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One of the questions that frequently pops up in our inbox is, "How do you keep your speed cube running smoothly?" Well, cube enthusiasts, you're in luck because today, we're looking at the fascinating world of speed cube lubrication. Buckle up as we explore the ins and outs of speed cube lube, decipher the various types available, and help you find the perfect lubricant match for your beloved speed cube. So, let's embark on this slippery journey and keep those cubes turning effortlessly!
What is Speed Cube Lube, and why would I want to use it?
Lubricants are commonly used in speed cubes to achieve a couple of things
- Extending the lifespan of your speed cube by reducing friction where pieces contact each other internally
- Change the turning speed of a speed cube (to slow down or speed up)
- Change the feel of a speed cube (gummy, smooth)
- Reduce internal spring noise
A Brief History
Back in the heyday of Rubik's brand 3x3 cubes, speedcubers were on a relentless quest for a smoother and more enjoyable turning experience. Their journey led them to some rather unconventional lubricants, like WD-40 and Vaseline. These rudimentary solutions worked wonders in reducing the friction where the cube's pieces met, creating that coveted silky-smooth feel. But there was a catch – these early lubricants came with a downside. They tended to wreak havoc on the cube's plastic, necessitating a thorough cleanup every couple of days and melting of the plastic. Fast forward to today, and we're in a whole new era of speed cube lubes. These modern marvels have bid farewell to the hassle of constant cleaning. Mostly comprised of silicone, these lubricants have been fine-tuned to perfection. They can be customized with additional ingredients to alter their properties, catering to the unique preferences of speedcubers. And for those who prefer a faster, water-based option, there are choices like our Stardust Lube on the market. Say goodbye to the days of WD-40 woes, and welcome the era of user-friendly, high-performance speed cube lubes!
Application
Our Cosmic Lube collection of cube lubricants now comes in three convenient sizes: 5ML, 10ML, and 15ML, all in user-friendly dropper-style bottles. Applying lubricant to your speed cube has never been smoother – simply unscrew the cap of the dropper bottle, and delicately dispense a few drops at the contact points between the pieces. Here's a pro tip: Start with just a small number of drops (4-6) to begin with. Remember, it's easier to add more lubricant if needed than to remove excess. Removing excess lube would require cleaning out your speedcube, which can be a bit of a puzzle itself! So, embrace precision and start with a light touch to achieve that perfect, buttery-smooth cube action you crave.
If you're aiming for peak cube performance, it's crucial not to neglect the core, often referred to as "the hardware." Here's the lowdown on how to properly lubricate it for a smoother solving experience. Start by locating the center screw, which typically hides beneath the center cap on 3x3 cubes. Carefully unscrew the screw completely, exposing the spring beneath. Now, this is where precision comes into play. Apply a couple of drops of your chosen lubricant directly onto the spring and screw. But here's the trick – make sure you avoid getting any lubricant on the screw's threads. This ensures a smooth, hassle-free reassembly. As you screw the core back in, take a moment to assess your speedcube's tension. It's the perfect opportunity to make any necessary re-tensioning adjustments for that ideal feel. When it comes to core lubrication, we highly recommend our Vortex lube . Thanks to its weight and speed-enhancing properties, it's the go-to choice for elevating your cube's core performance to the next level!
Common Terms
- Fast
- Makes the turn speed of a puzzle faster
- Our favorites include our Lunar Lube and Stardust Lube
- Slow
- Makes the turn speed of a puzzle slower and more controllably
- Smooth
- Reduction of friction and the "sandy" feel that some cubes come with out-of-the-box
- Control
- Associated with "slow", is generally used to describe lubricants that slightly slow down a puzzle to attain a more manageable speed. Useful for most puzzles nowadays, since most come out of the box with a very fast turning speed.
- Our favorite control lubes include Nebula Lube and Cosmos Lube
- Gummy
- Is often referred to as a "buttery" or "soft" turning feel
- Our favorite gummy lubes include Galaxy Lube and Nebula Lube
- Heavy
- Thicker and usually smoother turning feel
- Our favorite heavy lubes include Vortex lube and Nebula Lube
- Sandy/Dry
- Feels like two pieces of paper rubbing against to each other (to an extent)
- Lubricant is commonly used to remove the sandy/dry feel that some puzzles have out of the box
Lubricant Comparison
When it comes to our Cosmic Lube collection, we've got your back with a handy set of "stats" for each lubricant in our arsenal. Whether you're in the market for a speedy solution to rev up your vintage speed cubes or a gummy lube to give your speed cube more substance when turning, we've got the perfect formula to meet your cube turning needs!
Helpful bundles
Can't decide which lubricants to get or what combinations work well? Want to try them all and save money? Check out some popular lubricant bundles!
$12.67
If you are looking to go fast, the Lightspeed Lube Bundle is perfect for you! Both Stardust and Lunar complement each other beautifully and make up for what the other lacks. Stardust's light-weight speed paired with Lunar's soft silicone formulation… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<Lightspeed Lube Bundle
$16.84
$12.67
Comet and Cosmos are perfect compliments to each other and will restore balance to your speed cube. Both lubricants are identical in terms of controllability, heaviness, and gumminess except Comet is fast and Cosmos is controllable. Mix and match until… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<Balance Lube Bundle
$16.84
$21.16
Having a hard time deciding? Well why not try all of them and save 25% off? Our Cosmic lubes have been taking the cubing community by a storm and are receiving amazing reviews! Each lubricant is engineered to give your… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<Cosmic Lube Sampler
$28.03
$43.81
Mix and match our premium speed lube lubricants to create a completely custom turning feel! Our easy to apply lubricants each offer its own unique properties so whether you are looking to experiment or simply get a great deal, our… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<Ultimate Lube Bundle
$58.96
Conclusion
In the world of speedcubing, the right lubricant can make all the difference. Speedcube lube isn't just about keeping your cube running smoothly; it's a game-changer that can:
- Extend the lifespan of your beloved speed cube by reducing friction between its internal pieces.
- Give you the power to fine-tune your speedcube's turning speed and feel, whether you want it to slow down or speed up.
- Transform the tactile experience of your cube, from gummy to delightfully smooth.
- Banish annoying internal spring noise for a quieter, focused solving session.
In conclusion, speedcubing has come a long way from the days of makeshift lubricants like WD-40 and Vaseline. Today, we're in an era of advanced lubricants that enhance your cube's performance without the hassle of frequent cleaning. Our Cosmic Lube collection offers various sizes to cater to your needs, ensuring a smooth application process.
Remember, precision is key when applying lubricant, and it's easier to start with a light touch and add more if needed. The right lubricant can extend your cube's lifespan, adjust its turn speed, and transform its feel.
So, whether you're a seasoned cuber or just starting out, our range of high-performance lubes and bundled options at SpeedCubeShop can elevate your solving experience. Don't let friction hold you back – embrace the power of lubrication and conquer those cubes like a pro!
