Derby racing is that one type of sport that anyone can take part it. Besides, derby enthusiasts are allowed to come up with personalized car models that represent their tastes and preferences. The fact that you are allowed to create your own derby car means that you can customize it in such a way that it can become the most OP model in the competition and grant you that victory many crave for.
It is true that there are many ready models on the market, and there are also various kits for purchase too. While most manufacturers claim that their kits are the best, you need to carry out decent research on your own to figure out what is true and what is not. To help you succeed with the task, we have compiled this detailed review considering the top-rated kits and providers, along with some other interesting and crucial details.
Comparison Table – Best Pinewood Derby Car Kits(Updated April, 2023)
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Best Pinewood Derby Car Kits Reviews
1. The Lazer by Pinewood Pro – Fastest Pinewood Derby Car Ever
The speed matters significantly if you are intending to win the race, and Pinewood Pro company knows that. That is why they are offering their The Lazer kit for you to experiment with. Even though, for the most part, it is kids’ sport, the model is designed in such a way that it is simple for a child to assemble, but it is aimed at bringing unquestionable victories at the same time.
First of all, every part that is included in the set is already sanded and finished with a priming coat. Thus, once you get the kit, you can start with the derby car building process straight away. What is more, the axle holes are already drilled, and that is a huge plus too. If you think that you need any other tools to complete the car, the chances are that all of them are already thought of and added to the kit.
It should be added that the gravity center is well places, and that ensures a flawless ride and increased speed of the car. Unlike in the case with cheaper models, here, all the wheels are well-balanced and designed to win.
On the darker side, the car comes without tungsten putty and may seem like it does not have enough weight at the back. However, you can deal with it on your own and order the parts separately.
All in all, we say that Lazer is a worthy investment if you are planning on winning the race. However, the item is clearly a bit overpriced.
2. Fast Speed Car Kit by Derby Dust – Best Overall Pinewood Derby Car Model
When you start your research for a speedy derby car that comes at a fair price, we say you pay attention to the one suggested by Derby Dust. First things first, all the wooden details are made of the high-quality pinewood, and that matters greatly. Besides, you do not need to polish the details since it has already been done by the manufacturer. One of the main details that make the car fast is the way the wheels are attached. They are not more than 2.46 grams, and the clearance is higher than 3/8 inches. When you combine these characteristics, you will get a fast car with great potential energy. The design itself is quite basic, but that bulging rear part is the one that affects the speed. It should be added that the speed is not limited here, you can modify your derby to increase it as well. You are allowed to add as much as 8 oz. of weight to the model.
If you wonder whether the model is stable – we admit that it is no matter the weight put at the back.
If you are looking for an affordable derby without any loss in quality, then the one from Derby Dust should be the first on your list. However, you need to remember that your kid alone may not be able to assemble the model well without your help.
3. Batman Dawn of Justice by Revell – Best Batman Pinewood Derby Car Kit
When it comes to adults, the looks of their derby come last, but for kids, cool derbies are a must. That is why Revell put so much thought and consideration into coming up with a superhero derby kit. We may say that the idea turns out to be quite a success. First of all, the Batmobile comes with the full pack, and that is a huge advantage. However, all the wooden parts should be sanded on your own, but the sandpaper comes with the set. Apart from that, you can easily customize your derby with some badass stickers, which are also provided. If we evaluate the price range – it is safe to say that it is one of the most affordable options on the market.
If you are willing to spend some extra time on preparing your race derby but save up some pretty penny on the purchase – Batmobile from Revell is what you need. It is true that the model is ultra-stylish and chic. However, you need to spend some time on sanding as well as assembling it. What is more, playing around with weights is inevitable. If you are okay with doing all that – the option is truly worthy of your attention.
4. Basic Car Kit by Pinewood Pro – Best Basic Derby Car Kit
If you have enough time before the race at your disposal and you are not seeking easy ways when it comes to assembling your derby, then a Pinewood Pro has something in store for you! The fact is that the kit provided by the manufacturer is as basic as it can be. The car block comes with ready axle slots and a pre-drilled raised wheel hole. The latter feature comes in practical when you choose to raise your front left wheel to increase the speed, but not all the race rules allow that.
As to the stock nails, which are supposed to work as axles – they are untreated, and that means that filing and sanding them is a must. If you are not willing to go the length, you can easily purchase ready-made axles instead. The very same goes for the weights, they are not included in the set.
On the bright side, there are decal stickers in the set along with plastic car parts, which can be used to customize your derby.
To put is simply, this is one of the cheapest kits available, which means that it is incredibly basic. Even though the stock wheel and nails are added to the set, you need to work on them to make them operate well. If your budget is tight and you have some spare time at your disposal to be able to customize the derby – then it is an option to at least consider.
5. Turbo Funnycar by Pinecar – Best Budget Pinewood Derby Car Kit
Another available derby car on the market would be the one from the Pinecar. The beauty of it lies in the fact that it can be assembled with a minimum of adult supervision required. Besides, if anything goes sideways, the price is quite low to regret the purchase.
The set includes all the necessary items to complete the task. Starting with the derby block and ending with cool sticker decals and decorative metal parts, everything is included. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the derby block is not polished nor sanded, so you are going to need to do it separately. Also, the paint does not come in the set.
If you are looking for a basic derby set that is both budget and fit for a child to manage on its own, then the Funnycar from Pinecar is the kit to evaluate. However, some alterations that concern the wheels may take place.
Buyer’s Guide
Why don’t you buy a ready-made derby car?
We are more than sure that it is the question that bothers many. To tell the truth, the answer to that is quite simple. The fact is that when it comes to the Americans, derby racing is not just a sport. It more than that, it is a cult that combines both sport and art, not to mention that DIY creativity that is also highly valued.
1. Design – What is the best pinewood derby car design?
That is one of those questions that do not have a one-for-all answer. The fact is the design of your personal derby is the one that represents your tastes and preferences most. There are no limits when it comes to creativity, so that you do not need to worry about that. However, there are some general requirements to the design which should not be neglected.
First of all, it is advised to avoid a pointed nose derby since it may lead to difficult rest on the pin at the gate. Also, the rear end of the car should have enough room for additional weights. It is not less essential that the front and back of the derby are different so that the race officials do not mistake them.
2. Wood Block
If you are to carve the derby on your own, then you are going to need a suitable wood block at hand. However, you need to realize one thing that, in terms of wood, the derby should be the lightest. That is why in case you have a bunch of blocks at hand – weight all of them and pick the lightest. Also, you can even bake the block for it to the lightest.
When you have a ready block at hand, the question – How to choose the best shape for pinewood derby car? – arises. It is clear that there is no safe answer here, but are going to drop a few tips anyway. Rectangular shape, as well as the pointed one – are definitely not the best options to consider. Instead, a wedge in the front and a larger part at the back would be your best bet.
3. Axles
No matter what your intentions are, straight axles are a must to start with. Besides, their diameter matters greatly too since thinner ones may lead to wobbling, and that is not something you would wish for during the race. Also, if you choose to bend the axles a little, it is best to do that when they are out of the derby block. Otherwise, you will simply ruin the block.
4. Wheels
It is hard to advise anything on the wheels for the derby since every race and location have their own requirements as to the wheels. You need to take those rules into consideration in the first place while looking for the wheels. However, there are a bunch of tips that may come in more than handy in the race when it is concerning the wheels. First of all, we would suggest that you polish the inner bore and coat it with synthetic wax for improved performance.
5. Lubrication
There are two types of lubrication fit for derby cars – oil and graphite for the pinewood derby. Once again, you need to check with the race’s rules as to which lube type is allowed.
6. Weight
Many beginning derby racers may wonder as to what the best weight for pinewood derby car is. Well, here is the one-for-all answer when it comes to pinewood derbies – 5 ounces. You can neither exceed nor reduce the set limit. Of course, you will say that it may be hard to come up with a wood block that perfect. That is where lead, zinc, and tungsten weights come in. There are multiple options of stick-on and drill-in weights available online so that you can tune your car as precisely as you need. Many racers advise tungsten putty. The reason for that is their size. While tungsten is smaller is the size, it is also denser so that it can add as much weight to the derby without taking up twice as much space.
As to the weight placement, it is a known fact that the best place to put weight on pinewood derby car is at the back of it.
7. Paint – What is the best type of paint to use on a Pinewood Derby car?
We have already mentioned it that you are free to customize your derby as you like, that is why you can choose the color of the tone of the paint according to your preferences. However, before you proceed with the painting process, you need to make sure that your derby is as smooth as possible. That is why after you polish it with sandpaper, it is advised to coat it with a proper primer as well. After that, you can proceed to paint the car with either enamel or acrylic paint.
8. Budget
Many factors affect the price of a derby car kit. The higher is the quality of material, all the items are made of, the better-known brand, completeness of the set – all these details influence the price. If it is your first time playing around with derby racing, then going over your budget is a silly thing since you need to figure out whether or not you are going to continue racing. However, if you are participating in some top-level races, high-quality is of great value, and it is time you may think about investing a little more than intended. It will pay you off later on.
• Moisture-less wood block
• Aerodynamic shape
• Most of the weight centered at the back
• High-density weight material
• A smooth surface of the derby
• Adequate clearance
• Balanced wheels
Conclusion
To sum all up, it is safe to say that derby racing is a popular type of sport for both adults and kids. What is more, it is also a kind of a hobby and even art for some. If you are willing to join the derby community, you need a derby of your own, right? Of course, you can take the simple route and buy a ready-made derby, or you can choose a harder but creative path and make one on your own.
These days many manufacturers specialize in derby kits so that you can easily choose the one that fits your goals and budget. Today we not only reviewed the top-ranked kit offers on the market we have also pointed out the critical point to pay attention to while picking one. Hopefully, you will find all the information stated above more than useful!
