BePuzzled | Equa Hanayama Metal Brainteaser Puzzle Mensa Rated Level 5, for Ages 12 and Up

My husband is someone who loves brain teasers, buys the hardest puzzles, and typically solves them within 10 minutes. While I love that he's such a left-brained thinker, it frustrates me to no end when I buy him a puzzle and he solves it immediately because then I wonder if it's really worth spending the money on puzzles for him. Well, this past Christmas, I decided to search on here for some of the hardest puzzles I could find (that he didn't already have, of course) and see if I could stump him, which is one of my goals in life. He already owned some of the Hanayama puzzles and, after searching through them and researching extensively on here, I decided to purchase the Vortex puzzle for him.The Hanayama puzzles are made of cast metal in China and are rated based on their difficulty. The level six puzzles are considered extremely difficult. This particular puzzle is a level five, which wasn't on my radar since I was mainly searching for level six puzzles but many reviewers said this one was very difficult. All of these puzzles come in a nice green box, which makes it easy to give them as gifts. I put these in my husband's stocking and they are a great size for it.Since receiving this puzzle, my husband has worked on it on and off, which means...he didn't solve it within 10 minutes and that makes this puzzle worth every penny!!!! He recently solved it after about an hour and 45 minutes of work and then he finally managed to put it back together. He said putting it back together was a lot harder than taking it apart. IF you find yourself in a bind and need a little assistance, there are videos online that you can use to help get you to that next step.My husband seriously loves these puzzles because he likes to figure out how things work and this one was a great purchase for part of his Christmas present! I, personally, have not tried this puzzle nor do I intend to, since my brain doesn't really work that way but I was delighted that this turned out to stump my husband. I was surprised that this one was a level five since those aren't as difficult as the level six puzzles, although they are obviously still difficult. If you, or someone you know, loves brain teasers and you need a VERY difficult puzzle, I highly recommend this one. Hanayama puzzles are well-made and small enough for you to stash in your desk drawer at work (Shhhh...don't tell your boss!), in your pocket, or to take on a trip. I'm already searching for my next purchase for my husband and, even though he won't admit it, he loves a good challenge... as do I!

Wow. A gorgeous piece. One of my very first Hanayama, and an instant favorite. The way it spins is so satisfying and intriguing. It took me a few days to get a part, and I was super proud of myself! I had solved the Infinity just prior, but needed a hint from a friend. This one I did all on my own.It took several (several, several!) sessions over the course of about a month to get it back together. It came in early October and I only just got back together! If you get it apart and don’t quite track or note how you did it, it’ll be quite difficult to get back together for a beginner. That only made it all the more satisfying when I finally got it back together and spinning though. Extremely satisfying to take apart and reassemble. Excellent quality and design as well. A good stocking puzzle for anyone who likes a challenge— not so much for someone easily frustrated, lol.

Gave the 'spiral' to my 10 y/0 grandson and he had it figured out in `15 minutes. Mensa rating seems a bit off. Nice puzzle though, well made.

This is one if my favorite Hanayama puzzles so far. I have solved Medallion, Infinity, Valve, Love, Cylinder, Delta, and NEWS. Still working on Hourglass (quite a few moves in, just need to unlink) and UFO. This one took me a couple of hours to take apart and about 5 minutes to reassemble. Highly gratifying and highly recommended!

This was a pretty cool puzzle. It looks AWESOME is has very high quality metal. If you're thinking "How difficult could it really be?" then the answer is: very. It is so insanely challenging, all of you're hair will be pulled out by the time you solve it, and you probably won't. However, it is addictive. I spent about 4 hours on it, and still haven't completed it.Now here is why I took a star off. First of all, there isn't much moving pieces around. It seems like you either solve it in a few steps or you don't. The other, more important thing, it that after the first step, it is challenging to put it back to the epic looking shape, however it is possible.Even with those two downsides, the product was still worth it. It is good to use during snack breaks, on airplanes and road trips, or whenever you're bored

I started out with one and now I have over 50 of these puzzles, be careful it's very addicting.I personally depend very heavily on reviews that are posted on Amazon, as do many other consumers. I not only read what reviewers say, but look to see what their pictures reveal about a products true quality and description. I aim to not only feature the products I review in many different aspects, analyzing many qualities, I also provide my own opinions on ALL the good AND bad experiences I have with the product I review. I take time to learn and use a product as it was intended before I review it, and I have used this specific product thoroughly.My rating system:5 - Met all my expectations. Was described and pictured perfectly. Exactly what I wanted and needed. Extremely useful product and a great value. Would recommend to family and friends.4 - Very good product. Exactly as described. May have a minor flaw, mentioned in the review, that does not detract from the products perceived value. Would recommend to family and friends.3 - Average product. Not exactly as described, or misleading advertising or product pictures. Possibly substandard build quality, or something else explained in the review. Would mention as an option to family and friends, but not recommend.2 - Wouldn't recommend this product. Poor build quality, not close to being as described. Flimsy and fragile. Difficult to use due to product flaws.1 - Do not purchase whatsoever. Usually only given if product lasts only a few hours/days/etc. I do not leave 1 star reviews without contacting the seller. I will be returning the product.I did NOT receive ANY discount for this product. I simply enjoy reviewing every one of my purchases.

Buenos materiales, la versión que me llegó, las piezas están pintadas pero con el movimiento la pintura se va callendo, pero nada que afecte, se ve sencillo pero si te toma algo de tiempo resolverlo.

arrived on time--very nicely made--1 problem is that one side has a scratch on the finish--does not affect the puzzle but ruins the overall appearance--used marker to try to cover it up

Solid steel puzzle. It's heavy. Feels durable. People who come home find it quite interesting.

It's OK whit me!

Hanayama puzzles are beautiful and very well built. This puzzle is quite difficult ...I have made my family members addicted to this one. I keep setting it back to start so that they can try once they are stuck. Really nice tricks and complex moves in this. Really amazed of the person/team that built this.