I’ve tried a number of speed cubes recently, including the Gan 11 M Pro, MoYu RS3 M 2020, and RS3 M 2020+, DaYan GuHong V4 M 3x3, Gan 356 M, and of course the Valk 3 M. I can say that each cube behaves a little differently. The Gan 11 M Pro is very light, and turning it is like having a coiled spring in your hands with the pieces rocketing toward each other as you turn. It allows fast movement of the pieces with very little effort. The GouHong V4 M is somewhat similar to the Gan 11 M Pro in that it has a light feel , but is more prone to locking up, even when the spring tension is adjusted. The RS3 M 2020 doesn’t need much force to start the pieces turning, but at speed can lock up some. The RS3 M 2020+ takes care of the locking up problem, but at the expense of more effort being required to initiate turns; the cube is more stable, but slower turning. (I tend to like fast cubes - imagine one of those “fidget spinners” - that is what I would like my cube to spin like :). The Gan 356 M compared to the Valk 3 has a more “bumpy” feel to it, and is like riding your bike on cobblestones compared to the Valk 3’s riding on a newly paved highway. The Valk 3, however, seems to get everything “right”. Although it is a heavier cube than the Gan 11 M Pro, it has a very smooth turning feel, and the weight seems to give the pieces just the right amount of momentum while turning to be quick but at the same time prevent lock ups. I saw an interview with 2-time monkey league winner Tymon Kolanski where he said he favors the Valk 3 M, and I can see why. I would say the Valk 3 is probably my favorite cube I’ve used so far. By the way, thanks to LaZer0MonKey for creating the monkey league and for TheCubicle’s support of it. I think it is the best format for speed cubing. Wouldn’t it be great if the World championships had a monkey league - like format, where you could see players advancing through the rounds. For events with a very large number of entrants, a double-elimination tournament format like they have in EVO might be the way to go.

i got this today, really tight out of the box and couldnt corner cut well so i loosened it and its much better. it was a bit sandy tho so i lubed it with weight 5 and mystic. after i did that, it was amazing. but sadly thevalk has to go, better than my rs3m 2022 and my main. thank you qiyi and thecubicle. -garf

It is easily one of the best budget cubes I have ever gotten. Extremely good out of the box. If you are looking for a really good come here and buy this cube just take my money all day!!!

I have had this cube for over 2 years and it is still my main, even over my far pricier GAN cubes. Lubed with Traxxas 50k and DNM-37 on pieces, and Traxxas 50k as Core lube. Very stable I prefer it faster and I can spam tps. If you like super reliable cubes get this one.

I just want to say, this cube blew my mind. If I had to explain what it was like, it feels like a QiYi MS, but more compact and stable. It still has the speed of the MS, but slightly slower, plus the blocky feel. Unlike other fast cubes, it's hard to make this one slow. I lubed it with Angstrom Dignitas and Gravitas, my go to for most cubes, and it did slow down at first, but after only about ten solves it went back to being super fast. I also want to throw in the fact that this cube does better at tighter tensions, and require accurate turning to use, if you aren't like that I recommend a MoYu cube, because they are more forgiving, versus QiYi's more stable cubes. I actually use a variety of different cubes with different styles, so this was simple to adapt to for me. I personally prefer it over the Valk Elite, but I think for most it would be the opposite. This is actually one of the best cubes, shown by the fact that it's the oldest model cube that a lot of people still use over other cubes. This is in my top two cubes for 3x3, the other being the WRM 2020. I'm not sure which is better, I have to break it in, but that fact that it's at least 2nd place, is already a great feat for it.

Not a review, but a friendly help guide. If you heard many things about TheValk and want it in 2023, even though it's very dead, I'm here to help y'all out.
Similar Cubes:
YiSheng 3x3 M. Your best option for the replacement. It has the feel, the look, even the sound. It's overall just a great option.
MFJS Meilong 3x3 M. Has that hallmark crunchy feel as well as a good price tag.
Moyu RS3M 2020/RS3M Super. Clacky, a bit smoother, and overall a good performer.

I was stuck using an uncontrollable GTS3 M as my main, ever since my GAN XS’ core bent, and I can tell you right away, the Valk 3 M will be my new main for a very long time.

OOTB the cube was a little dry, and slightly tight, but it was still fast, yet controllable. It overall had that same classic original Valk feel to it, that we all know and love.

After throwing in some Traxxas 10k on the pieces, and loosening the tensions by about a quarter of a turn, the cube became even more pleasurable to turn. It was fast, but still remained controllable, and catches and lockup’s became a rarity, meaning I can still maintain fluidity in solves, especially with its amazing stability.

Corner cutting gets an A+ from me, over 45 degrees forward, and about 3/4 of a piece for reverse, however, this may differ, depending on your tensions.

At the moment, I can’t think of an issue that would be considered significant.

Within the couple of weeks I’ve owned this cube, I’ve already gotten a PB single of 10.39, and I highly recommend this cube for everyone.

My order was shipped back to the sender for an insufficient address, and they said they would respond when they receive the package. It’s been almost a week now, and there is still no response about my order or where it is right now.

I love the feeling of this puzzle, I broke it in for my sister for Christmas. Plus it only came in like, two days! I’ll be ordering again from you guys in the future!

Bought this and the Valk 3 Power, and I prefer this one. The magnets are really nice and keep the cube in cube shape while turning, and the corner cutting is really nice. Did have to use some DNM-37 on it but every cube can use some of that.