GAN 16 vs GAN 17 Comparison: Which Flagship Should You Buy?

Choose GAN17 MagDrive if you want GAN’s latest flagship with stronger 45° self-alignment, 196 magnets and more continuous magnetic guidance through the Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System. Choose GAN16 Maglev Max if you prefer a lighter 64g cube and still want GAN’s established flagship MagLev feel and Magnetic GES tuning.

Craft with decades of magnetics innovation - GAN17 MagDrive’s improvements from the GAN16 Maglev

The Evolution Continues

After an entire year of research and trials based on the experiences we learned from the success of the GAN16 Maglev, on August 10th, we are finally proud to launch our brand new flagship to the world - GAN17 MagDrive.

Built specifically for all the speedcubing enthusiasts around the world, GAN17’s MagDrive construction aims to directly upgrade on the widely acclaimed GAN16 Maglev design.

What exactly has been improved from the GAN16?

Product Model

GAN17 MagDrive

GAN16 Maglev Max

Weight

71g

64g

Self-Alignment

45°

40°

Number of Magnets

196

136

Magnetic System

Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System

Global Celestial Magnetic Network

Tension System

Magnetic GES

Magnetic GES

Surface Material

UV

UV


With just a 7g increase in weight, we have managed to include an incredible 60 extra magnets in the GAN17 MagDrive. The increase in magnets not only made GAN17 more stable, it also means the GAN17 has a stunning 45° self-alignment.

But there’s more! GAN17 MagDrive comes with a revolutionary new magnetic arrangement. By introducing a remarkable 17.5mm micro ballcore, we are able to strategically place the magnets in a new arrangement that we call the Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System. This allows the GAN17 to turn with a unique handfeel with incredible speed and stability.


One Magnet Core, Three Magnet Realms

So what does the new Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System do?

The GAN17 was designed around one major goal: to achieve a powerful automatic alignment effect. The 196 magnets assist every turn with zero blind spots, achieving a 45° self-alignment.

The magnets remain active throughout the turn, guiding the layer back toward its starting position before 45° and toward the finished position after 45°. This provides stronger, more continuous magnetic guidance for a smoother and more controlled turn. 

We can break down the key designs of the Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System into three Magnetic Realms.


Core | Dynamic Realm

This realm consists of 40 magnets in total, 20 in the micro ball core, and 20 more in the bottom of the edge and corner pieces.

This is the first time we have introduced a 20-magnet ball core to our flagship speedcube. With just 17.5mm in size, the micro ball core is what allows the additional magnets to fit inside the cube.

Acting as the centre of the GAN17’s magnetic network, this realm is what powers the continuous navigation throughout the turn.


Middle | Relay Realm

This realm is where the majority of magnets are located. With 96 magnets, every turn can feel like one linear motion with virtually no blind spot for magnetic coverage.

The magnets in this realm are also the reason why the GAN17 has its buttery smooth turns. The Edge pieces’ stalk and wing magnets repel each other, while the centre piece magnets and corner stalk magnets repel each other. This further reduced the friction for the maglev tension system.

In essence, this realm is exactly as its name suggests. It is a relay that connects the core realm and outer realm, making sure that the magnetic structure of the GAN17 works in perfect sync.


Outer | Alignment Realm

This realm consists of 24 edge-side magnets and 24 corner-side magnets, much like the GAN16. The main goal of these magnets is to help each turn align into place with precision.


Built On Excellence

Apart from the brilliant innovations, GAN17 MagDrive retained all of the main features of the GAN16 and other flagship GAN speedcubes. 

The Omni-support Orbit piece structure ensures the cube wouldn’t pop under even the most aggressive solves, while still possessing enough flexibility and corner cutting to remain forgiving.

It comes with the GAN GES tension system, allowing the customisation of 72 different handfeels with a single dial. And it comes with 3-gear corner magnet rods—strong, medium and light, detachable edge magnet rods that can adjust edge magnetic repulsion at your will.


Why should I buy the GAN17 MagDrive?

If you loved what the GAN16 brought to your solves, the GAN17 takes that experience even further. Building on the features that made the GAN16 a flagship favourite while introducing a new generation of performance upgrades, the GAN17 is made for cubers who want to experience what’s next. 


Get yours below!


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest difference between GAN16 Maglev Max and GAN17 MagDrive?

GAN17 MagDrive introduces a new Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System with 196 magnets and 45° self-alignment, compared with 136 magnets and 40° self-alignment on GAN16 Maglev Max. GAN17 is designed to provide stronger and more continuous magnetic guidance throughout the turn.

Is GAN17 MagDrive heavier than GAN16 Maglev Max?

Yes. GAN17 MagDrive weighs 71g, while GAN16 Maglev Max weighs 64g. The additional 7g comes with a more complex magnetic structure and 60 more magnets in GAN17.

How does the magnetic system of GAN17 differ from GAN16?

GAN17 uses the Celestial Magnetic-Dynamic System built around One Magnet Core and Three Magnet Realms: the Core/Dynamic Realm, Relay Realm and Alignment Realm. This structure is designed to keep magnetic guidance active throughout the turn, rather than relying only on final-layer alignment.

Do GAN16 and GAN17 use the same tuning system?

Both GAN16 Maglev Max and GAN17 MagDrive use GAN’s Magnetic GES system. GAN17 also offers 72 tension configurations, 3-gear corner magnet rods in strong, medium and light settings, and detachable edge magnet rods for adjusting edge magnetic repulsion.

Should I buy GAN17 MagDrive or GAN16 Maglev Max?

Choose GAN17 MagDrive if you want stronger self-alignment, more continuous magnetic guidance and GAN’s latest flagship magnetic system. Choose GAN16 Maglev Max if you prefer a lighter 64g cube while still retaining GAN’s flagship MagLev feel and Magnetic GES tuning.