Scalextric is a brand of slot cars and accessories owned by Hornby. Slot cars are usually handheld remote control cars that are used on a track containing grooves. The power for the cars is supplied through the track.
But what are the Ultimate Rivals set that Scalextric offers? In this article, we will look at what the set has to offer and see if it is worth purchasing.
Scalextric ARC ONE Ultimate Rivals Slot Car Set
Scalextric has always been known for providing slot car hobbyists with basic but still dependable race sets. The Scalextric C1351 ARC One Ultimate Rivals Race Set aims to follow along those lines while offering features that keep immersion at a high.
Set Details
The Ultimate Rivals set has a rather paltry parts count when compared to other slot car tracks. However, the parts are enough to create a fairly decent 2-lane primary track layout as well as 8 other layouts.
As with other Scalextric track pieces, the Ultimate Rivals track is made out of hard, durable plastic. This means it should be hard enough to withstand heavy usage but light enough to keep the price tag reasonable. Also, it comes with multiple connection points that keep the track sturdy for as long as possible.
The Ultimate Rivals Race Set track will be nearly 5 meters long once assembled. As such, it requires an area of 2.10 x 1.40 meters to be played.
Also, the set may be easy to disassemble and reassemble, but it is recommended that you change the track layout only when truly necessary. This is to prevent putting too much-unwanted stress onto track pieces which could lead to breakage.
And in case you do experience breakage of your track pieces, don’t worry. Scalextric has made the Ultimate Rivals set to be compatible with their own line of track expansion pieces.
Which Slot Cars Come With The Set?
The Ultimate Rivals set comes with two slot cars: 1 BMW Z4 GT3 and 1 Mercedes AMG GT3. Both cars are on the 1/32 scale, which means that they are small enough to fit in the palm but not too large to be toy-like or unwieldy.
As for details, Scalextric again knocks things out of the ballpark by making both cars look and feel like their 1/1 counterparts. There is no mistaking that one car looks like the BMW Z4 and the other the Mercedes AMG.
Performance-wise, both cars mimic their real-world versions to a point. They are powered by Scalextrix’s latest chassis model, which allows for fast acceleration and the ability to maintain much of their top speeds at sharp turns.
Scalextric has also designed the cars to have a low center of gravity. Also, they have a tighter grip to the track pins. This means that both GT3 slot cars will be able to maneuver themselves through the track without flying off course.
To maneuver these cars properly, the Ultimate Rivals set comes with 2 standard Scalextric controllers. The set also comes with tune-up kits to help keep these slot cars performing at their best possible condition for as long as possible.
Gameplay
Scalextric has always been known for balancing fun with a bit of realism and it shows with this set. The set comes with a speed controller that allows you to manually adjust car performance settings with just the push of a button. This way, you can keep races dynamic or help newcomers ease in to races without causing their cars to constantly fly off the pins.
To encourage racers to be smart with their driving, Scalextrix included the fuel usage feature with this set. Basically, cars would “power down” as the race continues. Then, they would eventually slow down if they don’t visit the automatic pit stop. Also, the tires of the slot cars would wear down with continued usage but are easy to replace through the tune up kit.
This bit of realism can be a double-edged sword for the Ultimate Rivals set as not all racers would find these features appealing. Starting racers might find the fuel usage too restrictive, and the tire wears feature a bit of a hassle.
As such, the Ultimate Rivals set remains recommended for advanced and highly experienced racers, as with most other Scalextric sets. It also helps that the set features a post-race statistics report. This means it is primarily for racers who want to get better at the sport.
Are Slot Cars Still Made?
Yes, slot cars are still being made to this day. In fact, the slot car industry is currently in its renaissance, with new companies and technologies constantly revitalizing the hobby.
This is good news for anybody who wants to get into slot cars as there are more options now than ever before. You can find anything from entry-level sets to high-end tracks that mimic real-world race tracks.
The only downside is that the resurgence of the slot car industry also means that prices have gone up significantly. A good quality slot car set would now cost you around $200, whereas a comparable set would’ve cost less than $100 just a few years ago.
Do All Slot Cars Work on Any Track?
A majority of slot cars would work on any track as long as the gauge (the distance between the rails) and the voltage are compatible. However, do note that not all slot car tracks are created equal.
Some tracks might be better suited for beginners, while others are designed with experienced racers in mind. There are also specialty tracks, such as those used for drag racing and those used for circle tracks.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a basic set that comes with a compatible track. This way, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues down the line. You can always upgrade to a better quality track later on as your skills improve.
What is the Most Popular Slot Car Size?
The most popular slot car size is 1:32, which is also the scale used in the Ultimate Rivals set. This size is large enough to be seen easily and small enough to be stored away without taking up too much space.
It’s also worth noting that the 1:32 scale is the standard size used in most professional slot car racing leagues. So, if you ever want to take your hobby to the next level, you can do so without having to change scales.
What’s the Difference Between Analog and Digital Slot Cars?
The main difference between analog and digital slot cars is that digital slot cars can race on multiple lanes simultaneously, whereas analog slot cars can only race on one lane at a time.
Digital slot cars also have the benefit of being able to change lanes mid-race, which adds a whole new level of strategy to the sport. However, this feature is not available on all digital tracks.
Analog slot cars are the more traditional option and are generally less expensive than digital slot cars. They are also easier to find as most tracks are analog. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging and exciting racing experience, digital slot cars are the way to go.
Digital slot cars have become increasingly popular in recent years, but analog slot cars are still the most common type. If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting an analog set as they are less expensive and easier to find. You can always upgrade to digital later on as your skills improve.
Do I Need a Slot Car Controller?
A slot car controller is not strictly necessary, but it will give you more control over your car and allow you to race more effectively.
A controller typically consists of a trigger that controls the car’s speed and a knob that controls the amount of power going to the motor. More expensive controllers might also have features such as brake levers and boost buttons.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a basic controller that has a trigger and power knob. You can always upgrade to a more advanced controller later on as your skills improve.
What Else Do I Need to Start Racing?
In addition to a slot car and controller, you will also need a power supply, a track, and some sort of scenery.
The power supply is used to provide power to the track, which in turn powers the cars. Most power supplies output between 12 and 18 volts of DC power.
The track is where the cars race and typically consists of two parallel lanes. Tracks can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, or even metal.
The scenery is used to add visual interest to the track and can include items such as buildings, trees, and other obstacles. The scenery is not strictly necessary, but it can make racing more fun and exciting.
Do I Need to Assemble the Track?
Most tracks come pre-assembled, but some might require some assembly. However, most tracks can be easily assembled with just a few tools.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a track that doesn’t require any assembly. You can always upgrade to a more complex track later on as your skills improve.
How Do I Race My Slot Car?
Racing your slot car is relatively simple. Once you have assembled your track and placed your cars on the track, you just need to power on the track and start racing.
To race your car, you will need to use the trigger on your controller to increase or decrease the speed of your car. The power knob on your controller controls the amount of power going to the motor, which in turn affects the speed of your car.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend racing on an easy track with few obstacles. You can always upgrade to a more difficult track later on as your skills improve.
Overall – Scalextric C1351 ARC One Ultimate Rivals Race Set
All in all, the Ultimate Rivals Set bears the qualities of many Scalextric courses. It is simple enough. However, there are underlying technical nuances in it that would demand commitment from only dedicated slot car racers.
However, that does not mean that it is all work and no play with the Ultimate Rivals set. If you can master the track’s more demanding aspects as well as the basics of the sport, this set might just become one of the more interesting pieces in your collection.
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