{"product_id":"speedstack-timer-g5","title":"Speedstack Timer G5","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSpeed Stacks G5 Timer – The New WCA Competition Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSpeed Stacks G5 Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e is the latest generation of the world's most recognisable speedcubing timer and is about to become more important than ever for competitive speedcubers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cstrong\u003e2 January 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e, the World Cube Association (WCA) will require the \u003cstrong\u003eSpeed Stacks G5 Timer in 4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e for all official WCA attempts performed using a speedsolving timer. This will replace the previous system under which G3, G4 and G5 timers could be used, with the G5 operating in 2-pad mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat makes the G5 the obvious choice for competitive speedcubers who want to practise using the same timer and starting procedure that they will encounter at official competitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🏆 The New Official WCA Competition Standard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Speed Stacks G5 is becoming the universal timer for WCA speedsolving competitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUntil the end of 2026, WCA competitions can use older generations of Speed Stacks timers and the G5 is used in 2-pad mode. From \u003cstrong\u003e2 January 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e, official attempts using a speedsolving timer will instead require the \u003cstrong\u003eG5 in 4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRequired for WCA speedsolving attempts from 2 January 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e4-pad starting system\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAccurate to 0.001 seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe ideal timer for practising under future competition conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUsed by speedcubers and competition organisers around the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you compete regularly, practising with a G5 allows you to become familiar with the exact timer setup that will soon be used at every WCA competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✋ Why Is the WCA Switching to 4-Pad Timing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional speedcubing timers use two hand sensors. In recent years this has caused difficulties in enforcing the correct starting procedure, particularly because very small start infractions can be extremely difficult for a judge to see in real time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis has led to considerable discussion around a technique commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003e\"sliding\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, where a competitor moves their hands from the timer towards the puzzle in a way that can make it difficult to determine whether the timer was correctly started before they interacted with the puzzle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G5's \u003cstrong\u003e4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e requires the competitor to activate the additional sensors when starting a solve. The WCA has chosen this system to provide greater certainty that official solves have been started correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is particularly relevant in very fast events such as \u003cstrong\u003e2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb\u003c\/strong\u003e, where a tiny difference at the start can represent a significant proportion of the entire solve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.worldcubeassociation.org\/posts\/adoption-of-4-pad-timing-august-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eRead the WCA's official announcement about the move to 4-pad timing\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e⚙️ Improvements Over Previous Speed Stacks Timers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G5 introduces several improvements over previous generations of StackMat timers, with changes designed to improve durability and reduce accidental resets during both practice and competitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReinforced RESET and POWER buttons for improved durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eButtons require a short press-and-hold, helping to prevent accidental resets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProtected data port underneath the timer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUpdated mounting system for compatible G5 mats\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSelectable 2-pad and 4-pad operating modes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a more modern version of the familiar StackMat design while retaining the timing system that speedcubers have used at competitions for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e⏱️ 2-Pad and 4-Pad Modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Speed Stacks G5 can operate in either \u003cstrong\u003e2-pad or 4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the current WCA Regulations, the G5 is still used in \u003cstrong\u003e2-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e for official speedcubing attempts. However, this will change on \u003cstrong\u003e2 January 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e, when \u003cstrong\u003e4-pad mode becomes mandatory for official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are buying a G5 specifically to prepare for future competitions, we therefore recommend practising in \u003cstrong\u003e4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e so that you can become comfortable with the new starting procedure before it becomes compulsory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e⏱️ Competition Accuracy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Speed Stacks G5 measures every solve to \u003cstrong\u003e0.001 seconds\u003c\/strong\u003e and provides the precision required for competitive speedcubing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e0.001 second timing accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLarge touch-sensitive hand pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAdditional sensors for 4-pad timing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eClear LCD display\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReliable timing for competition and everyday practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor casual practice, there are much cheaper speedcubing timers available. However, the G5's major advantage is that it allows you to replicate the timing setup used in official competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e📺 Compatible with Tournament Displays\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G5 includes a data port for connecting to compatible tournament displays, making it suitable for official competitions, cubing clubs, demonstrations and other events where a larger external display is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e📏 Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/strong\u003e LCD\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccuracy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.001 seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOperating Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2-Pad \u0026amp; 4-Pad\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2027 WCA Standard:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-Pad Mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExternal Display Compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBluetooth:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 × AAA batteries (included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🎯 Who Is the Speed Stacks G5 For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRegular WCA competitors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompetitive 2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb solvers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCubers preparing for the 2027 WCA 4-pad regulations\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCubing clubs and competition organisers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting to practise with the official competition timer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you only want an inexpensive timer for practising at home, options such as the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/qiyi-speedcubing-timer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQiYi Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e may offer better value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, if you compete regularly and want to practise using the same equipment that you will encounter at WCA competitions, the \u003cstrong\u003eSpeed Stacks G5 is now the clear competition-focused choice\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Speed Stacks G5 used at WCA competitions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYes. G5 timers are already used extensively at WCA competitions. Currently, WCA competitions can also use approved G3 and G4 timers, and G5 timers are required to operate in 2-pad mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cstrong\u003e2 January 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e, this changes: official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer will require a \u003cstrong\u003eSpeed Stacks G5 in 4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I practise in 2-pad or 4-pad mode?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are preparing for competitions in 2027 and beyond, we recommend practising in \u003cstrong\u003e4-pad mode\u003c\/strong\u003e. This will allow you to become accustomed to the starting procedure that will become mandatory at WCA competitions from 2 January 2027.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUntil then, official WCA attempts continue to use 2-pad timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is the WCA changing to 4-pad timers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe WCA has explained that two-pad timers can make certain violations of the starting procedure difficult for judges to identify in real time. Although video can sometimes reveal these problems afterwards, analysing every solve frame-by-frame is impractical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe WCA therefore selected 4-pad timing to provide greater certainty that official results are achieved in accordance with the Regulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill old WCA records be removed when 4-pad timing starts?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The WCA has stated that existing records will remain in place and 4-pad results will be ranked alongside existing 2-pad results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is new compared with older StackMat timers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G5 introduces reinforced buttons, improved protection against accidental resets, a protected data port, an updated mounting system and selectable 2-pad and 4-pad operating modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly for speedcubers, it is the only generation capable of the 4-pad timing system that the WCA will require from January 2027.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use the G5 with older StackMat mats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The G5 uses a redesigned snap-in mounting system and is not compatible with Generation 3 or Generation 4 StackMat mats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Speed Stacks G5 have Bluetooth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The G5 is primarily designed as a competition timer rather than a smart timer. If you want Bluetooth connectivity and automatic solve logging, consider one of the smart timer options below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpeedcubing Timer Comparison\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G5 is the best option for replicating WCA competition conditions, but it isn't necessarily the best choice for every speedcuber. If you mainly practise at home, a cheaper conventional timer or a Bluetooth smart timer may suit you better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eTimer\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eBluetooth\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth\u003eBest For\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/qiyi-speedcubing-timer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQiYi Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e❌\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eAffordable everyday practice\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/qiyi-smart-timer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQiYi Smart Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e✔\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eAffordable smart timing and automatic solve logging\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/gan-halo-timer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGAN Halo Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e✔\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eGAN CubeStation and premium smart timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zeal-timer-blue\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZeal Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e❌\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eAdvanced features without requiring a phone\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed Stacks G5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e❌\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eWCA competition practice and 2027 4-pad timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor more options, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/timers\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebrowse our full range of speedcubing timers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"speedcubing.org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57404347744521,"sku":"12-C-1","price":32.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0834\/4040\/2697\/files\/Untitled_drawing_39.jpg?v=1791586618","url":"https:\/\/instock.net\/products\/speedstack-timer-g5","provider":"InStock","version":"1.0","type":"link"}