If you've ever been tempted to grab a 3D printer for making all sorts of goodies from replicas to wargaming terrain but didn't know where to start, I've got good news. A handful of the best beginner machines I've ever tested just got a massive price cut, bringing them crashing down to record low prices as a result of this week's Prime Day event.
3D printer deals aren't unusual during sales season, but I'm not used to such massive discounts at Amazon itself; normally, the manufacturers offer superior savings. Not this time, though; this time, Amazon's beating the competition soundly on top-tier machines. First up is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2, currently $399.99 at Amazon instead of $500. That's a drop of $100 on what is comfortably my favorite starter printer, and an all-time low. Next is the Anycubic Kobra X, which is an impressive 35% cheaper than normal - it's currently $299.99 at Amazon rather than $460. I'd say this is on par with the Centauri Carbon 2 in terms of print quality, so that's also a very tempting offer. Finally, we have the original Centauri Carbon. This is also going cheap with a record low price of $299.98 at Amazon. It's very similar to its successor but doesn't have the multi-color functionality out of the box (or a couple of bonus features), so is perhaps a good place to start if you don't want all the extra bells and whistles.
So, which one should you get? While I do have a favorite (we'll get to that in a moment), I think there are advantages to all the above. Want a smaller, more compact machine? While its footprint is similar to both Centauri Carbons, the Anycubic Kobra X doesn't have an enclosure so doesn't feel as bulky. Plus, its filaments are stored above - meaning they don't just out to the side as with the Centauri Carbon 2. However, that enclosure makes the latter quieter... and the addition of rubber shock-absorbing feet mean it shouldn't rattle as much on a surface when in use.
This multi-color functionality and those extras set the Carbon 2 apart from its predecessor (which is still very good, by the way). As a result, I'd say the original Carbon is great for the budget-conscious or those who don't need multi-color printing out of the box. It's quality is still way up there, so it's all about whether you're happy to sacrifice those improvements for the time being (you can buy a multicolor attachment and shock-absorbent feet for the original Carbon separately).
Personally, my favorite overall is the Centauri Carbon 2. I think both this and the Kobra X are just as good as each other in terms of actual print-quality, and they both make great use of multi-color printing. But being able to shut it all away, and the addition of noise-reducing elements like the feet, mean it's a more practical choice in a family home or with housemates.
Want inspiration on what to make with your new printer? Be sure to check out the best tabletop RPGs.
