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Speedcube Lube Guide | What Lube Does What?
Let's look at speedcube lube and what each one does. From SpeedCubeShop to TheCubicle to KewbzUK and all inbetween. There are so many different types, bottles, colours, scents... But, what do they all do? Let's dive on in.
Introduction to Speed Cube Lube
To beginners, the world of Speed cube Lube can be a daughting one. In this article we are going to answer a few questions such as:
- Why use cube lube?
- What does lube do to my cube?
- What cube lube do I need?
- What do the different types of lube do to my cube?
Types of Speed Cube Lube?
Nowadays there are many types of speed cube lube. Each type boasts a different set of pros and cons for your puzzle. Let's dive on in.
Silicone Based Lube
Pros
- Longevity - Silicone-based lubes tend to last longer within the cube, reducing the frequency of reapplication.
- Smootness - They generally provide a smoother feel, which is preferred by many speedcubers for a more fluid/plush experience.
- Consistency - These lubricants maintain their consistency over a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for various environments.
Cons
- Damage to Cube - Some silicone lubes can react with certain plastic types, potentially damaging the cube over time. This isnt such a big deal as long as you stick to using specific cubing lubricant.
- Residue Build up - They can accumulate gunk over time, requiring thorough cleaning more often.
Water Based Lube
Pros
- Ease of Cleaning - Water based lube is alot easier to clean out of your puzzle.
Cons
- Not for Hardware - Be careful around the screws and metalwork of your puzzle as water-based lube can make this rust.
- Shorter Lifespan - Water based lubes have a shorter lifespan then silicone based lubricants.
- Environmental Sensitivity - Factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the feeling of water based lubricants potentially reducing there effectiveness.
Why Use Cube Lube?
Cube lubricant will change your cube drastically. But, is it for the better?
- Silicone Lube - Silicone lubes usually make your cubes feel smoother (in cubing this is also know as Buttery or Plush
- Water Lube - Water lubes often add increased speed to your puzzles whilst reducing control.
What is Each Lube for?
All lubes have a different use and product a different feel. Let's look at some of the most popular brands and what the manufacturers say about each one.
TheCubicle Lubes
Did You Know: KewbzUK are exclusive resellers of TheCubicle lubricant in the UK.
- Silk - Ideal for a plush, controllable feel. Great for puzzles of all sizes 2x2-7x7, Minxes, Pyras etc... Note: This is aloe based and should be avoided if you have an aloe allergy.
- Mystic - The worlds first plant based speed cube lube. Mystic is great for creating a lively, fast cubing experience. Great for any puzzle big or small.
- DNM-37 - Water based for insane speed with limited control. DNM is designed to absorb and retain moisture from the air, meaning your cube will stay lubricated for longer. Great for any puzzle including Sq-1, Minxes and big cubes.
- Weighted Lubes (1-5) - Weighted lubes are usually used on cores and bigger puzzles or by experienced cubers that know exactly what type of feel that are looking for. Weight 1 is the thinnest of the weighted lubes and Weight 5 is the thickest (and most popular).
- Gravitas - High viscosity silicone lube that utilizes micro-friction of two nano-scale compounds to create unparalleled levels of smoothness and controllability (taken direct from TheCubicle website). We use Gravitas on the tracks of the edge pieces (the torpedos). Note: a little goes a long way. we recommend using this with Dignitas and DNM-37.
- Dignitas - Medium viscosity silicone lube that utilizes micro-scale nitride to create the perfect balance between speed and smoothness (taken direct from TheCubicle website). We use dignitas on the contact points between the edges and corners. We recommend using this with Gravitas and DNM-37
- Compound X - Water based lube which uses the attraction of charged solicone polymers to slow down puzzles at the molecular level and doesn't result in a gummy silicone feeling (taken directly from TheCubicle website).
- Lubicle Black - Lubicle Black is metal-based and designed for metal to metal and metal to plastic contact points. Apply a small drop to the head of each scren and the bottom of each center piece (taken directly from TheCubicle website). Do NOT get this on your clothes as it will stain.
- Lubicle 1 - Silicone based teflon lubricant. Lubicle 1 provides a perefct blend of speed and control. Be sure to shake the bottle well to ensure the particles disperse and mix.
- Max Fleet - Non-Newtonian piece lube with a very high molecular weight, resulting in a meterial with strikingly unique shear properties. Max fleet is extremely quick but with little to no drag (taken directly from TheCubicle website).
- Max Command - Silicone based core lube that creates smooth lubricity between metal to non-metal surfaces. Pop a little on springs and screws. You can use Max Command on edge and corner tracks to give your cube extra control (partly taken from TheCubicle website).
- fz Rush - Hydroxy Compound based lube that instantly creates a long-lasting fast and comfortable feel. fz Rush wipes off cleanly with little residue (taken directly from TheCubicle website).
- fz Calm - Hydroxy Compound based lube that instantly creates a long-lasting smooth, controllable and dampened feel. fz Calm wipes off cleanly with little residue (taken directly from TheCubicle website).
SpeedCubeShop Lubes
Did You Know: KewbzUK are exclusive resellers of SCS lubricant in the UK.
- Lunar - Lunar is a fast silicone based lube that is absolutely perfect for light, fast and a lasting cubing experience. It creates a soft feel that lasts. Lunar is one of our top selling SCS Lubes here at KewbzUK.
- Martian - SpeedCubeShops best selling luricant, is a favorite among speed cubers for its quick, manageable, and soft texture that meets all their needs. It's highly recommended for all puzzles, particularly larger cubes, due to its exceptional performance. Call it the All-in-one of lubes. Speed? Control? It's got it all.
- Galaxy - Galaxy Lubricant offers a fast, controllable, and smooth turning experience, making it an ideal all-around choice. It's perfect for those seeking a balanced feel or for beginners uncertain about where to begin.
- Nebula - The perfect lube if you're after a controlled, gummy cubing experience. Nebula wont 'gunk' up your cube either so just apply and enjoy.
- Stardust - Stardust is a distinctive water-based solution that enhances your cube's performance while maintaining its natural feel, setting it apart from other lubricants that dry out and leave residue. Its unique formula hardens as it dries, ensuring a long-lasting, mess-free experience unlike any other water-based lubricant.
KewbzUK Lubes
The home of our lubricants - Water and Silicone based.
- Aqua - Aqua is our own water based lubricant that is gloopy like that of a silicone based lube. This ensure it spreads nicer than other water based lubes and adds a gummy/plush feel to your cube whilst also adding speed and a little control.
- Terra - Similar to Weight 1/2, Terra is great for hardware (metal-metal or metal-plastic contact). You can also use Terra and Ignis along with Aqua and other lubes to create a unique feel.
- Ignis - Similar to Weight 4/5, Ignis is great for hardware (metal-metal or metal-plastic contact). Ignis is also great as a core lube as its thicker, you can mix it with Terra and Aqua or any other lube to create a totally unique feel.
- Blitz - Blitz is our fastest silicone based lube that adds a light, fast feel to your cube and a subtle minty scent. Simply place 2 drops in your puzzle, break in and add more if needed. All KewbzUK Lubes can we mized together to create a special, unique feel.
- Dash - A mixture of control and speed leaning more to the fast end of the spectrum, creating a light cubing experience. Dash is scented with a slightly citrus aroma. Just add 2 drops to your puzzle and break in, adding more if needed.
- Swift - Swift is half way between Dash and Glide and leaning more towards control. Swift will create the perfectly plush feel that that after a slowed down, butter, controlled cubing experience with a hint of speed. Also boasting a peachy/orange scent. We recommend Swift for beginners.
- Glide - Glide was designed to be a controlled lube that adds a plush, butter feel to your cube. We've scented it with a slight lavender smell to enhance the senses. Simply place 2 drops in your puzzle, break in and add more if needed. All KewbzUK Lubes can we mized together to create a special, unique feel.
Frequantly Asked Questions
Why use Cube Lube?
Using lube in your Speed Cube is very important for a number of reasons.
- Extend the life of your puzzle
- Change the feel of your cube
- Adjust the speed of your cube
- Reduce spring noise
Common Lube Terms
What do some of these words mean?
- Fast / Slow - The speed that the puzzle turns / the friction between the pieces.
- Control - Slow down your cube and offer more stability. Some cubes are naturally fast out of the box and require slowing down.
- Gummy / Plush - A buttery soft feeling when turning the adjacent layers. Many people like this feeling as its a mixture of both speed and control.
- Weighted Lubes - More for advanced cubers and those that know exactly what feel they are trying to achieve. Weight 1 is lighter than weight 5 - heavier lubes are generally used for the core of the puzzle where as lighter lubes are mainly used on the pieces.
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