Double Lock-a-Ball Brain Teaser: Mechanical Interlocking 3D Wooden Puzzle for Adults from SiamMandalay with SM Gift Box(Pictured)

This is my amended review of the Double Lock-A-Ball cage puzzle updating my previous opinion since receiving a replacement. Recapping the situation: the puzzle I initially received had four broken pieces. No damage to the shipping or inner box. I could not determine why or how this occurred. I noticed a very dark, almost scorched-like finish to them. But the coloring is superficial so I attributed this to a staining process that brings out the grain of the wood for appearance. And there was no smell or residue that would rub off. Also, I could not re-glue them due to the small "neck" location of each fracture. I do not think the repaired pieces would hold up over time at all. Then I was careless and threw away the original box (with the receipt in it) and accidently kept the Ball in a Cage (Balls Out) box. I REALLY did not expect to get a refund having thrown away the original box with the receipt in it. So I didn't even attempt to request a replacement/refund. But, Siam Mandalay saw the review and immediately offered to replace the puzzle. AND DID! This, in it's most splendid form, demonstrates the saving grace of (great) customer service. Regardless of these issues, they sent an immediate replacement which I received within a week. After inspection, disassembly and reassembly--- I have amended my initial review. I think that Siam Mandalay deserves to be applauded for their diligence and superior business ethic. One can already tell they take pride in their product not only in their actions in this instance, but in the quality of the puzzles themselves. There are very nicely produced solution videos on youtube showing 3D CG assembly of their puzzles. They take pride enough to place a company logo on each puzzle. Also, you must consider the precision needed in a puzzle like the double lock-a-ball, among others, in which the complex structure of the design lends itself to possible issues. Even after proper curing of wood, tight tolerances and straightness of the pieces can change with temperature, humidity and aging/drying. So, in my opinion, they stepped up to the plate and knocked one out of the park here. I can confidently state that I feel secure in knowing that their promise of backing up their product is demonstrably legitimate. I currently own several other puzzles by Siam Mandalay and have had no problem with quality. And now I feel I can rest assured, as well as the readers of this review, that any future purchases are safe and secured by their genuinely honorable guarantee. Buy with confidence. As for the puzzle itself: Siam Mandalay has done a great job on this puzzle that has so many pieces. It has become my second favorite from them -- just after Balls Out/ball in a Cage. Both have their own quirks in the way they fit together. But I think that gives a cage or burr puzzle "personality". And just as with an actual person, you become accustomed to them as you become friends. A special kind of challenge. Kudos to Siam Mandalay. Full marks five stars.

I ordered this puzzle because I have a granddaughter who is mechanically inclined and who needs to be kept occupied. I wanted something intriguing and different, and this puzzle met all the criteria. Not only did it keep her happily engaged, it’s very attractive and looks nice sitting on a table or desk top, too. It was money well spent.

I gave this to my hubby for his birthday. He loves puzzles. This one is lots of fun for him, he took it apart easily enough but putting it back together took some time. The pieces are all the same shape so it takes some thinking to remake it. The only reason I gave it 4 starts instead of 5 is that one od the pieces cracked while he was putting iy back together and we need to wood glue it. This is probably user error though.

It is really cool, a great gift idea. The pieces were a little looser than I'd prefer, which made it come apart easier than I think it is supposed to. I will day putting it back together was very trying though, that's the real puzzle! Good stuffa

This was a Christmas gift for a family member so I can't comment on solvability however the gift when opened a piece fell out and I offered to return the puzzle but the recipient said he would try to glue the wooden piece back after he figured out how to solve it. Have had very good luck with these puzzles year after year so this was the first time one arrived broken. Don't know the end of this story yet so we'll see how this turns out.

Well made, no harsh smells, lovely wood color, fairly easy to read directions. Good size puzzle. Bought two other puzzles from this company and they are beautiful as well (Lumberjacks Challenge & Shooting Star)! Would definately buy again as a gift.

2 pieces broke the first time I tried it! No, I did not apply too much force and no, I wasn't pulling the pieces in the wrong order. The puzzle is just so fragile!It would have been fun if it was made of better materials. The pieces are supposed to seamlessly slide in and out. The wood wasn't sanded down on some of the pieces though which created resistance and made the whole experience unpleasant.I wouldn't recommend this to anyone but if you really want it, don't give it to a kid under the age of 12. They will just force it and break it and you'll be left cleaning up the mess.

This is a good and quite difficult puzzle. The fit of the pieces could be just a little better, that is my only slight proble. It causes an important "movement" to be tricky. Definitely, the solution is needed unless you are a puzzle expert.

Imballato nelodo giusto e rompicapo molto bello