The Ultimate Guide to Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run for Kids in 2022

Why to choose the Gravitrax?

In a world filled with electronics and screens, any item that can promote social interaction and develop STEM skills in your child is worth looking.

The Gravitrax marble run promises a lot, so I decided to check it out and see if it really does what it says. Right from the start I love the idea of a marble run because these things have the power to relax anybody.

A marble run as well relies on many concepts of physics to work, and kids get to have a first hand experience with these without even realizing that a universe of concepts studied and developed since the 16th Century are in front of them.

Yet the Gravitrax uses concepts like velocity, acceleration and many others to produce a thrilling and exciting toy that kids and adults (like me) can enjoy.

The other reason why this is a great product is because the Starter Set is compatible with all the other sets from Gravitrax, so if you wanted to later grow your possibilities with more tracks and expansion sets, you can get these and your original Gravitrax Starter Set is still usable.

Like I said before, all the options and sets available could be a bit overwhelming, so here I’ll go into the important details so you know exactly where to start.

And, if you are getting started with the Gravitrax, the set you need is the Ravensburger Gravitrax starter set. It’s a great first marble run for your child and contains all the essentials they need for hours of fun. This is your ultimate guide with everything you need to know about the set before you buy it.

The Gravitrax obstacle course set is much more than what you can see at first sight. You may see a box with plastic pieces to build a marble run, yet all its accessories take it to a whole new level in the world of marble runs.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Gravitrax Marble Run Starter Set
Item	Gravitrax Starter Set
Brand	Ravensburger
Item Dimensions	13.5 x 13.5 x 4.5 inches
Pieces	122
Material	Plastic and metal
Requires Batteries	No – Works entirely on Gravity and other physics phenomena.
Recommended Age	8 years and above
Assembly required	No, yet the objective of the game is to build marble run sets using Gravitrax unique pieces.
Skills it develops	Logic and critical thinking, STEM, physics, coordination of hands with eyes, awareness of space and problem solving.

The Gravitrax is made by the brand Ravensburger, the company behind some of the most successful and high quality puzzles in the world. The starter set consists of 122 pieces, and the instructions booklet has 9 different sets of instructions for building different tracks, which are in all levels of difficulty, so your child can mix things up and try out a mixture of designs for their marble run.

The same booklet included with the Gravitrax Starter Set also has 24 challenges. On one side of the page you find an unfinished track and on the other side is the solution in case you or your kid needs help.

It is very interesting to solve these challenges because the unfinished track will show the start and the goal, and your child’s task is to make the marble move from the starting point to the end.

Other challenges are more interesting because you have to ensure the marbles reach the end line in a specific order.

All of this is there to set the perfect scenario to have a great time with family and friends.

The Gravitrax starter set is made of 95% plastic and 5% metal, and no batteries are required for it to operate. This product is designed for children aged 8 years and above.

There is also no assembling required prior to playing with this toy, as the construction element is part of the fun for your child!

This game is unique because it allows your child to have fun while building their creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and STEM. Your kids will be able to make exciting tracks and change up the routes, so the fun will never end! You can make loops, turns, and twists for your marbles to run around. It works entirely by gravity, so you don’t need to worry about replacing batteries.

There are 24 challenges your child can try with Gravitrax, and then in time, you can even get some extension packs, so there are even more possibilities of what your child can do with their Gravitrax set.

Why is the Gravitrax price like this?

The Gravitrax Starter Set is very affordable compared with other marble run sets out there, yet don’t let its low price makes you think it is a cheap or poor quality product.

Just the opposite is true. The Ravensburger Gravitrax is a high quality product made out of resistant and sturdy materials shaped perfectly to fit and create some of the most amazing marble runs you can imagine.

The starter set is precisely that, just the beginning, and it is a great deal for the money you pay.

It is also true that the more extension sets you get the more fun you’ll have. Yet the Gravitrax Ravensburger starter set has pretty much all you need to have you spend a great time on your own or with your kids.

This is one of those products that truly deliver much more value than the money you pay for it. The Gravitrax won’t disappoint you.

Over 6 million units of Gravitrax sold worldwide

Why should you care that over 6 million units of this set have been sold all over the world? Because this is a testimony of both the quality Ravensburger has put into this design and the acceptance it has had on the public.

The Gravitrax marble run was first released in Germany in 2017 and then in the US in 2018. Since then it has been widely accepted worldwide and both kids and adults have embraced this concept of a marble run.

People have great reasons to love the starter set. Among these is the fact that Gravitrax relies only on the power of gravity and other physics concepts to work and does not use a single battery, yet the tracks you can create with are just amazing.

Just do a search for videos of the Gravitrax (you have some of these in this post, so no need to go anywhere), and you’ll find some people take it to the extreme with this marble run.

There are sets where the entire run lasts over 20 minutes, and the way marbles move and interact is mesmerizing and thrilling at the same time. There is no question people have accepted this product widely and openly.

If you didn’t know about it and were looking for a great gift, then this marble run is perfect for that.

The Starter Set includes 122 pieces

Why is important that the Gravitrax starter set includes 122 pieces? How does that makes a difference or what should it mean for you 122 pieces?

Well, let’s talk about the pieces the Gravitrax marble run starter set comes with and how each one works. Then these numbers may mean something.

Use the power of gravity to race the marbles

The Gravitrax marble run does not need batteries. Instead, it mostly uses the power of gravity to make the marbles race through the tracks.

It all starts with the push of the launching pad. 3 marbles are propelled by this initial push and they start to race through the tracks.

With each turn and fall they gain more speed and the race is now happening. The marbles move through the track pushed by nothing more than their own inertia. All marbles are the same weight so they have the same inertia.

From time to time, something else helps the marbles move, like the magnetic cannon, which pulls a metallic marble approaching to it to release another on the other side.

Again, the Gravitrax uses just physics principles and concepts to deliver a great experience, and here is where you can find its value, because it now becomes simple (and interesting) to explain concepts like inertia o speed.

If your kids want to win this race, they can use some help from the physics concepts that describe the motion of an object along a straight line.

24 Challenge Booklet

The reason why this booklet is important is because it comes with great ideas to start having fun with the Gravitrax. But this is not all. This challenge booklet also educates you on how to use all the parts from your starter kit.

This booklet starts with 9 tracks that help you understand the basics about using all the parts of the Gravitrax. These 9 tracks are divided in 3 difficulty levels and obviously you start with the most basic ones, but once you get to the 9th track you already have a solid foundation on how to use the Gravitrax.

Once you finish the 9th track, the 24 challenge tracks appear and now complexity is divided into 6 levels.

One track may require you to connect different parts so that the marble can complete the whole circuit. Other challenges may hide the parts required to complete the track and the most challenging not only require you to use the right parts, but also to ensure the marbles reach the goal line in a specific order.

I guess you already can see what sets the Gravitrax apart from its competitors. This is not the typical marble run where marbles go over and over through the circuit. The Gravitrax can become as big as you want and it is a true circuit where marbles run and race through the different parts of it.

The Gravitrax App

If you want to experience a bit what the Gravitrax is about and the YouTube videos are not enough, then I invite you to check the Gravitrax app.

It is completely free yet you can do in-app purchases to unlock parts and more.

While the app is there for you to try it and it is free, I’ll be honest. The difference between playing with the app and having the real Gravitrax in front of you is substatial.

What I like about the app is it can give you a bit of perspective on how the Gravitrax looks like and how to play with it, yet the app is quite slow in my opinion.

When I say slow I’m not saying it has bugs or performs poorly. It actually seems to be very well made, yet the way you place each piece on the base, rotate it, move it if needed, and then add more pieces seems to require a lot of taps to your screen.

In my opinion, this is contrary to the experience the real thing offers, because even when you are building the track everything is fluent.

Anyways, the app is there for you to try it and have a better idea of what the Gravitrax works.

On the positives for the app, I liked the tutorial part because it takes you step by step on the very basics, so you should definitely try it.

The Gravitrax Compared with similar marble runs

Gravitrax is considered by many to be one of the best quality marble runs on the market. It has been put on lists above the Gravity Maze marble run, the MindWare marble run, and the Marbleworks run amongst others.

Gravitrax has also been directly compared to the Q-Ba-Maze 2.0 marble run, and it was determined that while Gravitrax is slightly more expensive than Q-Ba-Maze, it has overall superior quality and is something that will last for years. It was also praised for its unique design, as Gravitrax is one of the only marble runs to use a hexagonal shape for its track pieces, making it more stable than most other marble runs on the market.

The Gravitrax reviews and comments online are proof of how good this marble run is and why people love it so much.

Here is a video that further builds upon the user experience offered by Gravitrax. This video as well is a Gravitrax instructions guide as it explains a bit what each piece does and the logic you should follow when assembling tracks.

Comments made on the advantage of Gravitrax over other marble runs were that it was a lot easier to build, customize, and learn than other marble runs. It is simple yet effective and endlessly fun.

Furthermore, other marble runs such as Q-Ba-Maze have been slightly criticized for the loud noise they can make as the marbles clatter around, yet for Gravitrax, this isn’t an issue. The marbles glide around the track with virtually no noise.

Advantages of Gravitrax Starter Set

Best selling construction kit: The Gravitrax from Ravensburger is a best selling product that will challenge you and your kid to build amazing tracks for the marbles to race. There are over 6 billion kits sold worldwide.

Fun and user friendly: Unlike other marble run kits, the Gravitrax is pretty intuitive and user friendly. Kids feel attracted to it immediately and the fun starts right away.

Affordable price: The Gravitrax will not break your bank account. Unlike other marble runs, the one from Ravensburger is affordable and high quality. This is the perfect gift for every child and kid out there.

Extension sets available: The true greatness of the Gravitrax is in its extension sets. The more sets you get, the bigger the tracks become. While the challenge gets bigger the marbles race faster and the excitement for building even more complex tracks increases. It is truly addictive and educative

Infinite possibilities for marble run tracks: You can get as many expansion sets as you want, and the possibilities of tracks you can build are endless. People take it to the limit and create gigantic marble run tracks where the whole ride lasts minutes.

Ideal for marble racing: The Gravitrax is ideal to have authentic marble races. Unlike other marble runs where marbles move one at a time and slow, the Gravitrax is made to have marbles racing at full speed and all over the place.

STEM toy: All in all, the Gravitrax is still a toy, yet not any toy. This is a STEM toy that will help your kid develop critical thinking skills as well as a genuine interest for engineering, math, and science related topics.

Variety of track pieces: What makes the Gravitrax unique is the variety of modules it uses to shape the dynamics of the marble run. This is not the typical track as there are different expansion sets which will force the marbles to jump, stop, ride zip lines, get fired from a cannon, and much more.

High quality build: All the fun the Gravitrax comes with would not be possible if the pieces were not strong and made of durable and solid materials. The quality of the pieces is essential for having a strong and reliable marble run track.

Pieces fit perfectly: The pieces of the Gravitrax fit perfectly with each other. This is not the case with other marble runs where you have to rework the pieces for the marbles to stay on track or the whole assembly to fit together and not fall apart. The Gravitrax is truly a masterpiece produced by Ravensburger.

Other benefits of the Gravitrax Marble Run

The Gravitrax marble run is considered a STEM toy. This means it is also a learning tool that teaches kids important concepts about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

At first you may think of it as another marble run, yet what sets apart the Gravitrax from other marble run kits is the wide variety of options you have when building with Gravitrax. This means you can gravitrax course ideas

Physics is a huge topic when building with Gravitrax. By measuring the time it takes a marble to go from one side of the track to the other, and knowing the distance it traveled, you could calculate its average speed.

This my seem simple, but the Scientific theory of movement along a straight line is a huge topic and it is used today in the aeronautic and aerospace industry.

The Gravitrax uses mostly the power of gravity and inertia to work, so there is not much technology involved, although you could study the technology needed to manufacture these pieces.

The Engineering side of this marble run is huge. While all the parts of all sets are compatible, not all parts will connect with the others given certain combinations of these.

For instance, a specific track may require you to set its parts in a given order to ensure the marbles are free to move and use gravity. The angles, the height of these tracks, the distance the marbles have to travel, and other factors are very important to ensure the marbles run through the track freely and safely.

A successful track will be that which takes the marble from the starting point to the destination one without the marbles stopping or getting off the track. If this happens, your model needs some adjustments and more than likely you’ll need to run some tests to ensure everything works properly.

The Math part at this point should be obvious, because all of the calculations I already mention you can do to understand at what speed the marbles move through the track and many other parameters that are very interesting to discover.

All the Gravitrax Models and offers available

There are other Gravitrax models you can get in case you are interested in more than just the starter set.

The Gravitrax XXL Starter Set

The Gravitrax XXL Starter set and the Gravitrax Pro Vertical Starter set offer even more options of tracks to assemble.

The Gravitrax XXL set has everything the starter set has, plus some other addons that will make your marble run track much more interesting.

Also, it is totally OK if you want to get both or several, because all the pieces are compatible and this will allow you to create even bigger tracks, so is not like you are wasting your money if you get more of these. In fact, you may want to do it anyways.

People ask about the Gravitrax XXL vs Starter kit, and the only difference is in the number of pieces you get and with this the amount of tracks you can assemble, yet the functionality is the same, so if your budget allows it go with the XXL, if not, the Starter set is perfectly fine as well.

The Gravitrax Pro Vertical Starter Set

The Gravitrax Pro Vertical as well offers an expanded version of the experience, with new ways to make your marbles rush through the tracks. This as well is considered a Gravitrax speed set since it is more vertical and marbles run faster.

The Ravensburger Gravitrax Pro Giant

The Gravitrax Giant includes 409 pieces for you to build any track you can imagine. The Giant set takes the Pro Vertical principles of speed and adrenaline and takes the fun and the challenge to a whole new level with this gigantic kit.

Experience the maximum level of adrenaline with this Ravensburger Gravitrax Pro Giant set.

Which Gravitrax Starter Set to Buy?

First of all let me tell you this is not a matter of defining what is the best Gravitrax starter set. All Gravitrax sets are made with the same high quality standards and are compatible with each other.

Now…

This is a very common question with Gravitrax. The options are many and sometimes people don’t know where to start.

Yet this is one of those questions where the answer may be part of the question.

If you are starting with Gravitrax, then the starter set is what you need. It not only is affordable but also has everything you need to experience what the Gravitrax marble run set is about and why people love it.

Your decision about which Gravitrax set to buy should be influenced by the space you have available to put these tracks together and your budget.

The starter set will require an approximate space of 2 x 2 ft. It is big enough for 4 people to play at once, and the expansion sets only make it bigger.

On the other hand, if you already have a bit of experience with Gravitrax and want to make your set bigger, then it is most a matter of where you want to play with it and where you plan to place it.

All the sets are compatible and this is why you can assemble gigantic tracks and have fun with it for hours.

In terms of budget, the starter set is the most affordable option of all and it really gives the experience of a true marble run race track.

If later you decide that you want a bigger set, then the Gravitrax Starter Set XXL or even the expansion set are great options, and your first starter set is still usable because it will help you create bigger and bigger Gravi trax.

So it is not like you are wasting your money if you go first with the starter set and then decide to get a bigger one, or even one of the Pro Vertical models, which a designed to increase the speed of the marbles through the tracks.

The Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set, XXL, Pro Vertical and Giant models compared

These new addons will make the experience a bit more thrilling, as the Gravitrax Pro Vertical has steeper falls than the Starter set, which will make this an experience full of speed.

Here is a cool video showing what you can do with lots and lots of pieces of these kits, so if you have the need to get more, you are not the only one. You’ll need to get several Gravitrax Starter sets and other advanced addons to build something like this.

You’ll enjoy watching this Gravitrax Starter Set race track.

Other accessories for the Gravitrax Marble Runs

Get to know the comments of the Gravitrax Online

Review 5/5 😄

My 7-year-old has been asking for a marble run for years now, but I’ve hesitated because they all look so cheaply made. Even though Gravitrax is plastic and cardboard (which made me nervous at first) it has held up really well…

Review 1/5 😡

Locked inside with the kids during Covid, this looked like a no-brainer when they wanted to make some complex marble runs. Sadly, the components are both cheap and small, making everything less impressive…

Review 5/5 😄

y son is 12 and has wanted a nice marble set… Problem is, most sets out there are cheaply made and really not that challenging. This marble set is very cool. So many combinations and ways to build it out. Only problem is that if your son / daughter gets bored easily or needs to be challenged, this may not keep them entertained…

What’s in the Box of the Starter Set?

Let’s take a look at what you get in the Gravitrax Ravensburger Starter set box. 

There are 122 pieces in the box, which includes:

• 2 transparent levels
• 6 gravity spheres
• 3 long rails
• 6 medium rails
• 9 short rails
• 1 magnetic cannon
• 21 curved bases
• 3 X intersection bases
• 1 vortex base
• 2 Y Points Bases
• 1 End target
• 4 different bases
• 6 different base inserts
• 40 large vertical tiles
• 12 small vertical tiles
• 9 ready to go track gravitrax instructions
• 24 fun challenges
• Marbles included

Additional sets and extensions can be bought separately. 

How to use your Gravitrax Starter Set

If you need some inspiration, here are some Gravitrax track ideas for you to take your skills to the next level. All of these videos use the Gravitrax starter set and should not be hard for you to follow along, yet if you want to build even more complex and big sets, you’ll need to get the expansion sets or the Gravitrax XXL Starter Set.

You can find some inspiration for more Gravitrax plans to further expand your kits in the following videos.

Here you have some great Gravitrax track ideas you can try and have fun with

Also, here is another video with 10 different Gravitrax ideas you can build using only the starter set and have lots of fun both building the tracks and making the marbles race through them.

Get the Gravitrax Instructions Manual and learn all about it

Here is the Gravitrax instructions manual for you to review and even download if you want. These Gravitrax construction plans PDF file will give you an idea of what to expect when building marble run tracks.

As you can see, the Gravitrax instructions manual is very easy to follow and it teaches you how to read it, what each piece does, and even gives you an idea of the difficulty of the tracks you want to build. The user’s manual also comes in several languages so everybody can follow along.

It also comes with several track projects for you to build and try, and at the end of the day you can build your own track if you want. All you need to do is use the power of gravity to build with Gravitrax and you are good to go.

Each track the manual suggests you to build, has helpful sections to indicate which pieces and how many of each you’ll need to build the track, and then uses a step by step approach with images to guide you to build these tracks.

Once you get your Gravitrax starter set you’ll see how easy and user friendly its instructions are.

Yet if you are a bit more visual and want something much more “live”, here is a video tutorial with some Gravitrax building instructions from the thousands you can find online.

What You Need to Know Before Buying This Product

If you’re considering whether or not to buy the Gravitrax starter set, there are a few things you need to know. 

Gravitrax is no ordinary toy! It stimulates your child’s brain and enables them to learn while having fun. There is so much variety in the tracks that your child is sure never to get bored. 

No batteries are needed as the toy runs completely by gravity, so your kid can watch the marble fly around the loops, twists, and turns for hours on end. 

So, if you’re looking for a fun, educational toy for your child and they are over the age of 8 years, then this is the toy for them! Why not buy it today? 

Any Downside

Very few criticisms have been made about the Gravitrax starter set. However, some have said that certain pieces of the track can be too long to connect two curves, and some are too short. Having said this, ways have been shown of how to get around it. 

However, some customers have said this is one thing that can cause some frustration. It was suggested that to make the game perfect, all it would need are some extra adjustable pieces added to the set.

Another slight downside of this marble run is that it can be quite pricey, especially if you choose to buy the extensions and other sets. However, if you choose to just get the starter pack, then it is rather affordable, and you don’t need the extensions to make the game exciting. 

Frequently Asked questions 

Where Can I Buy the Gravitrax Starter Kit? 

The Gravitrax Starter Kit can be easily purchased from online outlets like Amazon and eBay. This marble run is also typically available across many local toy stores. Here are some places you can purchase the product from : 

Is A Brand Warranty Covered with My Purchase?

This product comes with the manufacturer’s warranty which can be availed by contacting the customer service. 

Does One Need Specialized Training in order to Use this Product?

No such prerequisite is required for using the product. It is suitable for all children aged 8 or above. 

What to do if the Product Gets Damaged?

The extensions offered with the product can replace the older parts, creating endless possibilities for creating new trick shots and pathways. 

The Bottom Line

So, now you have everything you need to know about the Gravitrax starter set. It is considered one of the best marble runs on the market due to its unique designs, educational prospect, and value for money. 

If you want your kid to learn while having fun, and you want them to be happily occupied for hours on end while you get on with the things you need to, you should purchase a Gravitrax starter set today!