Bad Mephisto. I contacted Bad Mephisto to make sure it was ok that the PDFs were included with Cube 3, and he said, "hi jeff use anything anywhere, thanks bye! Andrej." I'm going to assume that means it's cool to include the PDFs with this product.
Lastly, while I'd consider myself an expert on cubes and an expert on magic, I'm far from an expert on cube magic. That being the case, a little digging was needed. My brief journey led me to learn that the material in this DVD is a bit under credited. Some credits and basic inspiration are mentioned, but I feel a very small amount of simple research and a little bit more effort could have resulted in better crediting.
Final Thoughts
If you like the appeal of magic with a Rubik's Cube, then you'll likely be very happy with your purchase. You just need to make sure that you're willing to put in the time to practice and go into this knowing that you won't be performing "right out of the box" which is a good thing.
Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem
48 Comments
I broke and bought this BEFORE your review. Glad you have the same opinion of this trick. Definitely going to blow some minds with this one.
@John – I don’t think you’ll regret it other than you might have wished you waited until I reviewed CUBE FX. 🙂
Well, if you`d get on the ball and do these reviews on a TIMELY basis (just jerking your chain). I normally don`t make a purchase without checking your reviews so, like I said, I`m glad you agreed with my me. NOW YOU REVIEW FX? Come on . . . You`re tearin` me up!
@John – I know . . . I’m a slacker. What can I say. 🙂
I purchased this about a week ago and I am really looking forward to performing this by Christmas. Thanks for the review Jeff. As always you are fair in your reviews and that is why I enjoy your reviews.
@Jose – Thanks brother. Let me know how it goes when you perform it.
If you figure out which cube this is, please let me know!
Thanks!!!
Jay
@Jay – Found it, and it’s only $9 bucks. Here it is at The Cubicle. Make sure to use the discount code: crazybadcuber. You’ll save 5%.
It’s “Cube3” by Steven Brundage
Of course it is Cube3. What I meant is that if Jeff figures out which speed cube is included in the Cube3 package, I hope he will share it with us. Some of us might want to buy more of those cubes so we can do other routines that require more than one cube. Buying multiple Cube3 packages is not a good deal because you only need one set of instructions.
I’m sorry if my comment was not clear to everyone. Jeff, I figure you understood what I was saying.
Jay
I just reread my message, and I realized I probably sounded kind of “snarky” there. I apologize. John, I realize you were just trying to be helpful.
The thing is, I don’t want to buy two more of the Cube3’s because I’ll wind up with three of the flash drives. That seems like a bit of a waste of money to me since I only need one. That’s why I hope if Jeff figures out which speed cube comes with the package that he will let the rest of us know.
Jay
Hey everyone. The cube that Steve Brundage uses is called the ShengShou Aurora 3×3. It can be found at TheCubicle.us.
Make sure you use the discount code: crazybadcuber
It’ll get you a 5% discount.
Awesome! Too bad I already ordered the $4 cubes you recommended. Oh well. I suppose I can use those for practicing, and use these ones for performing.
Thanks for letting us know, Jeff!!!
Jay
@Jay – You’ll be happy with those $4 ones for sure. Have they arrived yet? I bought some that were unstickered for the contest that I’m doing right now. They were in pretty bad shape, so I had to take them all apart and clean them, lube them and sticker them. They’re great now, but it took me hours. 🙂
Nope, they haven’t arrived yet. I bought the stickered version, and some lube. I’ll let you know when they come in. At that price, I’m sure I will be happy with them! And, since I already have Cube3, I’ll only need to buy two more of the $9 ones to have a set of three.
Sorry to hear about the hours it took you to get those cubes in shape!
@Jay – It’s alright. I just did three more of the cubes. I’ve got three left to go. 🙂
I got mine for under $5.00 from amazon. Just thought I’d share.
Jose, thanks for the information!
One more thing. I found out from my dealer that some of the USB drives did not work correctly. If you get one of those, instead of having to return it, you can now access the video content and pdf’s online. If your dealer does not have that information, they can get it from Murphy’s.
@Jose, @Jay – Thank you, both, for the information. This kind of community makes my “job” as a reviewer so much more rewarding.
Jeffro!!!!
Long time no chat my man. I was off the grid for a bit.
Digging the video reviews man. Very Chic.
I’ve recently started transitioning into speed cubing. What’s your preferred method?
I’m digging the Roux method but haven’t been able to break sub-60 with it yet.
DO
@DO! I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. My favorite cuber reminds me of you. How’s life been brother?
As for my preferred method, Fridrich all the way. CFOP
C – Cross
F – F2L (First 2 Layers)
O – OLL (Orient the Last Layer) – i.e., flip all the last layer cubies up to solve the bottom corner
P – PLL (Permute the Last Layer) – i.e., shuffle the corners and/or edges to get them in the correct place – done.
My average is around 30 seconds. I have all 21 of the PLL algorithms memorized, and I have 27 (out of 57) of the OLL algorithms memorized.
My problem is I’m slow at the cross and F2L look-ahead.
As far as I know, CFOP/Fridrich is the best method for speed. I believe that all of the world records have been done with this method (and advanced versions of it).
Probably the best tutorial out there is from the YouTube Channel (CrazyBadCuber) I mentioned above. You can watch the video here:
3x3x3 Tutorial
Also, you can get a list of all the Algorithms from a different guy (Bad Mephisto) here:
Algorithms
Just make sure you watch the tutorial before looking at the algorithm link.
Good luck brother!
Shoot me an email/facebook/etc. if you have any questions or you just wanna get “under the hood.” 🙂
Jeffro
Hi Jeff!
I have received my cube3 today and with the new cubes no USB Stick is included. A download link is printed inside the box. Just FYI 🙂
Have a nice day
Dominik
@Dominik – Thanks for the update. I think that the new batch went out that way so that they can continue to add new effects and videos to the site.
Ok When I was in school. (Way Way Back) I use to have a cube and the pyramid. Always like those type of challenges. So I am going to look at they other cube reviews and see. I might even get back into it!
Thank again,
Alan
@Alan – Yep. I’ve got the Pyramid and a whole bunch of cubes. The cubing bug totally bit me again after watching/reviewing these products.
Hey Jeff,
I was looking for the review where you did all 3 but cant find it. What title is it under?
@Alan – Sorry about that. That’s one that I only posted on YouTube.
I love the fact that it comes with a cube!
Fantastic routines super visual!
And in any cube review I just get more and more upset that I can’t perform cube magic…
I have also heard that he is going to shoot another explanation video in which he will include his millisecond solve.
Now that is exciting!
@Jordan – Why can’t you perform cube magic?
Some great routines on this project but a shame about the integrity of his crediting to The Cube. I don’t think the one handed solve should have been included. But it does come with a fantastic cube.
@Zach – You’re right about that cube. It’s an excellent cube, and they’re only $9 bucks.
I’m writing this part before I read or hear anybodies comments to see if what I saw is what you all saw.
I believe the Advertising Trailer wasn’t that clean and that multiple times I could catch the method. Not sure if that is because I’ve trained myself to look for the stuff or if the presentation was in poor quality. It just didn’t look like the cube was completely square…now on to the review and readers comments….
….Thanks for a great review, this looks like one I will need to consider purchasing too.
Not completely square?
Hey Jeff!
I gotta say, your reviews r awesome! Great work! I had a few questions and was hoping you could help since you’re really experienced with cubes.
1. Which cube would u recommend more, the yj guanlong or the shengshou aurora?
2. Do u think using lube will make a big difference and worth getting? If so which lube is best?
3. Lastly, do u have a discount code for cubezz.com? They offer great prices and free shipping.
Thank you soo much!!
@Jerry – Thanks for the post. I prefer the YJ Guanlong. I like how it feels. However, cube choice is a very personal thing. It’s all about your solve method, turning style, and speed. You’ve got to experiment and find out what feels best for you.
As for Lube, it depends on what cube you get. The two you mentioned are good out of the box without having to lube them.
Sorry, but I’ve never heard of Cubezz.com, so I have no discount codes.
Thanks again for being a part of the site.
Jeffro
Thanks for the reply!
Can u give me some pros and cons to the cubes?
Like which one is more quiet, more smooth, faster, more control, and better quality. Which site do u recommend? Thanks again!
@Jerry – The Aurora is quieter, but I think the YJ is smoother. The amount of control you have depends on how you tension the cube, lube the cube, the method you use to solve, your turning style, etc. Quality is a relative term. One of the cubes that I feel is poor quality is actually the favorite of several speed cubers. Again, this is a VERY personal thing.
Think of it this way: If someone asked me which is better for coin magic, Half Dollars or Morgan Silver Dollars how would you respond? My answer would be: It Depends. How big are your hands? What sleights are you doing? What’s your audience size, venue, etc.
There’s no one right answer. My advice is to purchase them both and test them out.
I buy everything at thecubicle.us and use the code: crazybadcuber for 5% off.
Got it! Thanks for your time!
Hey Jeff,
I learned everything on Cube3 but the thing I wanted to know the most, the millisecond solve… I saw some things on the magiccafe but still wasn’t sure how to exactly do it.. Do u know how or where I can learn it? Thanks!
Jerry
@Jerry – Thanks for the comment. Isn’t the millisecond solve the one where you put the cube in the bag and it “instantly” solves? That’s taught on there.
No it’s the last phase that he did on fool us. Where he just dropped the cube from one hand to the other and it completely solved. No funny moves it looked like
@Jerry – Yeah. That can be done using the same concept taught on the video. You just have to do it super fast.
Hi Jeff,
When Steven performed for Penn and Teller he gave the cube to Teller to mix and then he mixed the second cube the same way.
This is the effect I want to learn, but it is not included in the DVD.
Do you know somewhere I can learn it from?
Thank-you.
@Veneta – I’m pretty sure that was just a cube switch.
How long did it take y’all to practice so that it would look good enough to perform
Hi Jeff,
I love your reviews. I’ve been following for a while, but had never posted anything.
I wanted to ask if you could reveal whose method was the one actually shown in the trailer?
Thank you for the great content you put out there with your reviews! It’s always great insight.
Peace,
Pepe
@Pepe – Thanks for the comment. I actually don’t know whose method it was. I just assumed that it was Steve’s. Although, I’ve heard some chatter that there was some issue with the method being too similar to Karl Hein’s.