Speedstack Timer G5

Speed Stacks G5 Timer – The New WCA Competition Standard

The Speed Stacks G5 Timer is the latest generation of the world's most recognisable speedcubing timer and is about to become more important than ever for competitive speedcubers.

From 2 January 2027, the World Cube Association (WCA) will require the Speed Stacks G5 Timer in 4-pad mode 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.

That 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.

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🏆 The New Official WCA Competition Standard

The Speed Stacks G5 is becoming the universal timer for WCA speedsolving competitions.

Until the end of 2026, WCA competitions can use older generations of Speed Stacks timers and the G5 is used in 2-pad mode. From 2 January 2027, official attempts using a speedsolving timer will instead require the G5 in 4-pad mode.

• Required for WCA speedsolving attempts from 2 January 2027
• 4-pad starting system
• Accurate to 0.001 seconds
• The ideal timer for practising under future competition conditions
• Used by speedcubers and competition organisers around the world

If 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.

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✋ Why Is the WCA Switching to 4-Pad Timing?

Traditional 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.

This has led to considerable discussion around a technique commonly known as "sliding", 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.

The G5's 4-pad mode 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.

This is particularly relevant in very fast events such as 2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb, where a tiny difference at the start can represent a significant proportion of the entire solve.

Read the WCA's official announcement about the move to 4-pad timing.

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⚙️ Improvements Over Previous Speed Stacks Timers

The 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.

• Reinforced RESET and POWER buttons for improved durability
• Buttons require a short press-and-hold, helping to prevent accidental resets
• Protected data port underneath the timer
• Updated mounting system for compatible G5 mats
• Selectable 2-pad and 4-pad operating modes

The 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.

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⏱️ 2-Pad and 4-Pad Modes

The Speed Stacks G5 can operate in either 2-pad or 4-pad mode.

Under the current WCA Regulations, the G5 is still used in 2-pad mode for official speedcubing attempts. However, this will change on 2 January 2027, when 4-pad mode becomes mandatory for official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer.

If you are buying a G5 specifically to prepare for future competitions, we therefore recommend practising in 4-pad mode so that you can become comfortable with the new starting procedure before it becomes compulsory.

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⏱️ Competition Accuracy

The Speed Stacks G5 measures every solve to 0.001 seconds and provides the precision required for competitive speedcubing.

• 0.001 second timing accuracy
• Large touch-sensitive hand pads
• Additional sensors for 4-pad timing
• Clear LCD display
• Reliable timing for competition and everyday practice

For 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.

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📺 Compatible with Tournament Displays

The 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.

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📏 Specifications

• Display: LCD
• Accuracy: 0.001 seconds
• Operating Modes: 2-Pad & 4-Pad
• 2027 WCA Standard: 4-Pad Mode
• External Display Compatible: Yes
• Bluetooth: No
• Power: 2 × AAA batteries (included)

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🎯 Who Is the Speed Stacks G5 For?

• Regular WCA competitors
• Competitive 2x2, Pyraminx and Skewb solvers
• Cubers preparing for the 2027 WCA 4-pad regulations
• Cubing clubs and competition organisers
• Anyone wanting to practise with the official competition timer

If you only want an inexpensive timer for practising at home, options such as the QiYi Timer may offer better value.

However, if you compete regularly and want to practise using the same equipment that you will encounter at WCA competitions, the Speed Stacks G5 is now the clear competition-focused choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Speed Stacks G5 used at WCA competitions?

Yes. 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.

From 2 January 2027, this changes: official WCA attempts using a speedsolving timer will require a Speed Stacks G5 in 4-pad mode.

Should I practise in 2-pad or 4-pad mode?

If you are preparing for competitions in 2027 and beyond, we recommend practising in 4-pad mode. This will allow you to become accustomed to the starting procedure that will become mandatory at WCA competitions from 2 January 2027.

Until then, official WCA attempts continue to use 2-pad timing.

Why is the WCA changing to 4-pad timers?

The 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.

The WCA therefore selected 4-pad timing to provide greater certainty that official results are achieved in accordance with the Regulations.

Will old WCA records be removed when 4-pad timing starts?

No. The WCA has stated that existing records will remain in place and 4-pad results will be ranked alongside existing 2-pad results.

What is new compared with older StackMat timers?

The 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.

Most importantly for speedcubers, it is the only generation capable of the 4-pad timing system that the WCA will require from January 2027.

Can I use the G5 with older StackMat mats?

No. The G5 uses a redesigned snap-in mounting system and is not compatible with Generation 3 or Generation 4 StackMat mats.

Does the Speed Stacks G5 have Bluetooth?

No. 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.

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Speedcubing Timer Comparison

The 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.

For more options, browse our full range of speedcubing timers.