The GAN 17 MagDrive is GAN's most advanced 3x3 to date, and the reason to want one is how it performs. A new 196-magnet system changes how every turn feels. A Ball-Core, where magnets tie the corners to the core, and MagLev, where repelling magnets replace the springs, keep it fast and stable when you push it. The whole cube is built light and forgiving, with hollowed pieces and turns that go through even when a layer is not perfectly lined up. If you want top-tier performance and the newest feel GAN has built, it is worth it.
What is new: full-turn magnetic guidance
The headline is MagDrive — GAN's Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System, and it is the feature that most sets the GAN 17 apart. On most cubes, the magnets do one job: they pull each layer into place at the very end of a turn, so you feel a single click at the end of a turn and nothing before it. MagDrive uses 196 magnets arranged around a compact core to keep a magnetic pull present across the entire turn — drawing the layer back through the first half of the rotation, then settling it into place through the second.
The design intent is a cube that guides the layer the whole way around rather than catching it at the end: steadier tracking through the turn, more control at speed, and a different feel from the click-at-the-end magnets every other flagship uses. This is the change that defines the GAN 17, and it is new — not a bigger number on an existing spec.
Built for speed and control
Around that magnet system, the GAN 17 is engineered for fast, controlled solving:
- Ball-Core stability. Corner-to-core magnets anchored by a 17.5 mm micro core add auto-alignment and pull the layers back square after fast turns, so the cube holds its shape when you push the pace.
- MagLev turning. Springs are replaced by two repelling magnets, removing spring friction along with the lockups and noise that come with it — a lower-drag, quieter, faster turn.
- Light, low-friction build. The edges are hollowed and triple-tracked, and the corners and centers use a honeycomb hollow, which cuts weight and friction so the cube moves quickly and stays easy on your hand through long sessions.
- Forgiving at speed. Full 90-degree corner-cutting means a turn that is not perfectly lined up still goes through instead of catching. That is what lets you turn fast without fighting the cube.
- High grip. The plastic is color-molded, so there are no stickers to peel, and its UV coating, a hard glossy top layer, adds grip so fast turns stay under control.
On their own these are familiar flagship parts. Built around the full-turn magnet system, they are what make the GAN 17 perform like a top-tier cube.
Dial it in to your hand
The GAN 17 also lets you tune that performance: swappable corner magnet rods in three strengths, removable edge magnet rods, and a numbered 72-gear system, 12 magnetic tension settings by 6 center-travel settings, that you can return to exactly. You do not have to touch any of it — the cube performs very well out of the box — but the range is there when you want to achieve a specific feel.
GAN 17 MagDrive specs at a glance
- Type: 3x3 magnetic speed cube
- Magnets: 196, with MagLev in place of springs
- Core: 17.5 mm micro core, set up as a Ball-Core
- Turn feel: snaps back from 0 to 45 degrees, drifts into place from 45 to 90 degrees
- Tuning: 72-gear numerical system (12 magnetic tension gears, 6 center-travel gears), three-strength corner magnet rods, detachable edge magnet rods
- Corner-cutting: full 90 degrees
- Finish: stickerless, UV coated
Who it is for
The GAN 17 is for solvers who want the newest, best-performing GAN 3x3: competitive cubers, anyone upgrading from an older flagship who wants the generational jump in feel, and solvers who care how a turn feels and not only what the timer says. It is a flagship built for experienced solvers rather than a first cube.
If you want something lighter and simpler, the GAN V100 is worth a look. If you are weighing the GAN 17 against the rest of GAN's current line, our GAN 17 vs GAN 16 Max vs GAN V100 comparison puts the three side by side.
What is in the box
The GAN 17 MagDrive comes with the cube, a cube bag, a GAN17 ID card, a storage box, a cap-opener, the tuning tool, a manual, and 8 magnet rods. Rated for ages 6 and up.
GAN 17 MagDrive FAQ
Is the GAN 17 MagDrive worth it?
Yes, if you want the newest GAN flagship and will use its tuning. Its 196-magnet MagDrive system guides each layer through the whole turn, a different feel from the end-of-turn click on other flagships. For a first speed cube, a simpler magnetic 3x3 speed cube is the better start.
When did the GAN 17 MagDrive come out?
GAN released the GAN 17 MagDrive as its 2026 flagship, and we began carrying it in August 2026.
Does the GAN 17 have MagLev?
Yes. MagLev replaces the core springs with repelling magnets, which removes spring friction and the lockups that come with it. The GAN 17 pairs MagLev with a Ball-Core and the MagDrive full-turn magnet system.
What does MagDrive do?
MagDrive keeps a magnetic pull present through the whole turn: the layer snaps back from 0 to 45 degrees and drifts into place from 45 to 90 degrees. Most magnetic cubes only pull a layer into place at the end of a turn.
How do you adjust the GAN 17?
Use the included tuning tool on the 72-gear numerical system, which combines 12 magnetic tension gears with 6 center-travel gears, so you can return to an exact setting. You can also switch the corner magnet rods between strong, medium, and light, and remove the edge magnet rods to turn edge repulsion off.
Is the GAN 17 UV coated?
Yes. It is stickerless, and its color-molded plastic has a UV-coated finish for grip and shine.
The verdict
The GAN 17 MagDrive earns its flagship spot on performance: a new full-turn magnetic feel, a Ball-Core and MagLev build tuned for speed and stability, and a light, forgiving build with hollowed pieces and full corner-cutting. If you want the newest, best-performing GAN 3x3 and will put it to use, it is worth it.
It ships same-day from Las Vegas, and we are an authorized GAN dealer, so it is the real thing with our 90-day money-back guarantee behind it.
