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Product Description
Speed Stacks G5 Timer – The New WCA Competition Standard
The Speed Stacks G5 Timer is the latest generation of the world's most recognisable speedcubing timer and is about to become more important than ever for competitive speedcubers.
From 2 January 2027, the World Cube Association (WCA) will require the Speed Stacks G5 Timer in 4-pad mode for all official WCA attempts performed using a speedsolving timer. This will replace the previous system under which G3, G4 and G5 timers could be used, with the G5 operating in 2-pad mode.
That makes the G5 the obvious choice for competitive speedcubers who want to practise using the same timer and starting procedure that they will encounter at official competitions.
🏆 The New Official WCA Competition Standard
The Speed Stacks G5 is becoming the universal timer for WCA speedsolving competitions.
Until the end of 2026, WCA competitions can use older generations of Speed Stacks timers and the G5 is used in 2-pad mode. From 2 January 2027, official attempts using a speedsolving timer will instead require the G5 in 4-pad mode.
- Required for WCA speedsolving attempts from 2 January 2027
- 4-pad starting system
- Accurate to 0.001 seconds
- The ideal timer for practising under future competition conditions
- Used by speedcubers and competition organisers around the world
If you compete regularly, practising with a G5 allows you to become familiar with the exact timer setup that will soon be used at every WCA competition.
✋ Why Is the WCA Switching to 4-Pad Timing?
Traditional speedcubing timers use two hand sensors. In recent years this has caused difficulties in enforcing the correct starting procedure, particularly because very small start infractions can be extremely difficult for a judge to see in real time.
This has led to considerable discussion around a technique commonly known as "sliding", where a competitor moves their hands from the timer towards the puzzle in a way that can make it difficult to determine whether the timer was correctly started before they interacted with the puzzle.
The G5's 4-pad mode requires the competitor to activate the additional sensors when starting a solve. The WCA has chosen this system to provide greater certainty that official solves have been started correctly.
This is particularly relevant in very fast events such as 2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb, where a tiny difference at the start can represent a significant proportion of the entire solve.
Read the WCA's official announcement about the move to 4-pad timing.
⚙️ Improvements Over Previous Speed Stacks Timers
The G5 introduces several improvements over previous generations of StackMat timers, with changes designed to improve durability and reduce accidental resets during both practice and competitions.
- Reinforced RESET and POWER buttons for improved durability
- Buttons require a short press-and-hold, helping to prevent accidental resets
- Protected data port underneath the timer
- Updated mounting system for compatible G5 mats
- Selectable 2-pad and 4-pad operating modes
The result is a more modern version of the familiar StackMat design while retaining the timing system that speedcubers have used at competitions for many years.
⏱️ 2-Pad and 4-Pad Modes
The Speed Stacks G5 can operate in either 2-pad or 4-pad mode.
Under the current WCA Regulations, the G5 is still used in 2-pad mode for official speedcubing attempts. However, this will change on 2 January 2027, when 4-pad mode becomes mandatory for official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer.
If you are buying a G5 specifically to prepare for future competitions, we therefore recommend practising in 4-pad mode so that you can become comfortable with the new starting procedure before it becomes compulsory.
⏱️ Competition Accuracy
The Speed Stacks G5 measures every solve to 0.001 seconds and provides the precision required for competitive speedcubing.
- 0.001 second timing accuracy
- Large touch-sensitive hand pads
- Additional sensors for 4-pad timing
- Clear LCD display
- Reliable timing for competition and everyday practice
For casual practice, there are much cheaper speedcubing timers available. However, the G5's major advantage is that it allows you to replicate the timing setup used in official competition.
📺 Compatible with Tournament Displays
The G5 includes a data port for connecting to compatible tournament displays, making it suitable for official competitions, cubing clubs, demonstrations and other events where a larger external display is required.
📏 Specifications
- Display: LCD
- Accuracy: 0.001 seconds
- Operating Modes: 2-Pad & 4-Pad
- 2027 WCA Standard: 4-Pad Mode
- External Display Compatible: Yes
- Bluetooth: No
- Power: 2 × AAA batteries (included)
🎯 Who Is the Speed Stacks G5 For?
- Regular WCA competitors
- Competitive 2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb solvers
- Cubers preparing for the 2027 WCA 4-pad regulations
- Cubing clubs and competition organisers
- Anyone wanting to practise with the official competition timer
If you only want an inexpensive timer for practising at home, options such as the QiYi Timer may offer better value.
However, if you compete regularly and want to practise using the same equipment that you will encounter at WCA competitions, the Speed Stacks G5 is now the clear competition-focused choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Speed Stacks G5 used at WCA competitions?
Yes. G5 timers are already used extensively at WCA competitions. Currently, WCA competitions can also use approved G3 and G4 timers, and G5 timers are required to operate in 2-pad mode.
From 2 January 2027, this changes: official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer will require a Speed Stacks G5 in 4-pad mode.
Should I practise in 2-pad or 4-pad mode?
If you are preparing for competitions in 2027 and beyond, we recommend practising in 4-pad mode. This will allow you to become accustomed to the starting procedure that will become mandatory at WCA competitions from 2 January 2027.
Until then, official WCA attempts continue to use 2-pad timing.
Why is the WCA changing to 4-pad timers?
The WCA has explained that two-pad timers can make certain violations of the starting procedure difficult for judges to identify in real time. Although video can sometimes reveal these problems afterwards, analysing every solve frame-by-frame is impractical.
The WCA therefore selected 4-pad timing to provide greater certainty that official results are achieved in accordance with the Regulations.
Will old WCA records be removed when 4-pad timing starts?
No. The WCA has stated that existing records will remain in place and 4-pad results will be ranked alongside existing 2-pad results.
What is new compared with older StackMat timers?
The G5 introduces reinforced buttons, improved protection against accidental resets, a protected data port, an updated mounting system and selectable 2-pad and 4-pad operating modes.
Most importantly for speedcubers, it is the only generation capable of the 4-pad timing system that the WCA will require from January 2027.
Can I use the G5 with older StackMat mats?
No. The G5 uses a redesigned snap-in mounting system and is not compatible with Generation 3 or Generation 4 StackMat mats.
Does the Speed Stacks G5 have Bluetooth?
No. The G5 is primarily designed as a competition timer rather than a smart timer. If you want Bluetooth connectivity and automatic solve logging, consider one of the smart timer options below.
Speedcubing Timer Comparison
The G5 is the best option for replicating WCA competition conditions, but it isn't necessarily the best choice for every speedcuber. If you mainly practise at home, a cheaper conventional timer or a Bluetooth smart timer may suit you better.
| Timer | Bluetooth | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| QiYi Timer | ❌ | Affordable everyday practice |
| QiYi Smart Timer | ✔ | Affordable smart timing and automatic solve logging |
| GAN Halo Timer | ✔ | GAN CubeStation and premium smart timing |
| Zeal Timer | ❌ | Advanced features without requiring a phone |
| Speed Stacks G5 | ❌ | WCA competition practice and 2027 4-pad timing |
For more options, browse our full range of speedcubing timers.
Why buy from speedcubing.org?
- 🇬🇧 UK cubing specialist - speedcubing.org is run by a top UK speedcuber
- 🧩 Thousands of speedcubes, twisty puzzles and related accessories in stock
- ⭐ Trusted by over 25,000 customers
- 🏆 Sponsor of official WCA competitions all around the UK
- 📞 Expert advice from an experienced speedcuber
Shipping and returns
Most orders are dispatched quickly from our UK warehouse in Peterborough for fast delivery throughout the UK. Some products may be dispatched directly from our trusted manufacturing partners to provide the best availability and delivery times.
If you have any questions about your order or need help with your cube, please contact me and I'll be happy to help. If a product is faulty, we'll work with you to resolve the issue and provide a replacement where appropriate.
View the full shipping policy and returns policy.
Let customers speak for us
ok then… When I first got the original evo I honestly was not impressed at all, no centre distance adjustment, very loose and very scratchy. It also seemed to catch quite a bit as well. Couldn’t be bothered returning it so I had a good play with the settings. After setting the elasticity and magnet strength to max seemed to make it feel considerably more stable. After that I started adding some lube, whether it’s the grid style pattern they use on the pieces or something else, this cube needs more lube than I would normally consider for a cube.. around 6 drops of Martian and a further 6 drops of Comet SCS lube seems to do the trick. After a bit of breaking in (hundred solves or so) the cube now feels great, the surfaces kinda feel like GANs matte surfaces, that and the light weight, the best way I can describe it is like a GAN 11m pro without the corner/core magnets. Now with the black internals it’s pretty much the same, though the box is nigh on identical, only a sticker with Chinese language only on it (guessing just stating it is the limited edition version). Same with inside the box, everything is the same except the LE has a serial number card (like GAN) included. Visually I love the look of the black internals, with the bevelled edges of the centres and the slight bevels on the pieces the black internals give a very bold contrast from almost every angle, it seems to make colour recognition much easier. Definitely a contender to use as a main… though I do have a GAN 12 M maglev UV arriving tomorrow… though that is definitely more of a show piece!
An absolutely amazing budget and good quality timer which has helped a lot with keeping track of all my times! Definitely worth it!!!
It feels so much better than the mg and the carry cubes. Nice matte finish like the high end GAN cubes despite it being a split piece design instead of the usual capped pieces. Magnets can be set quite strong, which I like. Though word of warning for anyone getting one, unlike most adjustable screw type adjusters, this doesn’t reset back to setting one after the lowest setting (1 is strangest, 7 is weakest) i.e. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,1 it is a hard stop at each end of the adjustment so to go back from 5 to 4 you just click it back the other way instead of having to go 5,6,7,1,2,3,4. The tension and axle distance system is the same as the carry, 3 sets of springs and caps. The charger appears pretty much the same as the ones from the 356i, i2 and the play. There are a couple of differences though, white instead of black and it finally uses USB-C l!!
Overall it feels like a regular high end GAN cube which is a good thing, that and the stronger magnets puts this one at the top of the pile in my eyes now over the moyu ai.
I have quite big hands so why did I buy this? I just fancied having a cube that was a little smaller to carry about in a pocket but that was much more usable than one of those little key-ring versions. A travel cube to practise and memorise algs on rather than going for that PB. Overall, the quality is a few notches up from what I expected at this price range. It feels great, turns nicely and the magnets do a good job - I can use it almost as fast as a decent full size. I was worried that 50mm wasn't a large enough reduction in edge size but 50mm multiplied by 3 dimensions has a decent reducing effect on the volume - it definitely fits in a pocket way better than a full size. I think the size is perfect: any smaller and it would be annoying to use and any larger and it would be too close to a full size to be worth owning.
What a brilliant little cube this is. I've been wanting to try a small cube for a while now as I have short fingers & I'm missing the tops of two of them. This is just great. Turns beautifully out of the box, light & fast, but not too fast. Corner cutting is exemplary, better than any of my other cubes & lock ups are few & far between it really is a pleasure to use. Downsides? I wouldn't mind if the magnets were a smidgen stronger, and my fingers are fat as well as short, so can sometimes end up tripping over themselves due to the size. Overall though, I cannot speek highly enough of this puzzle. Great value too.
I'm new to cubing and have bought 4 different cubes from Daniel at Speed cubing. Org out of curiosity as to what the difference is between them & the Neutrino Moyo RS3M 2020 is the fastest & smoothest of them all.
Was intrigued by the new maglev system that appears to be the new trend for speedcubes, was going to order the RS3M 2021 maglev but when I heard about the WR version I held off and I’m glad I did. I already own a “regular” WRM 2021 and love using it so this was pretty much a no-brainer in my eyes with it having the features from the WRM plus the maglev system and its purple interior! Out of the box it felt a bit dry/sandy and quite tight which I thought was a bit unusual for a moyu cube, after loosening the screws by half a turn and using my settings from my WRM (tension 6, magnets 4) and adding a bit of scs solar lube it is now starting to bed in nicely and feels awesome. May have to play with the screw settings a bit as it beds in more as I can see this cube being crazy fast when set up properly. Highly recommended!!
This is my first cube so have nothing to compare it with but I’m very pleased with it. The movement is smooth, it’s light and quiet.
For anyone else just starting there are lots of tutorials and videos for how to solve it, but I found written instructions easier to follow. Also keep practising each step until you can do it without referring to instructions before moving on to the next.
It took me five days to be able to complete it from memory and took just over three minutes. I still have to think about some moves so have plenty of room for improvement.
Don’t let age put you off starting either; I’m 66.
It's worth paying the extra £5 for the set up.
I've got a standard Moyu RS3M, which is a great cube (more on this in a minute) - the service smoothes out the turning and the spring noise which is present in the standard version.
The RS3M, in my opinion is as good as a GAN, in fact to be honest I prefer it. The cube is very quick, but also very stable - out of the box (standard as well as neutrino) it doesn't seem to over turn or catch.
The colours are bright and easy enough to differentiate in darker conditions (I don't have any colour deficiency so can only speak as someone with vision within normal ranges).
I've tried this cube alongside several different brands at different price points, and to be honest I have to say that this is the best cube I have used to date (March 2021).
If you have a limited budget (or not), and are considering this Cube compared to say a GAN (356M/ Air M), my personal opinion would be to save yourself the money and buy this cube. It will not disappoint.
10/10.
The cube comes with not matte finish and the colours and bright and contrast each other well. The cube is 60mm wide which is slightly bigger than I'd like, but not too bad. The cube's corner cutting is pretty good, there are areas you can't turn and this occasionally leads to lock ups, but not often and with accurate turning this isn't a problem.
The cube is fairly fast and slightly clicky while turning. I set it up with gravitas and dignitas on the core, then dnm-37 and mystic on the pieces to make it smooth and fast, however there are times when the cube feels like there is too much friction.
I would recommend for any level, however intermediate to advanced solvers might want to consider the WRM. 4/5
This cube comes with a slight matte finish on the pieces, which I at first was not a huge fan of, however it is quite subtle and slightly helps me grip the cube. The cube comes in bright colours that are easy to contrast.
The tensioning system is similar the the WRM, it is simple, easy and works really well. The magnets are subtler than some other cubes, however still aid turning. I have tried adding stronger magnets but I feel the cube becomes too heavy and too clicky. It corner cuts well, there is just about a point where it won't turn, but I have never had that situation while solving.
The cube feels fast and quite smooth, and clicky in that it makes a noise while turning. I set it up with gravitas and dignitas lube on the core, then dnm-37 and mystic on the pieces, helping it be fast but still stable and controllable.
This cube is absolutely incredible for any level of solving, I think everyone should buy this cube. If you want a budget cube that is good, buy this, and cube to replace an old not-so-good cube? - buy this, a cube that is one of the best on the market? - buy this! There are some cubes that some people prefer, such as the Gan 11m pro, but that is personal preference, and ultimately this cube competes with cubes 5-6 times the price. Easy 5/5
The cube has no matte finish and the colours are bright and contrast each other well. The cube is 63mm which I have found to be a great size. The cube is very fast and easy to turn, and is very smooth. I used gravitas and dignitas lube on the core then dnm-37 and mystic on the pieces.
The cube has fairly good corner-cutting but does lock up occasionally, which is to be expected of a 5x5. I've had one or two pops, but after tightening it slightly that hasn't been an issue.
I would recommend this for any level of solving, I think everyone should buy this cube. If you are really advanced there are cubes that could be considered better such as the Valk 5, but that is just personal preference and this cube competes with the best despite the brilliant price.
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