GAN 17 vs GAN 16: What’s Changed?

GAN has released its latest flagship 3x3, the GAN 17 MagDrive, and this time the headline upgrade is much more than a small change to the previous generation.

The GAN 16 already pushed GAN's magnetic systems considerably further, but the GAN 17 introduces a new concept: magnetic assistance throughout the entire turn.

So, what has actually changed, how does the new MagDrive system work, and is there enough here to justify upgrading from the GAN 16?

GAN 17 vs GAN 16 at a glance

The biggest difference between the two cubes is the way their magnetic systems influence each turn.

The GAN 16 uses an advanced magnetic positioning system to provide stability and help layers align as you complete a turn. The GAN 17 MagDrive takes this idea further with GAN's new Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System, designed to provide magnetic assistance throughout the rotation.

Feature	GAN 17 MagDrive	GAN 16
Size	56mm	56mm
Tension system	MagLev	MagLev
Core positioning	20-Magnet Ball-Core	Ball-Core
New MagDrive system	✓	✗
Full-turn magnetic assistance	✓	✗
Total magnets	196	—
Magnetic core	17.5mm micro core	—
Adjustment combinations	72	—
UV coating	✓	✓
Stickerless	✓	✓

Some specifications vary between the 3 different GAN 16 versions.

The biggest upgrade: GAN's new MagDrive system

The most important change is something GAN calls its Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System.

Magnets in speedcubes have traditionally been most noticeable towards the end of a turn. Once a layer moves sufficiently close to its destination, the magnets attract and help pull it into alignment.

Core magnets have made this effect considerably stronger and more sophisticated over the past few generations, but the basic principle has remained similar.

The GAN 17 attempts to change that.

Its MagDrive system is designed to provide magnetic forces across the entire 90-degree rotation.

GAN describes the behaviour in two stages:

• From 0–45°, the magnetic system encourages the layer to return towards its starting position.

• From 45–90°, the magnetic forces encourage the layer to continue and complete the turn.

This effectively creates a magnetic tipping point around the middle of the turn.

Once you have turned beyond approximately 45 degrees, the cube increasingly wants to finish the move for you.

196 magnets!

If magnetic cubes already seemed to contain a ridiculous number of magnets, the GAN 17 takes things to another level.

GAN advertises a total of 196 magnets throughout the GAN 17 MagDrive.

This isn't simply a case of putting stronger corner-edge magnets into the cube. The magnets form several different systems which work together to influence the movement and positioning of the pieces.

At the centre of everything is GAN's new compact 17.5mm micro magnetic core.

Reducing the size of the central structure gives GAN more space to implement the new magnetic system surrounding it, while the cube also features a 20-magnet Ball-Core for additional positioning and stability.

The result is one of the most elaborate magnetic systems we have yet seen in a mass-produced 3x3.

How is this different from the GAN 16?

The GAN 16 was already an extremely magnet-heavy flagship.

Its magnetic systems provide strong positioning, stability and auto-alignment, but the GAN 17 changes where in the turn that magnetic assistance is intended to act.

That distinction is important.

With the GAN 17, GAN isn't simply claiming:

More magnets = stronger magnets.

Instead, the idea is to change the magnetic behaviour of the turn itself.

The GAN 16 still behaves more like the magnetic speedcubes we have become accustomed to, albeit in a very sophisticated form. The GAN 17's MagDrive system is intended to make magnetic forces an active part of the whole turning motion.

For competitive speedcubers, this could potentially make the GAN 17 feel substantially different rather than simply being a slightly updated GAN 16.

72 adjustment settings

The magnetic system isn't the only area in which the GAN 17 offers considerable complexity.

The GAN 17 features 72 numerical adjustment settings, giving you a large amount of control over how the cube is set up.

Importantly, these settings are numbered.

This makes setups reproducible. If you find a combination you like, you can remember the numbers and return to exactly the same configuration later instead of relying on tiny adjustments made by feel.

It also makes sharing setups much easier. If another speedcuber recommends a particular GAN 17 configuration, you can recreate it on your own cube.

MagLev remains

Not everything has changed.

The GAN 17 continues to use MagLev, which has become a familiar feature of GAN's premium speedcubes.

Instead of conventional metal springs providing the cube's elasticity, opposing magnets repel one another.

This removes spring friction and contributes to the fast and smooth turning associated with modern GAN flagships.

If you're coming directly from a MagLev GAN 16, therefore, MagLev itself isn't an upgrade. The significant change is what GAN has built around it.

The UV coating also remains

The GAN 17 MagDrive continues to use GAN's familiar glossy UV-coated exterior.

UV coating provides a noticeably different surface from ordinary frosted plastic. It gives the cube its glossy appearance while providing plenty of grip during fast solves.

This is another area where GAN has chosen not to reinvent something that already works.

Anyone familiar with recent UV-coated GAN cubes should therefore find the exterior of the GAN 17 immediately familiar, even if the internal technology is very different.

Is the GAN 17 faster than the GAN 16?

This is where specifications can only tell us so much.

The GAN 17 clearly has a more sophisticated magnetic system on paper, but that doesn't automatically mean every speedcuber will perform better with it.

Cube preference is extremely personal.

Some cubers prefer powerful auto-alignment and a very guided feeling, while others prefer a cube that interferes as little as possible with their turning.

The GAN 17's full-turn magnetic assistance makes it particularly interesting for the former group.

It may also help maintain stability during extremely fast turning, where small inaccuracies can otherwise build up throughout an algorithm.

But ultimately, 196 magnets don't automatically produce faster solves.

Should GAN 16 owners upgrade?

If you already own a GAN 16, this is probably the most interesting question.

The answer depends on what you're looking for.

If you're completely happy with your GAN 16 and aren't particularly interested in stronger or more sophisticated magnetic assistance, there isn't suddenly anything wrong with your cube. The GAN 16 remains an extremely high-end speedcube.

However, the GAN 17 is a more interesting generational upgrade than a simple change in weight or adjustment system.

The MagDrive system fundamentally changes how GAN is trying to use magnets during a turn.

That makes the GAN 17 particularly worth considering if you:

• enjoy strong magnetic auto-alignment;

• like experimenting with the latest speedcube technology;

• want extensive, reproducible adjustment options;

• already enjoy GAN's lightweight, fast flagship style; or

• simply want GAN's most advanced current 3x3.

If you prefer less magnetic interference or are already perfectly satisfied with your GAN 16, upgrading is much less essential.

What about the GAN 15 and GAN 12?

The release of a new flagship doesn't make GAN's older cubes obsolete either.

In fact, older GAN flagships can become particularly attractive once their prices fall.

The GAN 15 remains an interesting choice for cubers who prioritise an exceptionally lightweight and fast cube, while the GAN 12 has remained popular for considerably longer than most flagship speedcubes and offers a more traditional GAN feel.

The GAN 17 is therefore less about replacing every previous GAN and more about pushing the company's magnetic technology in a new direction.

GAN 17 vs GAN 16: which should you buy?

For someone buying a GAN flagship for the first time and wanting the company's latest technology, the GAN 17 MagDrive is the obvious choice.

Its new full-turn magnetic system is the main feature separating it from previous generations, while the 20-magnet Ball-Core, 196-magnet internal system, 72 adjustment settings, MagLev and UV coating make it an extremely feature-packed flagship.

The GAN 16, however, could offer better value if you don't particularly care about MagDrive—especially as prices inevitably become more attractive following the release of its successor.

For existing GAN 16 owners, the decision is more nuanced. The GAN 17 isn't a necessary upgrade simply because it has a higher number on the box, but its MagDrive system is sufficiently different to make it one of the more interesting GAN upgrades in recent years.

Pre-order the GAN 17 MagDrive

The GAN 17 MagDrive is now available to pre-order from Speedcubing.org.

It features GAN's new Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System, 196 magnets, a 20-magnet Ball-Core, 72 adjustment settings, MagLev and a UV-coated exterior.

Pre-order the GAN 17 MagDrive →

If you'd rather stick with the previous generation, you can also check out the GAN 16 while stocks remain available.