Rubik's Cube - Enchanted vs. Insta-Cube ?

[David Nethery]

Without discussing or revealing methods, any opinions on whether Insta-Cube is worth the extra money over the older Rubik's Cube effect called Enchanted Cube (invented by Craig Nichols) ?

I like Enchanted Cube very much, but the kicker in the dealer ads for Insta-Cube is the "can immediately be handed out for examination" . (that magical phrase that has bewitched and bewildered so many of us into shelling out money for something that we basically already own) .

Again, without discussing the method, I perceive from the demo video of Insta-Cube that the performer ends up "dirty" at the end, but I expect a ditch would be fairly easy under cover of the audience attention on the cube .

I don't usually care for "hand out props for examination" sort of endings , but in this case I think it's natural for people to grab it if I set it down on the table . Kids certainly want to grab it . I would usually try to keep that under control and discourage any grabby-ness , but in this case if it's truly examinable I think that would strengthen the effect .

So, Insta-Cube is $75.00 . The effect from the audience view is exactly the same as Enchanted Cube. Do I really want this for the "can be examined" aspect or not ? Is it that much better ?

Your thoughts ?

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By the way, speaking of Rubik's Cube does anyone know of a well made "Die Box" that uses a Rubik's Cube instead of a die ? I seem to recall that Mikame had one out a few years back that had a cube which looked sort of like a Rubik's (I think it was all yellow cube , but multi-faceted, so could be decorated to look like Rubik's Cube with stickers .)

[James L. Clark]

I'm using a modified version of InstaCube that I fabricated based on the same principles for a TV show I am filming in LA. Personally, I prefer the concept over Daryl's version because it can be handed out to specs. Not seen it used in a die box, but that does sound interesting. JC

[David Nethery]

Thanks for that James.

The only other thing that makes me hesitate about "Insta-Cube" compared to the original "Enchanted Cube" is whether or not the method of Insta-Cube is so close to the original that violates the creator's rights on the original ? From what I can see of the demo video Insta-Cube is the same thing except the gimmick peels off and is stolen and ditched by the performer while the cube is handed out.

If Insta-Cube really is a significant improvement I may get it since I have unfortunately discovered that the original Enchanted Cube has been widely exposed by jerks on YouTube who have posted detailed instructions on how to make Enchanted Cube.

Maybe if Insta Cube would overcome the "examinable" issue and would fool those who think they know from seeing the exposed versions then I might get Insta Cube.