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Hello everyone,
We are posting an update on where we're at on the status of the Black Lite’s and current items to fulfil. After a longer meeting and catch-up today, we can confirm that the foam will be delivered tomorrow for the boxes (March 25th) the components for the 125 will be in production, which will bring us into April to finalise. It has taken time to ensure that we reach the quality and standards that will be anticipated while also ensuring that the consistency is kept for each Black.
The poll was extended from Friday, March 22nd at 4:00pm until Monday, March 25th due to Rachel was out of office. With 29 votes, the core and sleeve anodised in the same colour was chosen as the limited edition set's sleeve colour, it was extremely close to the gold sleeves with coloured cores (difficulty level) with 28 votes.
The tasks that will be completed have now been laid out and are being worked on in stages, such as finishing the V4’s, pack 1’s for VAULTMAZE and returns. What we're working on with VAULTMAZE is making it more cost-effective and aiming to send more of the packs together. For example, the next priority would be pack 2 and 3 together, and while the Lite’s are in production, we'll be working on the next packs so that production can begin as early as possible. The testing sleeve (6-ring) and stand will be included in the remaining packs of 4, 5, and 6, completing the set; further information will be provided as soon as manufacturing begins.
Once the Black Lite’s begin to arrive, we will host a survey to discover what people think and if you would recommend the Lite’s to your family and friends, or kids who may like to give them a go. The different lightness may be noted, there was 5 different strengths, from very light to heavier. We’d like Blue to have a lighter spring, the advanced levels will be closer to tolerance with a heavier spring to work towards. The Lite's are currently made in-house on the main machine, and we are working with subcontractors like the anodisers and possibly engineers later in production, while taking this feedback into account to guarantee the mazes are enjoyed to their limit.
The items that are being worked on currently.
Our two UK clients and enthusiasts who have given us really positive feedback in the past will receive the prototype mazes; we had previously described that they were testing the maze. We wanted to clarify after a Discord member brought it to our attention that, as Chris checked and solved the maze, they will be sent first for them to have an independent view that will take place before sending the pre-orders, to hear feedback on the Black's weight, feel, or knurling, for example, the feedback would be reviewed for future Lite’s.
Update from March 26th: we did wish to add that the anodising on the inner core may be prone to rubbed lines during play or prolonged use; we have begun testing this ourselves and will examine it with the pilot. Because hard anodising is difficult to achieve with most colours, it will be reviewed and perhaps updated with a single way of thicker anodizing to assure consistent quality.
The maze designs are three-quarters complete, and the introductory mazes will be finished first. The advanced and limited edition mazes must be designed to be ready following the introductory levels. People who ordered the 8 set or 8 set + pilot will receive the 4 introductory levels first, in a larger case with cut foam, followed by the advanced levels, either separately or all in 4. The limited edition set will be made and delivered throughout the year and will include 4 citrus colours: Turquoise, Lime, Yellow, and Orange. The Orange shade is currently available, and the remaining 3 colours will be worked on via request with the anodisers.
Thank you for reading and joining us on the Lite adventure, we will continue working towards ensuring the awaited Black’s are worthwhile and will be thoroughly enjoyed. Should you have any queries in the meantimes, the main email address would be helpdesk@thepuzzleworkshop.uk
Kindest regards,
Chris and Rachel