http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1645703666
Is the massage ball really rare? How does it compare to other rubik type puzzles (turns easily, solid structure, stickers vs. rubber). I am interested in this puzzle but before I bid on this, I would like some imput from experienced puzzle collectors. Thanks!

I have this item (a variation of it) on my puzzle site at:

http://www.virtualpuzzlemuseum.com/roundpuzzles7of8.htm

but had considered removing it from the site since I really don't consider it a Rubik type puzzle. It is more in line with the Orb-IT or Missing Link type puzzle...a 3 dimentional slide tile puzzle.

It is not mechanical puzzle like the Rubik types are.

However that difference may be of no concequence to you. I have seen perhaps 10 of these in the last few years on ebay and at puzzletts store here in Seattle (he no longer has a storefront btw), so I don't know if they are rare or just in low demand.

- Cubologist

I have one of those. It is a reasonably difficult puzzle, quite a nice challenge really.

Mechanically it is rubbish, unfortunately. The tiles are hexagonal, which means they often get stuck when they twist a bit. The mechanism used to keep tiles from sliding unintentionally is also very poor.

The version shown in the virtual puzzle museum won't have those problems. I think that one is a copy of the Equator/Hungarian Globe puzzle.

I do not know how rare it is, or what it is worth. If you want to play with it online, you can try out the page on my site.

Jaap's Puzzle Page: http://www.org2.com/jaap/puzzles