Finding the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car is the secret to speed. Every ounce and its placement affects how fast your car zooms down the track. With so many options, from classic tungsten cylinders to modern flexible sheets, it can be tricky to choose. This guide reviews the top 10 weight kits, helping you add the perfect mass for a winning race.
In This Article
- 1 Quick Product Comparison
- 2 Our Top 10 Best Weight For A Pinewood Derby Car Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
- 2.1 1. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, 4 Pieces
- 2.2 2. Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3.25 oz, 12 Pieces with Multiple Incremental Sizes
- 2.3 3. 3.75 oz Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 16 Pieces in 4 Sizes with Storage Case
- 2.4 4. Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3.25 oz, 14 Pieces with Multiple Incremental Sizes
- 2.5 5. 3.25 oz Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 4 Sizes with Storage Case
- 2.6 6. Pinewood Derby Car Kit: 3.25 oz Tungsten Weights, 14 Pieces, 4 Sizes, with 0.5 oz Graphite Lubricant
- 2.7 7. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, Set of 2
- 2.8 8. 30 Pieces of Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 5.25 oz Cylindrical Counterweights in 4 Sizes
- 2.9 9. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, Set of 3
- 2.10 10. DerbyCraftPro Pinewood Car Weights Kit-Derby Car Weights & 3OZ Stick-On Flexible Weight -Race Leg…
- 3 Complete Buying Guide for Best Weight For A Pinewood Derby Car
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Weight For A Pinewood Derby Car Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, 4 Pieces
This set of four flexible weights is our top pick for its incredible ease of use and precision. You get four 3-ounce sheets that you can cut with scissors to dial in the exact weight you need. The adhesive backing makes installation a breeze.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Four 3-ounce flexible tungsten composite sheets.
✓ Easy to cut with household scissors for perfect tuning.
✓ Strong adhesive backing for a secure, permanent bond.
✓ High-density material allows for compact placement.
✓ Non-toxic and safe for kids to handle.
Why We Recommend It
We love how this kit takes the guesswork out of adding weight. The flexibility lets you place mass exactly where you want it, like low and at the rear, which is key for speed. It’s the most forgiving and user-friendly option for beginners and pros alike.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car if you want maximum control over placement and an easy, no-drill installation process.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched flexibility for precise weight distribution.
- Incredibly easy to use – just cut and stick.
- No special tools or drilling required.
- Comes with four sheets, offering plenty of material for multiple cars or fine-tuning.
Cons:
- The adhesive is very strong, so placement must be carefully planned.
- Not as traditional as cylindrical weights for those who prefer to drill and insert.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Super easy to use, very happy with this purchase. Simply cut and stick. Increased the speed of our car tremendously. Will more then likely buy again this year for our next car.”
Customer Review: “Used these for our Cub Scout derby cars. Stuck on great and was easy to cut down or add when needed to get us as close to the allowed weight as possible. Can’t wait for the next derby races!”
2. Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3.25 oz, 12 Pieces with Multiple Incremental Sizes
For those who prefer the classic method of drilling and inserting weights, this 12-piece tungsten cylinder set is our editor’s choice. It offers a great balance of quantity, incremental sizing, and high-density material for serious speed tuning.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 12 pieces totaling 3.25 ounces of high-purity tungsten.
✓ Four sizes: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/8 oz, and 1/16 oz for fine-tuning.
✓ High-density (1.7x denser than lead) for minimal space usage.
✓ Smooth, safe, cylindrical design with no sharp edges.
✓ Non-toxic and completely child-safe.
Why We Recommend It
The variety of sizes is perfect for hitting the 5-ounce maximum weight limit exactly. Tungsten’s high density means you can place more weight at the very rear of the car, lowering the center of gravity and maximizing potential energy. It’s a professional’s kit.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car if you enjoy the traditional build process and want maximum flexibility through incremental sizes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent size variety for precise weight adjustment.
- Superior high-density tungsten material.
- Smooth, safe finish perfect for kids to handle.
- Allows for deep, rear placement to optimize speed.
Cons:
- Requires drilling holes, which adds a step to the build.
- You need to secure them with glue, adding to the process.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great for Pinewood Derby car. Multiple sizes allow for easy mix/match to reach desired weight.”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the 3.25 Ounce Cylindrical Tungsten Weight… and I am absolutely thrilled with the results! This product is a true game-changer when it comes to optimizing your car for speed and performance.”
3. 3.75 oz Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 16 Pieces in 4 Sizes with Storage Case
Offering the most weight for your money, this 16-piece kit is our best budget pick. You get a full 3.75 ounces of tungsten, evenly split across four sizes, all housed in a handy storage case. It’s incredible value for tuning multiple cars.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 16 pieces totaling 3.75 ounces – the most weight in this review.
✓ Four of each size: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/8 oz, and 1/16 oz.
✓ Includes a convenient plastic storage case for organization.
✓ Made from safe, high-purity (99.95%) tungsten.
✓ High density allows for strategic, space-efficient placement.
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building multiple cars or want extra weight for future projects, this kit is unbeatable. The included case is a small but fantastic perk, keeping tiny weights from getting lost. You get premium tungsten performance at a very friendly price point.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car on a budget, or for pack leaders and families who need to supply weights for several cars.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value with more total weight than most kits.
- Comes with a useful storage case.
- Even distribution of sizes makes it very versatile.
- High-quality, safe tungsten material.
Cons:
- The higher total weight means you might not use all of it for one car.
- Like all cylinders, requires drilling and gluing.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great for use as weights for pinewood Derby cars. I like the variety so I can dial in the exact weight I need.”
Customer Review: “I used these to get my grandkids cars to the exact weight. Smallest weight is 2 grams, just right for tuning the cars up… Grandkids cam in 1, 2 and 4 in the race.”
4. Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3.25 oz, 14 Pieces with Multiple Incremental Sizes
This 14-piece set is another strong contender in the cylindrical tungsten category. With a slightly different mix of sizes, it provides excellent flexibility for hitting that magic 5-ounce mark right on the nose.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 14 pieces totaling 3.25 ounces of tungsten.
✓ Size mix: 4 x 1/2 oz, 2 x 1/4 oz, 4 x 1/8 oz, 4 x 1/16 oz.
✓ High-density, pure tungsten for maximum energy potential.
✓ Cylindrical and smooth for safe handling by kids.
✓ Non-toxic and child-safe material.
Why We Recommend It
The distribution of weights here is smart, offering more of the smaller increments (1/8 and 1/16 oz). This is perfect for the final stage of tuning when you need to add just a tiny bit more weight without going over the limit.
Best For
This is a great choice for builders who want a cylindrical tungsten set with extra small increments for ultra-fine weight adjustment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for fine-tuning with four of the smallest sizes.
- High-quality, dense tungsten material.
- Safe, smooth design.
- Good quantity for the price.
Cons:
- Only two of the 1/4 oz weights, which some builders might want more of.
- No storage case included.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a young lad in cub scouts… I stood by and watched as Dad did all the work… [Now] I can say I helped my son with his derby car and these weights were a big part of it!”
Customer Review: “Works perfect for derby car- my son won 1st place!”
5. 3.25 oz Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 4 Sizes with Storage Case
This kit combines the reliability of cylindrical tungsten weights with the convenience of a storage case. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss option that provides everything you need to properly weight your car.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 3.25 ounces of tungsten weights in 4 incremental sizes.
✓ Includes a compact plastic storage/organization case.
✓ Made from high-density, non-toxic tungsten.
✓ Smooth cylindrical shapes for easy insertion into drilled holes.
✓ Durable and built to last for multiple derby seasons.
Why We Recommend It
We appreciate the inclusion of the case. It keeps your workshop organized and ensures you don’t lose the tiny 1/16 oz weights. It’s a complete, tidy package that delivers reliable performance for a traditional build.
Best For
This set is ideal for anyone who wants the classic tungsten cylinder experience with the added benefit of organized storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Storage case is a major organizational plus.
- Trusted tungsten material and cylindrical design.
- Good variety of sizes for accurate weighting.
- Simple and effective.
Cons:
- The exact count of each size isn’t specified in the title, so check the description.
- Standard tungsten cylinder pros/cons apply (drilling required).
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently used the 3.25 Ounce Cylindrical Tungsten Weights for my daughter’s Pinewood Derby car… First off, the precision of these weights is unmatched. They allow you to add weight exactly where you need it…”
Customer Review: “Nice assortment of metal weights. These were used to build derby cars and worked well. They also came with a handy case for safe-keeping.”
6. Pinewood Derby Car Kit: 3.25 oz Tungsten Weights, 14 Pieces, 4 Sizes, with 0.5 oz Graphite Lubricant
This is more than just a weight kit; it’s a complete speed accessory pack. By including dry graphite lubricant, it addresses the two most critical factors for a fast car: optimal weight and reduced friction.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 14-piece tungsten weight set (3.25 oz total, 4 sizes).
✓ Includes a 0.5 oz bottle of dry graphite powder lubricant.
✓ One-stop shop for key speed components.
✓ Graphite reduces friction on axles and wheels.
✓ Weights are high-density and cylindrical for precise placement.
Why We Recommend It
We love the convenience. You get everything you need to make your car competitive in one package. The graphite is essential for a fast car, and having it bundled ensures you don’t forget this crucial step.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car if you’re starting from scratch and want a convenient kit that covers both mass and lubrication.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value bundle with weights AND graphite.
- Eliminates the need to buy lubricant separately.
- High-quality tungsten weights in useful sizes.
- Perfect for first-time builders wanting a complete solution.
Cons:
- If you already have graphite, you’re paying for a duplicate.
- The weight count is fixed, so sharing between multiple cars might be tight.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Be sure to get a set for each derby car… This set really helped my kid’s derby cars zoom down the rails. One car made it into the finals this year.”
Customer Review: “Love this product for pinewood derby car. They are easy to put into a car and easy to get your car to the right weight. Love these and will buy again for next time.”
7. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, Set of 2
This two-pack of flexible weights offers the same great “cut-and-stick” technology as our top pick, but in a smaller quantity. It’s perfect if you only need to build one car and want a simple, effective solution.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Two 3-ounce flexible tungsten composite sheets.
✓ Easy to cut with scissors for custom shapes and weights.
✓ Strong adhesive backing for easy installation.
✓ Made from durable, steel-density composite material.
✓ Safe and non-toxic for kids.
Why We Recommend It
For a single car, two sheets are often all you need. This kit provides a cost-effective entry into the world of flexible weights. The ease of use is still its biggest selling point, making derby night prep stress-free.
Best For
This is a great option for a single-car project where you want the benefits of flexible weights without buying a larger multi-pack.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All the advantages of flexible weights in a smaller pack.
- Very affordable for a single car.
- Extremely easy for kids to help with.
- No tools or drilling needed.
Cons:
- Only two sheets, so less room for error or multiple cars.
- You must be careful with placement due to the strong adhesive.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Super easy to use, very happy with this purchase. Simply cut and stick. Increased the speed of our car tremendously. Will more then likely buy again this year for our next car.”
Customer Review: “Used these for our Cub Scout derby cars. Stuck on great and was easy to cut down or add when needed to get us as close to the allowed weight as possible. Can’t wait for the next derby races!”
8. 30 Pieces of Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 5.25 oz Cylindrical Counterweights in 4 Sizes
This is the heavyweight champion of cylinder kits. With 30 pieces and a massive 5.25 total ounces, this set is built for a whole pack or for derby enthusiasts who build many cars. You’ll have weights to spare.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 30 pieces totaling a huge 5.25 ounces of tungsten.
✓ Four sizes: 4x 1/2 oz, 6x 1/4 oz, 8x 1/8 oz, 12x 1/16 oz.
✓ High-density tungsten material for efficient placement.
✓ Standard 3/8-inch diameter fits common drill bits.
✓ Durable and reliable for repeated use.
Why We Recommend It
The quantity is this kit’s superpower. It’s fantastic for a den or pack leader supplying a group, or for a family with multiple kids in scouts. You can fine-tune several cars to perfection without worrying about running out of a specific size.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car if you need to supply a group or plan to build many cars over several seasons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge quantity at a competitive per-weight price.
- Excellent size distribution, especially the twelve 1/16 oz weights.
- Perfect for tuning multiple cars.
- Standard diameter makes drilling easy.
Cons:
- Overkill for someone building just one or two cars.
- No storage case for all these pieces.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Worked great for childs Boy Scouts derby car race. This set of weights was the best deal I found for the weight… The total weight ended up being 5.27, so when trying to stay under the 5oz requirement… this is perfect.”
Customer Review: “Product is as described. Perfect 3/8″ sized and easy to use in a derby car. Matched up perfectly with a 3/8″ forstner bit to make the holes.”
9. Stick-On Flexible Tungsten Weights for Pinewood Derby Cars, 3 oz Cuttable Incremental Cylinders, Set of 3
This three-pack of flexible weights hits a sweet spot between the two-pack and the four-pack. It offers a little extra material, which is great for practicing or for cars that need a lot of added mass.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Three 3-ounce flexible tungsten composite sheets.
✓ Designed for easy weight adjustment and faster cars.
✓ Can be cut with scissors to any shape or size.
✓ Made from durable, child-safe composite material.
✓ Simple peel-and-stick application.
Why We Recommend It
Three sheets give you a comfortable buffer. You can experiment with placement on a test piece of wood, or have enough to confidently weight a heavier blank. It’s a very practical middle-ground option for flexible weights.
Best For
This set is ideal for builders who want the convenience of flexible weights with a bit more material to work with than the basic two-pack provides.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More material than a two-pack for just a slight increase in cost.
- All the user-friendly benefits of cut-and-stick weights.
- Great for heavier car blanks that need more weight added.
- Safe and easy for kids to participate in the weighting process.
Cons:
- Still requires careful planning before sticking.
- Not the traditional choice for purists.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Super easy to use, very happy with this purchase. Simply cut and stick. Increased the speed of our car tremendously. Will more then likely buy again this year for our next car.”
Customer Review: “Used these for our Cub Scout derby cars. Stuck on great and was easy to cut down or add when needed to get us as close to the allowed weight as possible. Can’t wait for the next derby races!”
10. DerbyCraftPro Pinewood Car Weights Kit-Derby Car Weights & 3OZ Stick-On Flexible Weight -Race Leg…
This hybrid kit offers the best of both worlds: traditional cylindrical weights for major mass and a flexible sheet for fine-tuning. With 7 ounces of total weight material, it’s designed to give you every possible advantage.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Hybrid kit: 12 rigid zinc-coated weights AND a 3oz flexible sheet.
✓ Total of 7 ounces of weighting material for ultimate flexibility.
✓ Rigid weights are protected by a durable zinc coating.
✓ Flexible weight is cuttable for precise Center of Gravity (COG) tuning.
✓ Designed specifically to help target the 5-ounce race limit perfectly.
Why We Recommend It
The combination is brilliant. Use the cylinders for the bulk of the weight placed low in the rear, then use pieces of the flexible sheet for the final, precise adjustments. It’s a pro-level approach in one box.
Best For
This is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car if you want maximum versatility and a strategic, hybrid approach to weighting your car for peak performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely versatile hybrid design.
- Massive amount of total weight material.
- Allows for both structural (drilled) and fine-tuned (stick-on) weighting.
- Durable zinc coating on cylinders resists rust.
Cons:
- May be more complex than a beginner needs.
- Higher price point due to the large amount and variety of material.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “In a wonderful coincidence, these weights appeared… the very same week my children were building pinewood derby cars. I really like this little set… This is perfect for getting cars to exact weight.”
Customer Review: “It’s almost pinewood derby season for my son’s Cub Scout pack. These pinewood derby weights are exactly what I’m looking for. I like the different weight sizes…really helps to balance the car.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Weight For A Pinewood Derby Car
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car isn’t just about adding mass. You need to think about material density, placement, and ease of use. Tungsten is the king of density, letting you pack more weight in a smaller space at the rear of the car. This lowers the center of gravity and increases speed. Also, consider if you want the simplicity of stick-on flexible weights or the permanence of drilled-in cylinders. The right choice depends on your comfort with tools and your desired level of precision.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend a lot to be competitive. Basic cylindrical tungsten kits offer great performance for under $15. If you want the easiest solution, flexible weights are similarly priced. For the best value, look at the total ounces provided. Kits with 3.25 oz or more give you plenty to work with. If you’re building multiple cars, a large bulk pack (like our #8 pick) offers the best cost per ounce. Remember, the goal is to hit exactly 5 ounces, so having incremental sizes is more important than having a single large weight.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the “best” weight is the one that gets your car to the maximum allowable weight in the most strategic location. For most people, this means placing dense weight as low and as far back as possible. Whether you achieve that with a cut-and-stick sheet or a set of precision cylinders is up to your building style. Both methods can create a champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should a Pinewood Derby car weigh?
A: The maximum weight limit is almost always 5.0 ounces. Your goal is to get as close to this limit as possible without going over. A car that weighs 4.95 ounces is at a disadvantage compared to one that weighs exactly 5.00 ounces.
Q: Where is the best place to put weight on a Pinewood Derby car?
A: For the fastest speed, place the weight low and to the rear of the car, about 1 inch in front of the back axle. This creates a high center of mass at the start (potential energy) and helps keep the car’s front wheels down during the race.
Q: Are tungsten weights better than lead?
A: Yes, for two main reasons. Safety: Tungsten is non-toxic, while lead is hazardous. Density: Tungsten is about 1.7 times denser than lead. This means you can use a smaller volume of tungsten to achieve the same weight, allowing for more precise and strategic placement.
Q: Can I just glue coins to my car as weight?
A> You can, but it’s not ideal. Coins are low-density, so they take up a lot of space, forcing you to place them higher on the car or further forward. This raises the center of gravity and hurts performance. Dedicated tungsten weights are a much better investment for speed.
Q: Do flexible stick-on weights work as well as metal cylinders?
A> They work extremely well, just in a different way. Their key advantage is ease of placement. You can cut them to fit perfectly in the rear corners, very low in the car. As long as they are securely attached, they provide the same performance benefit by putting mass in the right place.
Picking the best weight for your Pinewood Derby car is a fun and crucial step in the build process. It’s where science meets creativity. Whether you choose our top-rated flexible weights for their simplicity, the editor’s choice cylinders for precision, or the best-budget bulk pack for value, you’re on the right track. Remember, the goal is to have fun, learn a little physics, and maybe take home a trophy. Ready to make your car a contender? Check out our top picks above and get the weight that will give you the winning edge on race day.
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