Popplock T3

Popplock T3

A puzzle friend of mine has decided to get more seriously into photography which is an expensive hobby (probably more expensive than puzzles - although my wife and Allard might argue against that). So to finance the purchase of a rather fancy new camera he decided to sell off a few of his puzzles. When word went out, I just happened to be sitting at my computer and immediately responded when I saw there was one puzzle I had missed out on previously available (Eric Fuller’s Galaxy) and of special interest to me was the Popplock T3.

Back in December I described my adventure with Rainer Popp’s most recent invention - the Popplock T6  and I really loved the puzzle solve (it was very tough) and the shear quality of the manufacture. The T6 had been specifically produced by Rainer to answer the general clamour for a slightly cheaper puzzle. This had just wetted my appetite for something else from him but I had struggled to find anything at a reasonable price and had rapidly been outbid at the various auction sites! I understand that a T2 is still available from Sloyd for nearly €200 but this would use all of my puzzle budget in one go! I was really delighted to be able to get this one without selling an organ!

It would appear that just about everyone has reviewed this before me! Jeff Chiou, Brian, Oli, Allard and most recently Jerry. All of whom really enjoyed this lock and most rated it as in their top 2 puzzle locks. I just HAD to try one!

The top picture here is the front of the lock with the characteristic Rainer Popp cat's face. The other side  has a knurled disk opposite the cat:

Back view

This disk rotates around 360º, meeting a couple of obstructions during the turn. These obstructions can be navigated by pushing the cat into the lock. There is almost no feedback from the puzzle as you play with it. Eventually you notice that something inside goes "Click"! Aha! Everyone I have given it to has found the click and gone "Aha!" only to be rather crestfallen when they can't work out what to do with the click.

I think I played with it for about a total of an hour over a week. Several of the reviews did state that it was important to notice something very subtle about the puzzle to make the next step and I have to say it is VERY subtle indeed. It took me ages to notice it and having done so the lock was open a few seconds later. No-one I have given it to has managed to solve it yet.

Open at last!

My only regret about this puzzle is that even after you have solved it, you cannot tell how it works. Only by reading the leaflet that comes with the puzzle can you finally understand the amazing workmanship and design that has gone into the manufacture of this puzzle. Definitely worth buying if you are a serious puzzle collector and you can find one for sale. It currently takes pride of place amongst my puzzle locks!