SCALEXTRIC vs CARRERA - The Ultimate Test!

[@nexpresspro]

This is a very nice comparison. I have large 24 meter layouts from both Carrera and Scalextric (both are digital systems), and have had them for many years, hosting lots of races with many other drivers over that time. With all the experience with both of these systems, I have some information that might be helpful. First, they are both fine systems if you want to set up a track and have some fun with family and friends. They will provide lots of enjoyment. For more of the hard core hobbyist, that may want a more permanent track set up to host more serious races, Carrera really does shine. The harder track surface, larger track dimensions, and locking system makes for and exceptional experience when you are racing more than a single car. One item I don’t think you mentioned is Carrera track also has a slot that is shielded with a thin plastic on each side, and the slot is slightly wider then Scalextric. This makes for a really more stable slot, and there are wonderful aftermarket slot guides for Carrera that improve handling immensely, especially when racing without magnets. I have not found this on the Scalextric track. The Carrera track being much wider, also can run 1/24 scale cars. The 1/24 scale cars bring a very different driving experience due to their size, power and weight. They are also beautifully detailed. They are my favorite to race with. I still enjoy the 1/32 cars, but the 1/24 option for Carrera just makes it a bit more special. Where Scalextric really shines is if you are space challenged. The smaller track can be set up in quite a bit smaller space then Carrera, and the more flexible track can be a benefit if you have smaller kids and the track is on the floor. I’ve seen Scalextric get stepped on by kids, and you can just take the bent track piece and just mold it back to being used again. Step on a Carrera track piece, and it’s broken. Comparing the 1/32 cars from both companies can be very difficult. They both make so many car options that you’ll find favorites with both brands if you try enough. I currently have 44 Scalextric cars, and 81 Carrera. Whatever company you decide to invest in, learning to tune the cars will yield much better racing results than just running them out of the box (there are many videos of how to tune a car on KZbin). So those are just some additional thoughts on both systems. The best thing anyone can do is try them both out and see what works best for how they want to race.

[@obliu]

any opinion on Ninco tracks ? xD

[@nexpresspro]

@@obliu yes, I have a very large lot of Ninco track and even the old N-Digital system. The Ninco track is like the best of both worlds between Carrera and Scalextrix. It’s wider than Scalextric, but not quite as wide as Carrera. It is wide enough to run 1/24 scale cars, but in my opinion the cars are just too close together. 1/32 cars are perfect on the Ninco track. The Ninco track is beautifully textured, has nice shielded slot, and is flexible so it bends easily without being damaged. It is my favorite track over all, but Ninco stopped supporting the digital system, so that’s when I switched to Carrera. I like digital racing, so that was my real deciding factor. If I was going to run an analog set up, it would be Ninco every time. I could invest in a third party digital system called Oxigen, that can be used with Ninco track and makes the ultimate digital track, but I just don’t have the time to make that move yet. If you ever watch any of the international slot car races, Ninco is usually the track used. It can be a little harder to find stock here in America, but it can be done if you search hard enough. Hope that helps you…

[@coop98]

Thank you! Are you running stock peer supply?

[@nexpresspro]

@@coop98 Yes, I just use the stock power supplies. I’ve had zero issues with running stock power as long as the track doesn’t get too big.

[@eyestonemontanus6377]

I got a Scalextric track when I was 4, it was passed on to my nephew who's now grown up. Now I have a son that just turned 4 and I expect it to be passed to him. After 40 years the only problem is the connection points between some of the tracks, but it's easily fixed with a bit of careful bending of the steel ends. No missing or broken tracks, lots of bits broken off the cars, but they'r all still working. Ended up here because I'm staring at a black friday sale, not scalextric.. but I think I'll stick to Scalextric.

[@robertaccornero7172]

My older Brother invented the use of magnets back in the seventies, when he and I worked at Aurora R&D. He was one of 2 guys designing AFX slot cars, the new magnet technology was called 'MAGNA TRACTION' I myself designed paint jobs for AFX, and built show models.... freakin' half a century ago!

[@robertaccornero7172]

which specific Cox product was that? what are the 2 specific dates that you are referring to?@@scorpiuswireless1

[@lucasrem]

Lionel Trains with Magne Traction ?

[@slotvalleyracing]

My name is Dan. I have a LIVE show and would like to talk with you about your work at Aurora!

[@MarquisDeSang]

@@slotvalleyracing I wanna see that.

[@johnh9200]

Wow, I remember when Aurora introduced the Magnetic AFX cars. I know it made Slot Racing far more fun for us young kids. My gratitude To your brother for making a memorable child hood.

[@MrSteve2714740]

Not being an expert in slot car racing I still found this video and review fascinating unbiased and totally fair, good work lads. 👍🏻

[@michaeljordan6008]

Wow, I don’t know anything about slot cars, but this was a very enjoyable video.

[@EdsterIII]

I grew up in the 70's with TYCO/AFX slot-cars. They were smaller in scale, and they were so much fun. I remember getting the Super Duper Double-Looper for 🎄Christmas🎄one year. Then two years later I got the monster king track from the JC Penny's Christmas Catalog.🎄 Those were some amazing memories. My Smokey and the Bandit cars, Dukes of Hazzard, and others were so so cool to see race. Thanks for sharing this information with us. I still collect Hot Wheels and Matchbox Die-Cast cars and I have still on occasion raced them as well. I have seen these larger scale tracks but never really got any significant information. So again Thank you. Really cool video and great job with your explanations.

[@chrisemptage1366]

Oh I had them as a kid amazing set

[@nja3224]

I liked the idea of not having to buy track if I made the jump from 1:32 to 1:24 so I went with Carrera. I have no experience with Scaletrix so I can’t compare the two, but I’m happy with my digital 1:32 purchase.

[@larrycurrence6874]

I think once you really get into it you'll find that different cars have different offerings (livery, authenticity, handling, availability) I'm currently only collecting but I'm sure I will go with Carrera Evo, so I can run my NSR, Slot-it, and Fly models before having to chip them for a digital set-up.

[@wordreet4125]

Enjoyed the video. 👍😎 Yes weight is quite critical when the car has no magnet. (no cars had "magnatraction" when I started with Scalextric) in 1959/60. I ended up at a slot racing club on a plywood track with copper tape contacts, and that's where I learned about low down weight and chassis design. One of the most important things for good handling is the slot guide placement relative to the front axle. Further forward is better! So that's part of the reason why the Scalextric car in your tests fared better without the magnet. Also the wider tires are a big help, Scalextric again! But keep those tires clean! So, ironically as both are aimed at home racing, if you can put the track down on a dust free, carpet free floor, the tires will grip for longer!

[@jjward5561]

This is a really helpful video for anyone getting back into the slot car scene after many years out of it, well done to you and thankyou for making it! great stuff.

[@johnmackay6612]

Very well done gents, thanks. My interest was primarily to create a Targa Florio digital road course that actually models actual portions of the track in 1/32 scale (e.g. Collesano hairpin, Bivio Polizzi "pit area", and the famous pit lanes) from the late 50's - '73. I liked the pace car feature that SSD offers in the 6-car digital power base as I can then race against ghost cars just as the actual race did, pitting all cars by classes into a #lap race against the clock. As such, when I used TrackPower to plan, as you point out, space requirements is a primary concern. 1) I could not accommodate nearly as much track using Carrera as I could w/ SSD; 2) SSD chips are cheaper which makes a difference for me b/c I need to utilize all period cars--mostly which are all analog out of the box, and need to digitize them all in order to race, and 3) I really don't like the plunger and grew up racing AFX with its trigger controllers. I plan to paint the Scalextric track which I understand can improve the grip as well. Haven't tried it yet but would definitely be interested in a digital comparison follow up. Cheers

[@teeotto8290]

Me I like scalextric because of how there cars are more for collectors,and scaled to the real thing and the fit great with the o scale lionel trains ,so for scalextric and the resale for used scalex cars is in some cases triple

[@stevesweeney7892]

I'm sure I have seen this but I am watching AGAIN it is so well done. Professional and Un-biased.

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

One big plus to carrera is that the rails are stainless steel so do not go bad with age and can even be used permanently outdoors. Scalextric track rusts really badly even in damp storage such as sheds etc

[@diontillman3132]

Yes, I have scalextric track and cars,and you have to keep dust off the layout every time you race,yes every time, my cars never, slip around, and when I first got the track, I scrubbed it with soap and water, many people don't think to do it, but some time there are chemicals on the track, from the factory, and I also made the braids longer by taking them off, unfold them and put them back on, I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but I think this stuff is good to know, I have many tips and tricks,

[@diontillman3132]

There is a down side of scalextric track, they don't stay intact

[@diontillman3132]

I,like carrera tracks but every they make all there stuff look, cartoonist, and the thumb controls gotta go, but there cars are awesome, I really like F1,slot cars and I don't have a lot of money, but I'm going to buy some anyway,

[@slotcarazing]

Properly setting up the braid is always a good idea! Thanks for watching

[@natelove187]

Buy Both. We have to save both Companies. My little nephew is hooked on slot car racing. He’s putting his video gaming machine down for real physical racing. It’s funny how he sleeps with his slot car.🍷🍷🍷

[@GC_Media]

Great video.. I think both offer great quality products. I personally chose to go with Carrera and so far don't regret my decision..

[@jbhk7977]

This takes me back to the late seventies ☺ My parents gave me a Fleischmann track when I was about 10 years old and though I liked it, I didn'tplay with it much because I hated the stupid unrealistic high speeds. These things go so fast that you can't even make out the color of the cars. My brother always floored his car while I craved realism and tried to run my cars slow and more in line with the scale. He always won hahahaha.

[@petemiller519]

Very informative video. Thanks for posting. Last time I played with slot cars was about 50 years ago. Maybe once I finish our house build, I'll build myself a track from scratch. Cheers from Canada.

[@HTJB60]

I found this very interesting. I'm swapping from Scalextric to Carrera track, because the Carrera will work out in my damp shed. I prefer Scalextric as it's more flexible & has a better selection of Track pieces. {Tighter turn's} I don't like the Thumb controller & will change it. As for car's, I tend to run Resin, home made one's ! I also saw the track in half and run a single lane as it's just me "Playing with it". I like the "Scenic side of slot-car's in preference to Racing them"..... I thought this was well presented and informative AND a really big bonus, the guy didn't waffle on enjoying the sound of his own voice.... >>> So often, off-putting, for me.

[@alexanderspenser4960]

Well done and from personal experience, really accurate assessment. Scalexectric performs better at a lower price, but I chose Carrera. Carrera had a better feel of quality. My preferred body styles, mainly American muscle, were more proportionally accurate with Carrera. And final plus towards Carrera was the option to run 1:32 & 1:24 scale. Thanks for confirming my choice.

[@michaelstien9020]

I’d say that the carrera track would be better just due to the fact that it’s faster, but of course you could just buy a scalextric car pack and carrera track. Thanks for the help!

[@elvislad]

I used to have the slotless TCR system,you could switch lanes at will,so sick

[@coop98]

I did as well, was very fun

[@DavidBrockett-yj3fy]

Back in the day happy memories

[@dbshaw-m5o]

I loved that set, the ability to change lanes changed the game for me. too bad that company stopped making sets. Too many flaws with the set up. I would love to see someone try to improve that technology now.

[@marksample6230]

I still have mine.

[@barrykrajeski5598]

I’m trying to get started. I want the Carrera digital track and I want to add all the xtra width, I also want to run some digital Scalextric cars besides the Carrera digital cars with them.

[@TheLadyandTheLeague]

So...Carrera track setup and Scalextric cars...simple enough, as I feel the size of Scalextric track is best suited for 1:43 scale...great video!!!

[@johnbower7452]

Having a lot of old Scalextric cars I have stuck with them for a new set; buying for now the Ginetta set to get new track that will be compatible with either digital or Arc Pro and still run my old cars. Probably in the long run I might stick with Arc Air as it still has the pace car function which is going to be handy for someone like me who lives alone.

[@devkillward7965]

Far as thumb vs trigger I think it is what you learned with. I have tried multiple cars on differnt tracks using both. my lap times for me personaly are twice as fast using thump than trigger but I started with thump controlers back in the 70's

[@chiccorocker]

It's a fairly simple answer: get a Carrera digital system. For home use Carrera cars are more appropriate with a very sturdy design, much more solid than Scalextric (after all they are much heavier because they have much more structure), they can take the abuse. Carrera cars are also very well designed to be worked on with much more space inside as they are designed digital from the very beginning. They are also cheaper than scalextric, and I'm comparing the price of an analog Scalextric with a Carrera Digital 1:32 cars: Scalextric is around 62 euros, Carrera is below 55, and again: the Carrera cars are digital out of the box, you have to add 30 euros to convert the Scalextric one. Finally if you care about performance, and yes Scalextric being much lighter is quite quick, I'd rather consider an NSR to be fair. They are also digital ready, but with much more tuning abilities and amazing design.

[@MarcoFD]

never knew both brands worked on eachothers tracks, smart business

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

Only the analogue cars, if you go digital then not interchangable.

[@epicstrengthinsanity1235]

@@AndysEastCoastAdventures can I run analogue scalextric car on analogue carera track? Thank you :)

[@hobbycow5346]

@@epicstrengthinsanity1235 As someone who is getting into 1:32 racing, I have done obsessive research, enough to drive myself crazy….lol. What I have learned is you can easily run Scalextric cars on Carrera track with no mods if going analog. if your Carrera is digital, you can buy a digital conversion chip that easily plugs in your Scalextric for about $35. Your Scalextric cars can run on the Carrera track digitally, but I think there are a few drawbacks in full functionality…like brake lights or ghost car ability…(I think!) That said, I am really torn between the Scalextric cars which I like MUCH more, and the Carrera track which is wider and would prevent the cars from banging into each other more. At this point, I might just buy a basic Carrera set, add the track I need for my designed layout, and just run Scalextric cars on it. Keep in mind, there are FANTASTIC cars that will run on the same track made by Pioneer, Slot it, Revell, etc.! Look on eBay and just enter “1:32 slot cars” and see all the brands that you can run! It also seems Carrera cars have tire and motor issues over time, and Scalextric cars are always compared to run better due to lighter weight. The whole thing is a real rabbit hole! I think I’m having fun researching…not sure…lol.🤣

[@epicstrengthinsanity1235]

@@hobbycow5346 hahaha thank you Sir.

[@kwakosekiki2553]

Great video, thanks for the analysis. I only knew Carrera 1:24 and 1:32 until I got some Scalextric Cars for my kids and me. We love them and without taking the time, I am shure the Scalextric cars are faster and easier to drive than the Carrera, although we are using Carerra System. Greetings from Germany.

[@dcents5458]

I run 1/64 Tyco still....love them

[@TheWraithkrown]

It has been almost 40 years since I have tried slot cars. I live in the USA and I believe I had a Tycho set. I am guessing that set was meant for children (I was then). I have not been following the scene in all those years and have not heard of either of these brands. I think the video was well done and interesting. I watched to the end.

[@benanderson4743]

I had an AFX set as a child (30+ yrs ago), and have decided to get back into it. Would be easier if one brand was significantly better than the other!

[@harryw9598]

its tyco wally , and can be still a lot of fun today working on the cars is tricky everything is so small.

[@thalamay]

I had a Carrera track when I was a kid back in the late 1980s / early 1990s. That track must still be around somewhere. It also looks quite similar to what‘s still on offer, only the system to lock the track pieces in place looks different. Back then, I had a collection of Group C cars which were epic. But looking at these cars here, that‘s where the biggest differences lie. The cars back then weren’t as sophisticated, both in terms of detail as well as the construction itself. The thingy that‘s keeping the car on the track was way simple in its construction and there was only one magnet. Also, the wires connecting the motor to the metal strips would regularly break off, so I did have to learn a bit of soldering back then. It also came with a thumb operated controller of course, though I do seem to remember there also being Carrera tracks with a trigger control out of the box. In general I remember there being many different offerings by Carrera. I think mine was called "Carrera Professional“ or something along those lines. Then there was "Carrera Exclusive" which was quite a bit bigger: bigger tracks and bigger cars. There was another system where you could switch lanes, allowing for more interesting racing, those came with a trigger controller if I remember correctly. Don’t know what they were called though. I think the tracks were also a bit smaller on that one. Anyway, I haven’t looked into this topic since that time. Cheers for the video.

[@slotcarazing]

Thanks for watching! Carrera Profi was a thing, I don’t know much about it but I’ve only ever seen the Group C cars you mention

[@ericsorensen579]

When I was young I had Eldon slot cars ....Boy I miss those days....

[@davidmiller4594]

We need more videos! Maybe one explaining digital racing.

[@laming2006]

VERY good and very objective review! Bravo! The only downside I have to say about Scalextric Sport is the flop-eared outer aprons/borders. They are pretty much useless on a soft surface (soft carpet) and elevated sections. With elevation, the aprons/borders must be supported in their width, as well as often.

[@slotcarazing]

Excellent point regarding Scalextric borders on elevated sections. It's certainly a downside that wasn't covered in the video!

[@Gma7788]

Careera can use the track surface to create an exhaust sound. Scalextric can use the quiet track surface sound to highlight the motor sound. The fake sounds do seem like the real cars sound.

[@creativeframework2068]

Given the last thing I raced was my loop-the-loop 1:64 Scalextric set over 20 years ago, this was a great and well-thought-out comparison between the two systems. I didn't even know about Carrera until a few weeks ago. Given my experience with a friend's 1:32 Scalextric set, I am actually drawn more towards the Carrera track given its extra width, strength and stainless rails. Their track pieces got rather deformed over time and rails needed cleaning rather a lot. Since you can run either car on either track I might find myself buying a Carrera set and then getting a pair of Scalextric cars. I wonder if you can put the digital boards in either brand's cars. Again, great comparison and it would be great to see a Digital Comparison.

[@martinlowery3859]

At the end of the day magnatraction really takes a lot of the skill out of the driving, I have modified Revel Nissan GTRs which could literally drive up a wall and just stick to the track and got them to the point of just holding them on 80 % throttle for the whole track and they never came off, especially on a totally flat setup similar to yours, takes all the fun out of it IMO. It's got to be Scalextric classic bendy track with some banked curves and RWD only, men from the boys stuff...personal faves were a mid 70s BMW 630 Ci and the 6 wheel March Ford F1 car not to mention the iconic red and yellow mini 1275 GTs . Also the modern stuff will never have the unmistakable smell of a hot blue transformer!

[@SCALE_RC__AND_SLOTCARS]

I agree about the magnets ,they ruin the sport ,much more fun racing with the magnets removed, and then its based on the controllers skill

[@MrDarrenp40]

This is a good video and I think it reflects the existential experience of those amongst us who have used both systems. Personally, I prefer Carrera track but I am agnostic when it comes to cars from these and other manufacturers including Revoslot, NSR, Slot.It and Policar. People should know that the stock hand controllers are 'cheap and cheerful'. With Carrera analogue then my advice would be to get an after market pistol grip - the DS 35Ohm ones work so much better (around £30.00 each). There are after market plugs into the 'Evolution' analogue branded power base and someone with electrical experience and able to solder the three pins will certainly work some magic. Once again, Scalextric and Carrera DC transformers deliver roughly the same voltage but the Carrera is rated for higher current and I do wonder whether the Carrera is a little power starved with Scalextric power leading to the sluggish experience here described?

[@slotcarazing]

Thanks for your comments. Aftermarket hand controllers certainly make a valuable difference and my personal Carrera track has been modified to accept club style 3pin controllers from all of the established manufacturers. We didn’t use that for this video for obvious reasons! With regards to amperage, although it sounds rational, once the magnets are out of the cars this argument goes away because the current demand from a car without magnet drag is much, much smaller than a car fitted with magnets. It’s more likely a combination of the motor specification and the extra weight of the Carrera which causes its sluggish performance. Thanks for watching!

[@RennSpd]

I'm not sure how well this plays into your last point but should be something of note for those comparing the two...We have invested in tons of Scalextric equipment over the years and just this past week caved and purchased our first Carrera set with a handful of 1/32 cars and we were immediately struck by how much quicker the Carrera cars seemed to be on their respective track. So we set up identical layouts between the two models, using a basic 4 cornered "ovaled rectangle" and focusing on the straights, our suspicions were confirmed. We found the turns to be their own variable all together as the width of the Carrera track and the surface allowed for an advantage through the flat turns(still of note, just muddied the results on pure speed a bit), but down the straights the Carrera set had it. There are obviously a lot of factors at play here but the variables we could control, the outlet and the layout, were standardized, so whether the Carrera motor setup is more powerful or as you note the Carrera set has a higher draw, somewhere there is an advantage for sure.

[@thinkwithvideos2238]

​​​@@slotcarazing 1:22 Wait. How and where do you get the slight straight curve track pieces?

[@annoyingbstard9407]

Having used them both over many years scalextrix requires more skill due to the slicker and smaller track and the cars are far superior. Carrera does have improved track conductivity when it’s new - unfortunately the spring steel used by carrera for the connectors oxidises very quickly resulting in poor connectivity after just a few months. Scalextrix for serious racers - carrera for beginners.

[@mpetersen6]

That track assembly sure looks a lot easier than the Aurora 1/72 of 1/87th* of 50 plus years ago with the U shaped retainer between sections. I had one chassis I would run under various Roco Minitanks. *been so long I cant remember the scale. Although I do remember there being track sections with HO scale grade crossings

[@diatonicdelirium1743]

Scale is actually 1/64, significantly too large for HO or OO train layouts - not that we were bothered as kids though ;)

[@nurzrachit7133]

Seems you put a great deal of effort and time into this video and I commend you on a job well done. I am currently running HO scale, but have been interested in building a 1:32nd scale course for years. I'm wanting to build a large track in my basement but the room is full of exercise equipment that my wife purchased but never uses😂. Hopefully she will allow me to get the equipment out of there soon so I can fill it up with track and scenery. I already over took a bedroom though and am running a very large HO layout, so my argument for taking over a living room in the basement is somewhat weak. Never hurts to do research though while anticipating the build, nice job man.

[@eleveneleven572]

I have an old Scalextric that I haven't used for years. That Carrera makes me want to dig it out !

[@Chappy31x]

The club I attended is a Scalextric dealer. I buy what they race there. I will eventually get a slot.it or NSR

[@paulbriggs3072]

They should have some kind of rheostat dial that you can turn that causes both cars to run on the track slower - i.e. true scale speed- or faster or anything in between.

[@66meikou]

I've had the itch to start doing slot car racing just for fun. Back in 82, when I was in the US I had a Aussie best mate. We would race for hours with the crappy Scalextic offerings back then. We were both Williams supporters so may mate asked me If I could modify a old Mclaren car into a Alan Jones Williams. Scalextric was way off the mark with cars back then. Being a model maker, I said sure. I had old Tamiya catalogues that show the blueprints for various F1 cars. I scratch built side pods for his car that replicated a crude downforce system. I finished it all up and hand painted the Williams sponsors badges on the car. My mate was very happy as was I until his mum who could read Arabic noticed I wrote the one side of the are backwards. Ho e would I know, I was 16 then. I'm tempted to go with the carrera track as I just think its better made. I do want the use the Williams Mansell car that scaly sells as he was my favourite driver. I'm just have issues finding another car close to that year to match it. I'll have to look into controllers as I don't like the thumb things. Anyway great video!

[@eugene4154]

Brilliant vid I done similar with my cars, and by far the slowest were carrera because of weight the fastest were entry level scalextric cars black windows, etc etc similar motor rpm stock scalex tyres I changed the carrera to urethane and still slower agter tuning....but the looks are worth the money on carrera

[@toucan221]

Thanks, excellent comparison review between the two brands, to my mind both are good! For myself I am happy staying Scalextric but got say will definitely have a go with Carrera at some time in the future, happy racing

[@Cobalt-Jester]

I used to work in a toy shop. It was in the late 90s... We sold way more Carrera cars than Scalextric despite them being more money at that time.

[@WolfiePeters]

The track choice depends on what you want. If you're not going 1:24, but want something vaguely realistic in scale in a reasonable space, then Scalextric is the better choice. For cars, these days I think Scalextric has a quality advantage at 1:32 scale. A lot of people like Ninco cars and track. I'd rate Ninco above Carrera. For digital racing, I've experience only of Scalextric and the small independents - they all are very good and offer a better, more realistic race than conventional.

[@garryseery3865]

Price wise? Carrera. Ease of obtaining spare parts? Carrera. Selection of Buildings and accessories ? Carrera. Variety of slot cars? 50 - 50. Track connections and usability? Carrera. What am I stuck with? Unfortunately not Carrera!

[@trevorgwelch7412]

1:24 Scale Carrera Is Number 1 . 🏆🇺🇸

[@MAL-Collector]

I grew up having scalextric. There was probably discount on theese sets. So I got them for Christmas. I like the Carrera tracks a little better actually only looks. I have not tried a Carrera track do.. I got alot of Carrera cars that I run on my scalextric track. And they really nice. I got a total of 7 scalextric boxes. So that's alot of tracks.

[@ggaub]

Loved it! Fair and balanced, as I expected.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Scalextric originally had thumb hand controllers, I'm sure we still have a box of goodies from the sixties somewhere.

[@valrond]

Indeed. The Scalextric I inherented from my uncles (now on their 60s, I'm 47) were thumb controllers.

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Thank you for the detailed review. Looks like you both had fun too 🏁😎👍

[@diontillman3132]

I can't run with out magnets so what is a little slow, staying on the curves is part of the fun,

[@stevesweeney7892]

I will take you opinion because it is exactly as mine. Carrera cars are cool but not as competitive. I like the elbow room on my QUALITY CARRERA TRACK

[@briankeim7701]

Carrera cars are heavy and SLOW. The only thing I wish Scalextric would have with the arc pro power base is the ability to easily hook up an aftermarket variable voltage power supply. Carrera track is nice if you want to run 1/24 cars but options for 1/24 cars is limited. I greatly prefer pistol grip controllers to thumb controllers. At the end of the day it’s all personal preference. I have a large Scalextric setup (somewhere over 100ft of track and a friend of mine has a Carrera setup similar size. Both are fun. The ability to switch from digital to analog easily with just the flip of a switch on Scalextric is great, whereas Carrera is not so simple. On my track I run a lot of analogue and have modified cars with motors anywhere from 17k rpm to 50k rpm and it’s tons of fun.

[@wesleyk7025]

owning scalextrix in the past; I find the the carrera cars to be more quality build.(using brass bearings for the axles instead of running them straight through the plastic for example)

[@mattiapresti7295]

There's another question. Here in the continent, Carrera 140€, Scalextric 240€, Policar 120€. Almost for the price of a single Scalextric set I can buy Carrera and Policar together, and Scalextric's cars aren't cheaper than other slotcars. This is why I need solid justification to buy Scalextric

[@Friskee62]

Carrera cars sound like lumber wagons, 'lumpy'. Scaley cars are a lot smoother. I like both, I have some nice Carrera's and make them competitive. We run on Scalextric Sport track...we never race digital.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

er, maybe i missed something but the scalex was on the outside lane and the carrera was on the inside lane? and a camera that can handle the close-ups would help. a lot.

[@markphillips5368]

Given that the standard Scalextric controllers are meant for smaller hands of children, and the Carrera controllers are thumb plunger types that a lot of racers don't like, would it make sense to do a cost comparison between pistol grip controllers for Scalextric and Carrera analogue tracks?

[@jvebarnes]

I would have liked to see a comparison run using the different controllers on both tracks I have a feeling using the carrera track with a pistol controller would see a large improvement.

[@slotcarazing]

You’d be right!

[@Illusions2020]

Scalextric/SCX beats Carerra Hands down! SCX track can even have track half apart and still not affect the entire circuit. And that's with 40 feet of track circuit. Try that with a toy laden Carerra set. Carerra is just a popular attraction flash in the pan IMO. However theur cars do run very well and FAST on SCX Track. But that's it. SCX RULES!

[@darrenhall6400]

Always enjoy you videos Garry I learn so much

[@ChristopherLaHaise]

I think the only thing that annoys me with slot cars like this, is that they can't 'cross track' to take the inside track - in other words, unless you're really careful, the two cars have a different distance they have to travel to do a single lap. Of course, you can measure it and start one car further back to make it even - but the more laps, the further back the inside car has to be to make it fair.

[@MrJCJR55]

Carrera has tracks (sold separately) that allows you to change lanes but you are stuck in that lane until the next switch lane. You can have multiple lanes but it gets expensive. Great if you are racing with multiple cars on the track (up to 6 cars)..

[@jessiejames2002]

Super test. Thx for the time past on the tracks.

[@lesliedavison752]

Excellent video, thanks. I’m in the Scalextric camp.

[@robpearson108]

I was a big AFX fan but the level of detail, availability pushed me over to the larger scale

[@mpetersen6]

Aside from a set my son had I haven't looked at slot cars in close to 55 years. Was AFX compatible with the old Aurora?

[@lemontadams3029]

G Plus

[@deadbeef576]

I got your video in my recommendations and looked at the thumbnail and was perplexed Mercedes has a Carrera variant? But now I see what you are really talking about, haha

[@TomTheSurgen1]

I have tons of scalextric track and I’m about to do a loft track. This has got me curious for carerra track as the former tends to warp over time with changes to temperature that you will get in the loft

[@timothyeldridge6822]

I enjoyed that video! Thanks for sharing!

[@dan__________________]

Great review, however to have an accurate result, you would have to do this with multiple sets of cars, as not all motors are created equal.

[@craiglockridge1993]

Thanks for this video i need to know this i think i will do the scalextric and the carrera and you right about the track carrera is the truth so keep up the good work will be looking for the next one.

[@captainprototype187]

They use magnets now? I remember taking apart a car back in 1980. It started my love affair with electric motors and magnets. I didnt find any magnet outside the motor...

[@madjh8]

I like more the pastic of Scx, the chasis looks a bit better and Ilke more the motors of scx. The finish of carrera bodyworks are nice. But the experience for me is a bit better in scx. So I would not choose aither of that brands I would go for SCX, ninco, Slotit etc

[@paulgreen8222]

New is subscriber here…great videos, looking forward going through back catalogue

[@7plymaple124]

Exellent info. Thanks for a great vid!

[@mrsensibletimewastingarrog4185]

I think most people would upgrade the controller on Carrera, shame you didn't do apples for apples as that might have made a massive difference.

[@metalmicky]

Something that has not even commented on is the availability of track , my choice went to Scalextric due to being able to purchase every piece that was advertised, not so with Carrera, this limits the choice of design you are able to achieve, trying to buy certain turns and items associated with them was nothing short of impossible ,either unavailable or priced at an unacceptable cost. There seems to be a very poor marketing initiative since Carrera were taken over, sadly the customer is the one missing out.

[@thomasandrew4881]

Would scuffing up the plastic surface with sandpaper improve grip on the track?

[@rogercarder7720]

Great video and loads of information to think about for a newish 51 year old. I have now got 6 scaletrix cars but was interested that 1 was a lot faster than the other 5, Is this common? Thanks again Roger.

[@paulhefferan8106]

A lot of factors in this. Look up slot car tuning.

[@LaBestia2k]

How did you connect the lighting from the Carrera vehicle at the Scalextric Digital Decoder?

[@mcstar24]

Hi I don't know much about slot cars but my son and I are getting into it. Can I buy multiple different sets and attach them together to make bigger tracks? Would they be compatible

[@neilljansenvanvuuren9025]

Very interesting video, I was expecting a bias towards one brand but I was happy to see the fair review. Would be cool to see the digital video.

[@RyGuy42089]

American dollars the Carerra cars are $64.99 a piece.

[@scottygdaman]

an equal track length of both makers could be measured in terms of resistance ans power loss .

[@SoleEpiphany]

Great content, keep it up!

[@timkiwi]

Very comprehensive review.

[@johnnyfuglestad349]

for those who laptimes is important -scalextric is way better in fact at our club nothing is slower than carrera. carrera is however near indestructible .

[@chrisballantyne7857]

You didn't mention the plastic inserts between the track metal. This effectively stops shorts especially when the braid bits fall into the stots, Scalextric is notorious for this. Also, Scalextric track is also notorious for rusting, where I haven't seen a Carrera track ever rust if cared for properly. The other thing you failed to mention was that you can run 1:24 scale cars on the Carrera track. This is for all the big boys on the planet. I have used both tracks and cars and the Scalextric cars are toy compared to Carrera. They have nylon bushes compared to the metal brass bushes on the Carrera cars, and the braids are doubled on the Carrera cars compared to the Scalextric. In my personal opinion...Carrera beats Scalextric Hands down! I have been racing a 150ft track for three years now with over 30 cars and nothing so far has broken. But overall, it was a pretty good review! Well done! :)

[@PC_TV_73]

I’m just getting into slight reason now figure it’ll give my family something to do. Hopefully my son likes it as I think I will. I bought the Carrera 132 digital system as you could put up to six cars on the track at once. I thought that was nice, I have three wireless controllers coming. I think the system with two cars on Amazon was a little over 400. I bought an additional car and one additional wireless remote probably for another hundred and change. I was afraid of not having enough space to lay it out Because I bought things in the past and you need to put it someplace and once you take it apart it never gets put back so I want to build a track that isn’t so big that it’s not really in the way because if I have to take it apart, it’ll never go back together againthat’s just the way it’s been with smaller things for my son. He bought those little robots that fight like the TV show and I bought an arena that was a little big and once it came apart it was over. I’m hoping I have a lot of fun with this.

[@pimeye]

did you factor into the equation the slippers vs the socks ?

[@shippybs]

So Carrera track and Scaletrix cars

[@adamlw7181]

What's the quality of the track and cars compared to each other though?

[@sneifert1968]

Can analog Carrera sets be converted to digital. Is it correct that digital sets control the car directly where as the analog cars are controlled through the track?

[@RieklinRideR]

The controller can be digital and analogic, or every controller is analogic?

[@MakerFabio]

Beautiful infos

[@Maine-lySurvivin]

I loved Slot Cars when I was a kid so Im going to get back into it as a hobby. So if I go with the Scalextric cars and Carrera Track, I personally dont think I would like the thumb throttle. Are the controllers replaceable on the Carrera Tracks if I buy an aftermarket controller with the trigger?

[@slotcarazing]

I’m not aware of an off-shelf solution for aftermarket hand controllers and Carrera Evolution, but it’s certainly possible with some small modifications. Carrera Digital has a couple of plug and play options that are definitely transformative in giving better control, I have a video discussing two of these. Thanks for watching!

[@Maine-lySurvivin]

@@slotcarazing I was just curious because in another video you said definitely get a better controller. Awesome, thanks for the answer!

[@slotcarazing]

Adapting a Carrera track for aftermarket controllers can be done with some simple wiring. Perhaps I’ll make that my next video for the channel!

[@shawnmichalski2746]

I wonder if you taped off the slots and then sprayed the tracks with bedliner if it would improve the turning in corners. Anyone tried this or does it just wear down tires?