Which train set for kids is best?

Train sets are perfect for kids to play with, as they watch the little engine wander through the miniature countryside and mountains and roam back to its home town. It’s important to get a train set with the right features for your kids. Ideally, you should find a train track that is simple and easy for them to set up and won’t come apart as the train goes past.

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining train set for kids, our top pick is the KidKraft Ride Around Table Set and Table.

What to know before you buy a train set for kids

Age range

It’s crucial to look at the manufacturer’s recommended age range before you actually purchase a train set for kids. There are many themed train sets out there that are only recommended for kids age 8 and older, so if your child is younger than 8, you should find a train set that is more suitable for young kids and toddlers. There are also some train sets out there that are only meant for kids and adults age 14 and older, due to features like delicate detailing and realistic smoke.

Different types of tracks

Before purchasing a train set for your kids, you should learn about the various kinds of tracks. There are straight tracks that simply form a straight line, curved tracks that form a curve, split tracks that are shaped like a Y, and flex tracks that can accommodate bumpy terrain. Bridges lift the train over rivers and switches or crossings integrate the roads as scenery.

Proper setup

Most train set manufacturers recommend that you first unpack everything, then lay down the track in the design you want and load the batteries into the engine if needed. You can then connect the transformer or power box to the track, place the engine on the track first and connect the remaining cars. Finally, your kids can turn on the train and play with the train set.

What to look for in a quality train set for kids

Engines

Some train engines need to be plugged into the wall, while other train engines simply run on battery power. Pay attention to this and select the type of engine that works best for you and your children when purchasing a train set for kids.

Attention to detail

Many older kids like seeing attention to detail in their train sets, including headlights, logos and decals, the amount of smoke coming out of the engine and the sounds made by the wheels and car.

Extra components

You can purchase additional parts for your train set for kids if needed, including tunnels, buildings and figures, lights, signals and signs, train stations and scenery, including hills, shrubbery, fake bodies of water, trees and other pieces of land.

How much you can expect to spend on a train set for kids

Most train sets for kids cost around $75-$100. The train sets for kids around $75 feature character sets and trains that run with the help of a remote control, while higher-end train sets for kids tend to be more detail-oriented.

Train set for kids FAQ

Can you mix and match train sets for kids?

A. You can only mix and match train sets for kids if they come from the same company. Train set manufacturers don’t usually enable you or your kids to mix and match train sets from different brands, so your specific train set model probably does not work with a train set from a different brand.

What are the plastic rods that come with your train set?

A. The plastic rods that come with your train set are known as track clips. They are an optional addition to the track to help make sure that the tracks don’t disconnect or slip apart, particularly after regular use.

How can you change the shape of your track?

A. There are countless online guides out there that will show you and your kids different shapes to make with the track components that you have. You and your kids can also experiment with different shapes and get creative.

What are the best train sets for kids to buy?

Top train set for kids

KidKraft Ride Around Table Set and Table

What you need to know: Considered the best of the best, this fun and comprehensive train set from KidKraft is perfect for toddlers and young kids.

What you’ll love: This engaging train set features two storage bins and a sturdy table. It is also fairly easy to assemble and offers young kids hours of fun, due to the colorful characters and accessories.

What you should consider: The tracks don’t always fit properly, and the wood veneer is prone to peeling.

Top train set for kids for the money

Thomas & Friends Talking Thomas and Percy Train Set

What you need to know: This budget-friendly Thomas & Friends train set offers colorful parts, plenty of sound and movement and an exciting theme.

What you’ll love: This affordable, motorized train set will give you and your kids plenty of bang for your buck. The train set is an excellent option for preschool-aged kids and is compatible with other Thomas train sets.

What you should consider: Some customers said that the trains sometimes have trouble staying on the track.

Worth checking out

Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set

What you need to know: A well-constructed and feature-packed train set from Melissa & Doug that provides plenty of options for engaging and imaginative play.

What you’ll love: This Melissa & Doug train set works well with other wood track systems and is perfect for kids and toddlers up to age 6. The train set is composed of durable wood and features cargo and freight trains.

What you should consider: The train tends to derail, and the track pieces don’t always stay connected.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which subwoofers are best?

If you’re all about that bass and like it when your movies and music have depth of sound, then you can’t skimp on your subwoofer. The subwoofer provides those booming tones that give your sound power, the kind of power that makes goosebumps rise up on your arms and neck. Good bass lets you literally feel the sound vibrations and provides the foundation and rhythm that allows melodies to shine even brighter. Whether you want to improve a home theater or your car, you need to try and find a subwoofer that blends seamlessly with the rest of your system so as not to overpower and distort the sound quality.

What to look for in a subwoofer

The most important aspects of a good subwoofer can be broken down into volume, sound quality at high volume, and the ability to play notes at low frequencies. The deeper the bass, the lower the frequency, meaning you want a woofer that can play frequencies near 20 hertz and still be audible. The best woofers play these low notes audible enough that they shake buildings. When you’re playing music that loud, it can create a lot of pressure on your system and shake the caps, making the sound wobble and distort, which isn’t clean and won’t be kind to your sound quality. That means the subwoofer can’t handle the sound pressure levels. Subs with more powerful wattage have a better time dealing with sound pressure.

Best subwoofers for different users

Top subwoofers for home theater systems

Polk Audio PSW10 10″ Powered Subwoofer

What you need to know: This is probably the most punch you’re going to find in a 10-inch subwoofer. Don’t underestimate its output due to its size.

What you’ll love: A Klippel distortion analyzer has optimized the woofer’s motor so that it provides clean sound without distortion even at extreme sound pressure levels.

What you should consider: It’s a good mid-level speaker, but due to its size, it might not be suitable for large systems.

Klipsch R-12SW SubwooferKlipsch R-12SW Subwoofer

What you need to know: With a frequency response of 20 to 120 Hz, this sub can produce concert-like sound.

What you’ll love: The copper woven driver looks great and helps to provide that low-frequency response with less cone breakup.

What you should consider: Some customers have reported that the machine produces a hum when off.

Top subwoofers for cars

Power Acoustik BAMF-152 3800 watt BAMF series subwoofer

What you need to know: There’s 3800 watts of bass in this bad boy.

What you’ll love: It may break some windows, but it won’t break the bank. You’ll need a strong amp to max out the output on these.

What you should consider: These woofers don’t come with an enclosure.

Bazooka BTA6100 BT Series 6-Inch 100-Watt Amplified Tube Subwoofer

What you need to know: You can add this woofer to any system without modification. Its compact shape means it easily fits, but still produces big sound.

What you’ll love: It has no trouble being hooked up and has an affordable price. The tube adds deep bass to the car and installation is simple. Once you connect the adapter, there’s only one plug for the tube.

What you should consider: It’s enough for small cars and has great value for the price, but it isn’t spectacularly deep. Some users have reported that if you’re near it, you can hear it produce a lot of port noise, but if you install it in the back, you shouldn’t hear that in the front seat.

MTX Magnum MB210SP

What you need to know: This large subwoofer is tuned for high output and has a large rolling sound that will envelop the car. It’s large and durable.

What you’ll love: You’ll have bass so loud it’ll shake the cars next to you. It can handle incredible sound pressure, thanks to its specifically designed enclosure with a large port in the front, as well as polypropylene dust caps and large rubber surroundings. It produces deep resonating bass without any window rattling or audio fry.

What you should consider: Most customers report that the subwoofer lasts for years, but others have reported it breaking down after a few weeks, at which point they had to get a replacement.

Rockford Fosgate Punch P1-2X12

What you need to know: This set of subwoofers is user-friendly and can be installed right out of the box. Rockford has been creating car systems for four decades now, and they have a passion for producing subwoofers with power.

What you’ll love: When you turn up the volume, it’s going to be enough for your neighbors to worry about an earthquake. The company says this is a 500-watt subwoofer, but if you break it in for a few weeks and get the accompanying amp, it sounds like 1,000.

What you should consider: You should definitely break these in before playing them on full tilt. Start out by setting it between ¼ and ½ gain for a few weeks before starting to crank it up.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which mechanical pencil is best?

Mechanical pencils are a useful tool for any student, educator or artist, making up part of the reason why they’ve become so popular. While many of the world’s best mechanical pencils simply come from trusted brands in the office supplies industry, you can also find a wide range of custom and purpose-driven mechanical pencils that work great for specific needs.

For the average user, the BIC Xtra Smooth 0.7-millimeter Medium Point Mechanical Pencils are the perfect middle ground, and buying them in bulk packs is a great way to save money and stock up.

What to know before you buy a mechanical pencil

What you plan to use it for

Ultimately, the best mechanical pencils will just be those that work best for the user’s needs, and while some may have very particular pencil needs, others might just need a model that can write and erase. On the other hand, drawing artists or others needing aesthetic control over their lines and writings may want to choose a pencil with the point thickness that suits their needs best.

Eraser types

While the standard for any pencil is to include a small eraser on the tip opposite the graphite side, some mechanical pencils will include longer lengths of erasers that can be deployed from the pencil by twisting or pressing a button. These can go a much longer way than the erasers of regular mechanical or wooden pencils, which is a selling point for many buyers.

Buying in bulk

If you’re buying a basic mechanical pencil, you’ll likely pay almost as much buying a single unit as you will buying multiple. For that reason, many mechanical pencils are offered in packs of two or more, though high-end mechanical pencils and custom units may cost more for a single item. However, buying pencils in bulk is a great way to ensure you have plenty for yourself, your class or your club.

What to look for in a quality mechanical pencil

Point size

Mechanical pencil point sizes will range from the super-thin 0.2 millimeter to as thick as 1.2 millimeters. While mechanical pencil point sizes are largely up to the preference of the individual, those needing finer lines will benefit from a smaller tip, while those who like the feeling of a smoother writing surface may want to try something between 0.6 millimeter and 1 millimeter.

Comfortable grip

It might be understated, but a mechanical pencil with a comfortable grip can go a long way, especially if you plan to spend multiple hours per day writing. Different buyers may find differing grip styles comfortable. You can find a range of mechanical pencil grips that are thinner, thicker, smoother or have more grip than others, depending on what you like.

Style and color

In a purely aesthetic sense, many will purchase mechanical pencils based mostly on their color and/or overall style. A pencil’s style will have no bearing on its actual technical performance, though you can find mechanical pencils in a range of colors, designs and overall looks.

How much you can expect to spend on a mechanical pencil

While a single mechanical pencil may cost $3-$6, bulk packs of mechanical pencils are usually just a few bucks more and range from $10-$20. Some cost even more depending on how many and what kind you purchase.

Mechanical pencil FAQ

Are mechanical pencils the same as #2 pencils?

A. While the classification of #2 pencils largely refers to the graphite’s hardness and overall shade, any mechanical pencil lead marked “HB” will replicate a similar likeness to that of a #2 pencil. A #2 pencil’s thickness will vary depending on the size of the inner graphite core, though mechanical pencils also feature a wide range of point sizes.

Can you use mechanical pencils for drawing?

A. You can use mechanical pencils for many different types of drawing. One of the benefits of using mechanical pencils rather than wooden pencils is the ability to choose models with your preferred point thickness, allowing artists of many kinds to choose from mechanical pencils with a point as thin as 0.2 millimeter or as thick as 1.2 millimeters, depending on what you prefer.

What’s the best mechanical pencil to buy?

Top mechanical pencil

BIC Xtra Smooth 0.7-millimeter Medium Point 40-Pack of Mechanical Pencils

What you need to know: Buying a bulk pack of mechanical pencils is a simple way to save on your purchase. This medium-point pack of pencils comes from one of the industry’s most recognizable brands.

What you’ll love: Compared to the average wood pencil, these mechanical pencils will actually last longer, featuring a 0.7-millimeter medium-point tip that many love. This bulk pack’s pencil clips also feature four different clip colors. You can also purchase these models in smaller packs, if desired.

What you should consider: This pack doesn’t include any backup lead or erasers, and the pencil itself doesn’t include a very large eraser.

Top mechanical pencil for the money

Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.9-millimeter Thick Point Two-Pack of Mechanical Pencils

What you need to know: This twisting mechanical pencil pack comes with a slightly thicker point at 0.9 millimeter, and it comes with two interchangeable erasers as backup.

What you’ll love: Many users like this pencil pack’s thick, firm pencil grip, as well its simple twist-to-deploy-eraser mechanism. These mechanical pencils are quite a bit thicker in form than many other models, which some prefer over a thinner pencil body. They can also be found in multiple lead thicknesses.

What you should consider: While it does come with additional erasers, this model doesn’t include any refillable lead.

Worth checking out

Paper Mate Clearpoint 0.7-millimeter Medium Point Single Mechanical Pencil

What you need to know: If a single mechanical pencil is all you’re looking for, this Clearpoint model from Paper Mate is both affordable and useful, offering a twist-up eraser and 0.7-millimeter lead.

What you’ll love: Paper Mate’s Clearpoint pencil line is known for featuring a comfortable, albeit thin, grip, and a simple side button for pushing out the lead. It also features a classic twist-up eraser and can be purchased in various sizes and colors.

What you should consider: Some buyers ordered this pencil thinking it would come in a bulk pack rather than a single pencil.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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