FAQ

REFRAKTOR is a cube project where everything can be done with an ungimmicked cube. We always wanted to be able to just pick up a cube and do some amazing magic with it, so that's what this project is all about. We aim to equip you with all the tools you need and also provide some killer routines as well.

Simply put yes! This is slight of hand cube magic and let's be honest, if you're doing magic with a Rubik's cube and can't solve it you'll be put in an embarrassing situation at some point. Don't fret though it's not as difficult as it may seem and there's lots of great free resources to get you started. Check out our recommendations section.

No, but in our 'Level Up' section we teach you some very useful and simple techniques to help you solve the cube faster.

Of course! The video tutorials focus on the use of the 2112 stack but we've also provided the algorithms for 1221 and 2211. If you're left handed we've also got you covered!

This is a tricky one to answer. If you are already adept with cubes, then this will be pretty easy to pick up. If you are relatively new to cube magic then you'll need to practice a bit more to get things looking casual and smooth. There is some memorisation required for a lot of the routines, but as you are turning the cube at the same time, with just a bit of practice, it very quickly becomes muscle memory. We teach some great shortcuts to help you learn much faster.

As this is a toolbox, there are a range of different solves and moves taught. Some algorithms are super short (3 moves), others are longer (18 moves) but with practice these will become second nature and you won't even need to think about the moves.

You don't need to be a memory expert to accomplish these effects and we have plenty of tips to help you learn really quickly.

We've also designed each of the core algorithms to be backwards compatible so you can perform the same algorithm to get back to where you started, which will make learning and practising much easier.

Most of the routines and concepts just require very simple turns of the cube that anyone can immediately perform. One or two of the instant solves require finger moves that will seem a bit awkward at first. But with just a bit of practice will soon become second nature.

Absolutely! Any colours on the cube can be named and you can reveal them - no forcing necessary!

It really depends on what you want to perform. For example the 'Decepticon' and 'Colourtron' do require you to mix the cube behind your back to make the routine more effective. 'Cognitive Illusion' and 'Convergence' are done right under their nose. As these routines are modular then once you're equipped with all the tools you'll be able to devise your own routines.

Of course! That's the beauty of this project. You'll be able to select individual solves and moves to create your own routines or add them to your existing ones.

Yes of course. You could perform one of our routines or one you've created yourself using this toolbox. You could even enhance another commercial cube effect or routine you perform on stage.

Whilst predominately designed for performing close-up, there's no reason that our routines wouldn't play to a larger audience.

 Most definitely. This project is a toolbox of ideas that you'll be able to use to add to or enhance the cube effects you already do.

A nice looking, smooth, speed cube is definitely recommended as it will just make everything easier to learn and perform. We have a particular preference to the magnetic speed cubes.

Check out the cubes we like here. These effects and routines can be done with a shop purchased Rubik's branded cube though - we've tested them. So no it's not a requirement, but will make your life a simpler.

There are 3 volumes plus AllSpark in REFRAKTOR. AllSpark is essentially a 4th Volume, but the routines require solves taught on Volume 1 so we called it a Bolt-on instead.

They've all brought out incredible stuff to the cube magic community which we love ourselves. We wanted to continue pushing cube magic forward particularly in the direction of using just a single cube without any other gimmicks or bags. We definitely feel REFRAKTOR is offering something new and believe some if not all of the content will become part of your working repertoire. So in short yes, yes you do!

Of course! We're massive fans and great friends with Takamiz so we were really grateful that he's allowed us to share these nuggets of genius with you. We've utilised his concepts and taken things further so you can now perform some amazing cube effects with the REFRAKTOR contents.

Thanks, we'll take that compliment! The two algorithms that underpin this project are Takamiz's 2112 and the 446 mix and together they just opened up so many possibilities we were able to explore - we're sure you'll find something new too! We've also built on previous concepts which are already out there and created full routines rather than just solving the cube. Each section of the project is fully credited.