Labyrinth Hanayama Metal Brainteaser Puzzle Mensa Rated Level 5, for Ages 12 and Up

I have a massive collection of Hanayama cast puzzles, and this one ranks #2 (thee Baroq is my #1). This puzzle WILL take time to figure out and IS pretty hard, but it is super fun to solve over and over. I would recommend this if you want a hard challenge, otherwise, I'd get the Baroq.

My husband is someone who loves brain teasers, buys the hardest puzzles, and typically solves them within 10 minutes. While I love that he's such a left-brained thinker, it frustrates me to no end when I buy him a puzzle and he solves it immediately because then I wonder if it's really worth spending the money on puzzles for him. Well, this past Christmas, I decided to search on here for some of the hardest puzzles I could find (that he didn't already have, of course) and see if I could stump him, which is one of my goals in life. He already owned some of the Hanayama puzzles and, after searching through them and researching extensively on here, I decided to purchase the Vortex puzzle for him. The Hanayama puzzles are made of cast metal in China and are rated based on their difficulty. The level six puzzles are considered extremely difficult. This particular puzzle is a level five, which wasn't on my radar since I was mainly searching for level six puzzles but many reviewers said this one was very difficult. All of these puzzles come in a nice green box, which makes it easy to give them as gifts. I put these in my husband's stocking and they are a great size for it. Since receiving this puzzle, my husband has worked on it on and off, which means...he didn't solve it within 10 minutes and that makes this puzzle worth every penny!!!! He recently solved it after about an hour and 45 minutes of work and then he finally managed to put it back together. He said putting it back together was a lot harder than taking it apart. IF you find yourself in a bind and need a little assistance, there are videos online that you can use to help get you to that next step. My husband seriously loves these puzzles because he likes to figure out how things work and this one was a great purchase for part of his Christmas present! I, personally, have not tried this puzzle nor do I intend to, since my brain doesn't really work that way but I was delighted that this turned out to stump my husband. I was surprised that this one was a level five since those aren't as difficult as the level six puzzles, although they are obviously still difficult. If you, or someone you know, loves brain teasers and you need a VERY difficult puzzle, I highly recommend this one. Hanayama puzzles are well-made and small enough for you to stash in your desk drawer at work (Shhhh...don't tell your boss!), in your pocket, or to take on a trip. I'm already searching for my next purchase for my husband and, even though he won't admit it, he loves a good challenge... as do I!

I started out with one and now I have over 50 of these puzzles, be careful it's very addicting. I personally depend very heavily on reviews that are posted on Amazon, as do many other consumers. I not only read what reviewers say, but look to see what their pictures reveal about a products true quality and description. I aim to not only feature the products I review in many different aspects, analyzing many qualities, I also provide my own opinions on ALL the good AND bad experiences I have with the product I review. I take time to learn and use a product as it was intended before I review it, and I have used this specific product thoroughly. My rating system: 5 - Met all my expectations. Was described and pictured perfectly. Exactly what I wanted and needed. Extremely useful product and a great value. Would recommend to family and friends. 4 - Very good product. Exactly as described. May have a minor flaw, mentioned in the review, that does not detract from the products perceived value. Would recommend to family and friends. 3 - Average product. Not exactly as described, or misleading advertising or product pictures. Possibly substandard build quality, or something else explained in the review. Would mention as an option to family and friends, but not recommend. 2 - Wouldn't recommend this product. Poor build quality, not close to being as described. Flimsy and fragile. Difficult to use due to product flaws. 1 - Do not purchase whatsoever. Usually only given if product lasts only a few hours/days/etc. I do not leave 1 star reviews without contacting the seller. I will be returning the product. I did NOT receive ANY discount for this product. I simply enjoy reviewing every one of my purchases.

From a puzzle point of view, this gets 5 stars. Unfortunately, I'm dinging it a star for quality. I purchased this along with Marble (which I have solved and reviewed - 5 stars) and Quartet (which I have not yet solved). So far I have fully solved this once (separated the pieces and returned it to initial configuration). The solving was fairly satisfying, only marred by the fact that there are some places in the maze where I could not move it smoothly and had to force it a bit. Essentially, it some places, the "walls" of the maze are slightly too high, so the other piece binds up a bit. I think as I played it loosened up slightly, and I expect that continued use will smooth down the affected areas. It's really not a huge deal, but after the buttery smooth action of Marble, I was disappointed. The fact that the pins on the horseshoe piece are offset adds to both the difficulty and allows for some intriguing manipulation. It also means that having solved it once, I can't remember exactly how I did it, and I expect replayability of this puzzle should be fairly high. I am also wondering if, once the pieces are separated, it can then be put back together "upside-down", which would add even further to replayability. I think that the next time I separate it, I will mark the "correct" orientation and then try the other way. This is a good take-along puzzle as there are only 2 pieces, neither of them tiny, and it will not come apart accidentally.

These puzzles are great quality and definitely challenging.

Wow. A gorgeous piece. One of my very first Hanayama, and an instant favorite. The way it spins is so satisfying and intriguing. It took me a few days to get a part, and I was super proud of myself! I had solved the Infinity just prior, but needed a hint from a friend. This one I did all on my own. It took several (several, several!) sessions over the course of about a month to get it back together. It came in early October and I only just got back together! If you get it apart and don’t quite track or note how you did it, it’ll be quite difficult to get back together for a beginner. That only made it all the more satisfying when I finally got it back together and spinning though. Extremely satisfying to take apart and reassemble. Excellent quality and design as well. A good stocking puzzle for anyone who likes a challenge— not so much for someone easily frustrated, lol.

Puzzle was well packaged and appears very well built. The puzzle is entertaining, but not extremely challenging. Just added to my collection. Makes a good fidgit toy.

Bought a bunch of different puzzles gave as gifts to the guys in the office for Christmas. Positive feedback was received and they enjoyed them

EL TIEMPO DE LA ENTREGA FUE EL DIA QUE PROMETIERON, Y EL PRODUCTO ES EXELENTE, AUN NO LO HE PODIDO RESOLVER Y TIENE BUENA CALIDAD.

The puzzles are good , require a little patience , they can frustrate you quickly. Just solve with relaxingly. Enjoy the experience. For adults i would recommend- lv 5 or 6 and above.

It's a well made product and I bought it for my husband. It keeps him out of trouble and keeps his mind active. He is home disabled and can't get around much so it's a good tool for him to keep his mind active. Hasn't figured it out and it's been over a week now.

Solid steel puzzle. It's heavy. Feels durable. People who come home find it quite interesting.

Todo muy bien con la entrega. en cuanto al producto es excelente. la calidad del material es muy buena. es complicado resolver el puzzle pero con algo de paciencia se logra excelente pasatiempo altamente recomendable