So I did a post about solving my Starminx (face turning) in 37 minutes in the market place section where the solution discussion is also located. I don't want to split the latter up but I thought with my new record I start this topic.
I guess if you solved a shapeways version and post the record you should better tell.

I got a new record of 24:00.62 min

Congratulations on the World Record

HA
Cool. I didn't think of that. Although I consider it really possible that someone with a smoother shapeways version has actually gotten a faster solve with a physical starminx before.
Then additionally there's really fast times on gelatinbrain.
But yeah, maybe, so far I have the fastest physical solve. Let's see.

Okay, I just tried a timed solve and got a 42:08.99 solve.

I got something in the 50s timed last time I tried it. I can solve my pyraminx crystal in 1/3 the time I could before, though, so I think it will be considerably faster if I try again now.

EDIT: At 26:27 I got a DNF. Messed up a setup. 5 tips left. Could have easily been sub 30.

I've been fiddling around with it, but haven't been able to solve it yet.

I've been using an edges-first method, since it's a dino type puzzle I imagine it'll be easier.

I think this whole thread is about the Face Turning Starminx (mf8 name = Starminx II; TP name = Starminx V1). The Dino Starminx has the mf8 name Starminx I.

Is it 1.1.8 on Gelatinbrain? Because that's the one I've been using.

This thread talks about the physical Starminx (most likely people are using the mf8 version; a (probably) better one is available from Shapeways designed by Tomz).
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22574&p=273077#p273077
This is Gelatinbrain 1.1.5
I do not know of a physical representation of 1.1.8.

I actually meant 1.1.5 It had that first-glance appearance of being a higher order edges-only puzzle about it. Like a dodecahedral rex cube in a sense. Where the edges could be solved first, then to place the points (which are similar to the petals on the Rex cube) and centres together.

But my original intention was to solve it on gelatinbrain and compare my solve to a physical one when I purchase it/receive it for my birthday. I mean, obviously it will be faster, but I wanted to see how different it would be. I didn't mention I was fiddling around with it on gelatinbrain. This is where all the confusion has come from.

Also, what's the cheapest price for physical versions of these? I've seen one for $32.00 but I'm looking for a cheaper one.

Actually, edges first is quite OK. Look at them as Pyraminx Crystal edges. There is an excellent video tutorial about solving it by bmenrigh.
(Search his posts for Starminx). It is a big puzzle and $32 seems to be not expensive at all.

I did my first solve a yesterday and got 32:48.17. I think with a bit of practice sub-25 would be easily possible. Let the race commence

28:06.93. New PB. Almost flubbed a set up move, but I saved it. Anyone have tips for the tips? (hehe ) Only around 7 minutes of that was Pyraminx Crystal edges and centers, the rest was tips.

I don't know about how much of was discussed in the marketplace topic already but I became much faster with the point pieces when I started using the mirror of my algs. I suppose you do use the inverse. But using the mirror of the 3,1 alg I use for the points saves a lot of setup moves. If you did that anyway, sorry for explaining.
It's also good to alter it. The slice move can be any degree. Just look around all the slice for a certain piece.

Hey Kapusta,
I got scared by your 28:06 so I solved my Starminx again and got 22:10.47
Dare you.

Sounds fun. When I get time I'm going to try and get a good method and get at least sub-30. I still need to finished modding it (first thing I did was to take it apart to mod it to make it turn better) and sticker it first though .

Ya, I do use both of these. Around half the time I can solve 2 tips at once, and once or twice a solve I get lucky and solve all three. My biggest issue is with the last batch of tips, where setup moves are difficult and usually I can only do them one at a time.



Gah! The race is on!

EDIT: Probably useful to add I'm using a TomZ mini starminx, not a MF8.

When I read about the 20-30 minute times you guys were getting, I didn't think I could "compete", because my best time on gelatinbrain was 27:39, and I figured the physical solves would take much longer... so I was surprised when I timed myself twice and got 26 minutes and change both times. I suppose having a physical puzzle makes searching for pieces/setups faster, which compensates for how much longer it takes to complete the actual sequences. I am using an MF8 starminx that I have lubed, but not modded.

As for solving the tips... in addition to using the (3,1) that uses the slice move, I also use a (4,3) that I find to be much more convenient/easy to find set-up moves for. Also, I always solve at least 2 tips per sequence out of habit.

I'll have to try to see if I can get a better time now =P

new PR: 23:59.53.
I'm coming for that UWR
I think sub-20 is possible, just because that solve had quite a few mess-ups on it. First, i forgot how to flip 2 pyra crystal edges, so got stuck there for a bit, and also the last few points were really awkward to setup to.

Arrghh. The walls are closing in.
I tried to beat my own record 3 times now and the best I got was over 25 min. I think I have to be scared. You will most likely get it shortly.

New Record of 20:24.35

The points were quite easy, and the last few setups were relatively simple, also, I managed to do the pyraminx crystal edges without too much trouble.

OOhh. Ohhh. nice.
Congratulations.

I sanded down the tips a bit to try to reduce the catching a bit... seems to have helped, as I'm now getting times 5-6 minutes faster.

Believe it or not, but the PR that I just got is 20:24.04, just a split second faster than MaeLSTRoM. I want to sub 20 though... got 20:XX 3 times now.

EDIT: After a series of improvements, now down to 14:31.13 =O

Some of you guys are too damn fast!

Just got a new PB- 26:24.24. First sub 30 time in a while. I think I need to lube it more frequently, because this solve went smoother than any I've done before. Almost no gaps between searching for pieces, and it ended in a nice clean 3-cycle for the first time (usually I get a pair to swap and I have to find a bunch of awkward setup moves.)
I want to try one on an MF8 at some point to compare to mine... Does anyone own both types?