by rolo9th » Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:45 pm
I chose Scalextric Digital because I don't race 1/24, I liked the smaller footprint the track has, and I am not a fan of thumb plunger type controllers. Plus, I like the Race Management Systems available better for it. Also, I am not a fan of the look of the Carrera track aprons and barriers. Picky, I know, but it is what it is.
I initially tried the setup that GRUNZ described, the Advanced Power Base and aftermarket software. I could never get it to work right, and grew very frustrated with it. However, I picked up an ARC PRO set, and with the MAGIC-aftermarket app for it, and I am very pleased. For me and my purposes, it provides just about everything I want out of a digital set up: Fuel, tires, ghost cars, lap counting, timing, etc. And as a bonus, for a guy like me that has a technological cloud of death hovering above them at all times (for real, I can have issues with calculators), it has been easy to learn and relatively trouble free. Plus I like the wireless controllers.
I think either Carrera or Scalextric is a fine choice...it all depends on your priorities. As others have mentioned, if everyone around you is Brand A, and you go Brand B, it can be tough to get converts or folks to invest in 2 types of cars/chips. Local availability of a hobby shop and what it stocks helps to make a decision, too. If you want to race 1/24 as well as 1/32, then your decision is made for you.