Scalextric or Carrera Evolution?

[FarmerJim]

We are looking to get a Scalextric type set for young FJ (a grown-up-for-his-age 5 and a half year old). While in a model shop today I saw a brand called Carrera Evolution, with some rather nice Morgan cars. Young FJ is into his Morgans, so it could be the way to go, but how does Carrera kit compare to Scalextric in terms of quality and durability?

[clockworks]

I've got a few Carrera cars, and they really don't drive very well.
Ninco track is the best - more grip, and wider than Scalextric.
Scalextric cars tend to work straight from the box.

I'd be buying a Ninco set with some cars that you like, and a couple of Scalextric "robust" cars for the youngster to play with.

[RAClNG SNAKE]

Most 1:32 cars can be made to work on other track systems so you could buy Scalextric and run a selection of car brands. Carrera cars do not run well in comparison to Scalextric, as the previous poster said.

[russy01]

Id personally go with Scalextric, whilst in some aspects it may not be as good as competing brands it has a lot going for it, Namely its popularity and position in the marketplace. However you need to be careful with what type of scalextric you purchase, Id advise you to avoid Scalextric start and Micro like the plague.

We sell a huge amount of Slot Car products, Scalextric and Carrera being brands we stock. For us scalextric sells about 1000:1 - with the majority of our Carrera sells being made up of their trackside accessories which in fairness are much better than Hornbys offerings.

Whilst some of the Carrera Evolution sets offer great value for money, I personally think its a false economy. Not only is Scalextric easier to extend and add to (with a larger selection of bits and pieces), but its also the name people know. So when granny goes out and buys him a track extension pack for his birthday you'll know she end up with the right bits! (You may laugh, but you wouldnt believe how many returns we have to deal with because of such confusions!)

Depending on what you want to spend id recommend the following -

<£120 - C1294 Bond Skyfall Set, nice set especially if your lad likes Bond, although the cars arent the best as the Range is obviously a tad big and top heavy.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-5758-scalextri...

Alternatively id recommend C1295 - Rally Stage, whilst offering the same track layout as the Bond set this comes with a couple better cars at the same price.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-5759-scalextri...

£165 - SL34, Custom made analogue set with two Maccas, fits nicely on a 8x4 Board. Doesnt come in a glitzy Scalextric box but you are getting a much more exciting track layout and some decent cars for very little extra.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-5110-scalextri...
This will give you an idea of the track layout - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gt6ssehUtg&lis...

£250 - SL1 DIGITAL, Pretty much the same as above but this is a digital set. This comes with a 4 Car powerbase, so you only need two extra cars and throttles to get 4 of you racing at the same time.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1587-scalextri...

£399 - SL2 DIGITAL, Same track as the above. But with the 6 Car powerbase and 4 cars.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1855-scalextri...

Or if you really want to go for it -

£800 - SL32 http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-4780-scalextri...

£1600 - SL16 http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1402-scalextri...


PM me if there is anything you would like to know, or want some advice on a package.

Russ

[FarmerJim]

Thanks for all the advice. We have opted for the Scalextric Rally Stage set.