It was my first 4x4, and it continues to be my only one. I've seen other 4x4s with better magnets and better turning though. It is a great 4x4 for beginners, but once you learn how to solve it and get better at it, you will definitely need to get a better cube. It doesn't have popping problems as long as you turn relatively carefully, it only popped once, but that's cause I was doing a really fast solve, ignoring what its limits were and I suffered the consequences of having to learn how to assemble a 4x4. The magnets are not very strong, but they are noticeable when solving, but other than that, they aren't amazing. This cube has a special place in my heart cause I truly enjoy cubing and I've several pb's with it, and I plan on getting a better one soon, but I will always respect it as a solid beginning cube and my first 4x4. It's not amazing, but it's not trash.