Both GAN and MoYu have released their 2021 flagships, the GAN 12 MagLev vs MoYu WR M 2021 Maglev. Both puzzles prominently feature MagLev in their name but have a number of differences - read on to learn more.
Packaging
The WR M 2021 MagLev comes in a much simpler box in comparison to the GAN 12 MagLev, which is reflected in the prices - we will address the pricing later.
The WR M 2021 MagLev comes in a sleek box with purple accents which matches the internals of the puzzle, whilst the GAN 12 MagLev stands out with its highly glossy blue color.
Visuals
The exterior on the GAN 12 MagLev is arguably more vibrant with its UV Coated finish - but don't get us wrong, the WR M MagLev doesn't look bad at all. However, the WR M MagLev does have a highly unique purple interior plastic.
GAN 12 MagLev's highly glossy UV finish | MoYu WR M MagLev's standard shades with purple internals | Comparison with checkerboard, MoYu WR M MagLev left, GAN 12 M right |
Accessories
Boxes
The WR M MagLev 2021 comes with MoYu's display box, which doubles as a display stand. The box has a stackable design, where you can vertically stack multiple boxes, and has sharper edges in comparison to the box that the GAN puzzle comes with.
The GAN 12 comes in clamshell-style box, which looks great and is easy to use. Simply press the two opposing sides and the cube box opens with ease. Both boxes are transparent and will certainly protect either puzzle.
Adjustment Tools
MoYu includes some adjustment tools that plug into the provided screwdriver-style bit, to adjust the customizable magnet system, and a standard MoYu mini screwdriver. There are also MoYu's tensioning tools, which can be used to make all sides evenly tensioned when the cube is fully disassembled. Finally, you have your elasticity tool to adjust the spring elasticity - a total of four different tools.
The GAN 12 MagLev comes with spare interchangable corner magnets, and an "all-in-one" style adjustment tool which can adjust the spring elasticity, "screw" depth and magnet strength of the puzzle. The GAN 12 also comes with a unique ID card and a cube bag as well.
Product Details
The WR M MagLev comes in at a 55 millimeter size, whilst the GAN 12 is 56 millimeter, not a large difference but is certainly noticeable if you are an experienced speed cuber.
The WR M MagLev comes in at 84 grams, which is in stark comparison to the very lightweight 66 gram GAN 12 MagLev.
The WR M has five different magnet settings whereas GAN 12 has six different magnet settings.
Turning
The GAN 12 has a very unique turning experience, with an overall crispy feel and a frictionless feel, aided by the MagLev system. It is a little dry an scratchy feeling out of the box, and is not too loud. The
The WR M MagLev is heavier feeling when turning, and is arguably smoother in general. Both cubes would heavily benefit from lubrication if you are looking to deaden the sound of each turn and for an overall smoother turning feel on either cubes.
Price
The WR M comes in at $29.95 USD at SpeedCubeShop.com wihlst the GAN 12 MagLev is priced at $77.95 USD. This is a near $50 difference between the two puzzles, however the GAN 12 has arguably easier customization systems in comaprison to the WR M MagLev. However, we would say that the best value for money certainly lies in the MoYu WR M MagLev 2021.
Magnets
Both cubes are corner-edge magnetized, although the GAN 12 M features GAN's corner-core magnet system, which boasts of "30 degree auto-alignment", which can be seen when turning. On both puzzles the strength of the corner-edge magnets are readily adjustable from weak to strong. However, if you have somewhat accurate turning both cubes are likely to suit the majority of cubers' preferences.
Maglev Systems
Both MagLev systems effectively achieve the same thing, where two opposing magnets are placed close to each other to emulate the traditional spring. By adjusting the MagLev tension it brings the magnets closer together, making their effect stronger and making the cube more stable and slower.
GAN's implementation is arguably easier than MoYu's version, with a singular tool, with MoYu's system similar to the standard WR M 2021 and Dual Adjustment Systems present.
Read more about Spring Adjustment Systems here.
Build Quality and Performance
...the GAN looks and feels more premiumd when you're not using the cube but the WR M just has that nicer weight ot it and doesn't look quite as nice visually - until you see those awesome purple internals.
Cameron Brown 2021
Both puzzles feature flagship performance, able to corner cut with ease and do not pop on reasonable tensions, as we have come to expect from modern flagships.
Conclusion
Overall, both cubes are certainly great picks and are being used by top speed cubers around the globe. The WR M MagLev is a great sub $30 option, but if you want to go all out on a puzzle you cannot go wrong with the GAN 12 M MagLev. Both puzzles feature the same specs, a different feel and different sizes so it will almost certainly come down to personal preference.