What Cube Does Xuanyi Geng Use in 2026?
Updated: October 2026
Xuanyi Geng (耿暄一) is one of the fastest speedcubers in the world, and on 6 October 2026, he made history by solving a 3×3 cube in just 2.51 seconds, breaking the world record single at Guangzhou Grand Open 2026.
Naturally, this has led many speedcubers to ask: What cube does Xuanyi Geng use?
The answer is the GAN 16 MagLev MAX, GAN's flagship 3×3 from 2025. Xuanyi previously used the GAN 12 MagLev UV for several years and also used the GAN 15 before switching to the GAN 16.
He has also recently begun competing in 4×4, although his current 4×4 model has not yet been reliably identified.
What 3×3 Does Xuanyi Geng Use? – GAN 16 MagLev MAX
Xuanyi Geng uses the GAN 16 MagLev MAX UV, the flagship speedcube released by GAN in 2025.
The GAN 16 represented a significant change from GAN's earlier flagship designs. While the GAN 12 and GAN 15 were particularly well known for their lightweight construction and corner-core magnetic systems, the GAN 16 introduced a redesigned internal structure and a more sophisticated magnetic system.
The GAN 16 MagLev MAX features:
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136 magnets, providing powerful magnetic positioning and automatic alignment.
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MagLev technology, replacing conventional springs with repelling magnets.
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Ball-core magnetic system, helping improve stability and control.
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UV-coated exterior, providing a glossy, grippy finish.
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Adjustable tension and elasticity, allowing cubers to customise the turning feel.
The combination of fast turning, strong magnetic assistance and excellent corner-cutting makes the GAN 16 suitable for extremely high-speed solving.
There is also a less expensive GAN 16 MagLev UV version, which uses a simplified magnetic system. However, the MAX is the version associated with Xuanyi's world records.
View the GAN 16 MagLev MAX UV at Speedcubing.org
Xuanyi Geng's 2.51-Second World Record
On 6 October 2026, Xuanyi Geng achieved a remarkable 2.51-second solve at Guangzhou Grand Open 2026 in China.
This broke the previous 2.76-second world record set by Teodor Zajder in February 2026, an improvement of 0.25 seconds.
His five solves in the round were:
| Attempt | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.51 (World Record) |
| 2 | 3.99 |
| 3 | 3.21 |
| 4 | 4.42 |
| 5 | 4.75 |
This gave him an average of 3.87 seconds.
The world record solve was reconstructed by Stewy on reco.nz, revealing some exceptionally efficient solving.
Xuanyi began with an XXCross, solving the cross and two F2L pairs during his opening moves. His third F2L pair required only three moves, leaving very little work before the last layer.
His extraordinary efficiency, combined with world-class turning speed and lookahead, allowed him to complete the solve in just 2.51 seconds.
The result was particularly significant because the previous world record had stood for less than eight months.
Read our full article: Xuanyi Geng Smashes 3×3 World Record with 2.51-Second Solve.
What Cube Did Xuanyi Geng Use Before the GAN 16?
GAN 12 MagLev UV – His Long-Time Main Cube
For much of his early competitive career, Xuanyi Geng used the GAN 12 MagLev UV.
Released in 2021, the GAN 12 was one of the first flagship speedcubes to combine a sophisticated corner-core magnetic system with MagLev tensioning.
Despite newer models being released, the GAN 12 remained exceptionally popular among elite speedcubers.
Xuanyi was still using the GAN 12 in December 2024, when he achieved a 4.32-second world record average at Hangzhou Open 2024.
Interestingly, Xuanyi wasn't the only top speedcuber to remain loyal to the GAN 12. Yiheng Wang also used the model extensively during his early career.
Even in February 2026, Teodor Zajder used the GAN 12 MagLev UV to achieve the first official sub-three-second 3×3 solve, with a time of 2.76 seconds.
This demonstrated that a cube released more than four years earlier was still capable of world-record performance.
GAN 15 – His 3.05-Second World Record
By April 2025, Xuanyi had moved on to the GAN 15.
At Shenyang Spring 2025, he achieved a 3.05-second world record single, using a GAN 15 with black internals.
The GAN 15 was a particularly interesting release because GAN had moved away from the increasingly complicated adjustment systems of the GAN 13 and GAN 14.
Instead, the GAN 15 prioritised an extremely lightweight design, weighing approximately 59g, while retaining powerful magnetic positioning.
Xuanyi's result demonstrated that this approach was capable of outstanding competitive performance.
GAN 16 – A New Generation of World Records
Following the release of the GAN 16 in 2025, Xuanyi adopted the new flagship.
He continued breaking records throughout 2026, including a 3.71-second world record average in April 2026 using the GAN 16 MagLev MAX.
His 2.51-second world record single in October 2026 further demonstrated the capabilities of this cube.
The progression from the GAN 12 to the GAN 15 and finally the GAN 16 also reflects the development of GAN's flagship speedcubes, from lightweight corner-core magnetic designs towards increasingly advanced magnetic systems.
If you're interested in how GAN's technology has changed over the years, read our GAN 11 to GAN 17 Comparison.
What 4×4 Does Xuanyi Geng Use?
Although Xuanyi is primarily known for his extraordinary 3×3 results, he has recently started competing in 4×4 as well.
At Guangzhou Grand Open 2026, the same competition where he achieved his 2.51-second 3×3 world record, he recorded an official 4×4 average of 26.03 seconds, with a best solve of 21.45 seconds in that round.
His 4×4 results are already extremely impressive considering his relatively recent involvement in the event.
However, unlike his 3×3, the exact 4×4 model Xuanyi currently uses has not been reliably confirmed.
There are several highly competitive 4×4 speedcubes available, but it would be misleading to claim that he uses a particular model without sufficient evidence.
We will update this section when his 4×4 cube has been identified.
Does Xuanyi Geng Use the GAN 17?
GAN has now released the GAN 17 MagDrive, featuring an entirely new magnetic assistance system.
However, Xuanyi's October 2026 world record is associated with the GAN 16 MagLev MAX rather than the newer GAN 17.
This is another example of how the latest speedcube isn't necessarily the one used by the world's fastest competitors.
Top speedcubers often spend considerable time becoming familiar with a particular cube and fine-tuning its setup. Switching to a newer model doesn't automatically result in faster times.
For anyone interested in the differences between the two models, we've written a detailed comparison: GAN 17 vs GAN 16 – What Has Changed?.
It is also worth mentioning that just because XuanYi Geng hasn't switched to the Gan 17 yet, doesn't mean he won't, it is possible that he is taking some time to decide whether to switch or not and getting used to a newer cube, switching cubes is a big deal at a higher level and many top cubers prefer to stick with a cube that they are used to unless the new option is significantly better.
Should You Buy the Same Cube as Xuanyi Geng?
If you want to use the same model as Xuanyi Geng, the GAN 16 MagLev MAX is an excellent choice.
However, his previous cubes are also worth considering.
The GAN 12 MagLev UV remains a proven flagship with an extraordinary history of world-record results. The GAN 15 offers a particularly lightweight turning experience, while the GAN 16 provides more advanced magnetic positioning.
And, of course, the newer GAN 17 introduces further developments in magnetic technology.
Ultimately, the best speedcube for you depends on your turning style, preferred magnetic strength and personal preferences.
Using the same cube as a world record holder can be exciting, but practice, lookahead, efficient solutions and turning accuracy will have a much greater influence on your results.
Conclusion – What Cube Does Xuanyi Geng Use?
As of October 2026, Xuanyi Geng uses the GAN 16 MagLev MAX for 3×3, the model associated with his incredible 2.51-second world record single.
Previously, he used the GAN 12 MagLev UV for much of his early career, followed by the GAN 15 in 2025.
He has also started competing in 4×4, although his current cube for that event remains unconfirmed.
You can find all three of his notable 3×3 models at Speedcubing.org:
Browse our full GAN speedcube collection for more options.
