GAN356 XS 3x3 56mm Magnetic Speed Cube

No words, just buy it if you have the money

I purchased the GAN XS roughly when it came out, so about a year ago. It was very quickly my favourite cube, a lot of the features of the GAN X but much more polished and stable.

It can be tuned to a variety of different styles, so I wouldn't really say this cube has a disadvantage in any particular area in regard to corner cutting, stability, etc. It never pops.

I had it as my main until a month or two ago, and would have kept it if it weren't for the fact the magnets on the edge pieces were corroding and eventually breaking (including the plastic enclosure). I don't know for certain what was cracking the plastic, but I can guess that maybe the corrosion was causing some sort of expansion which was in turn causing the plastic to crack. FWIW, I live in a moderately humid environment (SE QLD, Australia).

Just something to watch out for. As this is last year's flagship model, I'd probably only recommend it over the 11 M Pro if you are very sensitive to lockups (I noticed the 11 M Pro locking up a smidge more than this one, but just a little. Could be lube issues on my part as well and I've not exactly fully broken it in yet.)

The Gan XS is a very very good flagship which I cannot explain in words. It has a papery, airy feel ootb and comes with a frosted feel. After some time, the frosted changes into semi-glossy, the grip is not an issue at all. The tensioning system is a bit complicated when you get the cube but you will get used to it. The tensioning system is actually very good and helps us to find the perfect tension for us.

Wud I recommend this product?

Well, here is the part where I want to tell you guys that there are better cubes coming at almost quarter the price of the XS. Here are the cubes.

1) Dayan Tengyun v2 M - This cube comes at 31.95 USD and has a ton of customization and I personally think that this is a better choice than the XS. This cube also has 3 diff magnet settings. This cube has a smooth and quiet feel.

2) MGC elite M - This is the rival of the Tengyun V2, It is completely opposite to the Tengyun v2. It has simplified tensioning and 2 diff magnet settings while the Tengyun v2 has a complex tensioning system. I think so this cube will fit those who like blocky and loud cubes while Tengyun v2 is the choice for those who like smooth quiet cubes.

Looking at the budget side, the rs3m 2020 and the guhong v4m are very good cubes that are perfect for beginners looking for magnetic cubes.

My advice: Do not buy a cube bcz someone has it, buy it only if you think its gonna suit you.

After set-up, great cube

The shipping type was a little longer than expected but that was expected because of the lack of international travel. It's very effortless and I was able to cut down my average by a couple of seconds by transferring to this cube. Highly recommend. If you are wanted a really good 3x3 and you are willing to pay for it, this cube doesn't disappoint. Though maybe the M11 Pro is better, either way, this cube is very good.