GAN251M Pro 2×2 (Frosted)

The GAN251M Pro is the middle of GAN’s three 251 versions, and the one that brings the flagship magnetic system down to a 2×2.

Corner-to-core magnets put one polarity in the core and the other in the corner pieces. Magnet strength adjusts across three settings. GES nuts give two nut distances and four levels of elasticity, so 24 configurations in all. The surface is frosted and the cube measures 51mm.

The core magnets are what separate the GAN251M Pro from the Air. Instead of the corners only attracting each other, each corner is pulled towards the middle of the cube as the turn closes, so the magnets finish the turn for you. On a 2×2, where there is nothing but corners, that changes how settled the puzzle feels enormously.

Adjustable magnet strength matters more on the GAN251M Pro than it sounds. Two-by-two solvers vary a great deal in how hard they turn, and a setting that suits a controlled solver feels sluggish to someone spamming turns. Three positions cover most of that range.

The GAN251M Air below it has no core magnets and no magnet adjustment. The Leap above it uses larger core magnets for a stronger snap and more speed, where the Pro is the steadier of the two.

Cubes dry out with use and start to feel scratchy. A few drops of GAN No.1 Lube Maintenance 10ml keeps the turning smooth and slows the wear.