New Balance SC Elite V4 vs SuperComp Pacer V2: Which Carbon Racer Should You Buy?

Introduction

New Balance refreshed its racing line this year with two carbon plate shoes built around the same core ingredients: a Pebax-based FuelCell midsole and the brand’s Energy Arc carbon plate with a pronounced rocker. Despite the shared DNA, the SuperComp Elite V4 and SuperComp Pacer V2 feel noticeably different on the run, and each leans toward a different kind of runner and distance. This comparison looks at where each shoe earns its place.

Price, Weight and Key Specs

The SC Elite V4 is the premium option at £260 or $250, while the Pacer V2 costs £180 or $200. The Pacer is also the lighter shoe, coming in at 216g (7.6oz) against 243g (8.6oz) for the Elite. Geometry differs too: the Elite V4 has a 4mm drop with a 40mm heel stack, while the Pacer V2 has an 8mm drop with a stack that sits somewhere in the low to mid-30s at the heel. Both share solid rubber coverage across the forefoot and rear for durability.

Midsole, Plate and Outsole: Shared DNA, Different Tuning

Both shoes use the Pebax version of FuelCell, which is the lightest and bounciest formulation New Balance puts in its faster shoes, plus the Energy Arc carbon plate with its large cut-out under the heel. That setup keeps weight down and centres the foot in the shoe.

The uppers are equally minimal. The Elite V4 uses a mesh with very little padding around the heel, while the Pacer V2 goes lighter still with a single-layer engineered mesh. Neither has much of an internal heel counter, and neither tongue is padded. The outsoles are similar in design, and with around 60km of testing on each, wear has been as expected, so both should hold up fine for training and racing.

Fit and Sizing

Fit is one of the clearest differences between these two. The SC Elite V4 runs true to size for most testers and offers a slightly broader fit through the midfoot and toe box. The Pacer V2 runs snugger and narrower, and going half a size up is a sensible move, especially if you plan to race longer distances in it.

The heel is the weak spot on both shoes. There is almost no padding at the back, and both models are known to rub, with some testers breaking skin. Heel locking helps, and lacing adjustments reduced the issue on the Elite V4, but if you are planning a full marathon in either shoe, this is something to watch for.

Ride Feel and Track Session Impressions

The Elite V4 feels bigger, softer and bouncier, with far more foam under the forefoot and a pronounced rocker. The Pacer V2 has a more natural, direct feel that snaps through the stride and keeps you closer to the ground, with less bounce and protection.

In a track session of six one-mile reps at 5:20 per mile, the Pacer V2 felt fluid and controlled, while the Elite V4 initially felt almost unnatural to adjust to, with so much more foam and rocker. Once settled, it ran well, but the Pacer won for short, fast efforts.

Over longer, cruisey efforts, the preference flips. The Elite V4 rewards you with softer landings, more bounce and better forefoot protection on tired legs. It is comfortable and accommodating enough for a full marathon, whereas the Pacer V2 can produce forefoot discomfort at marathon distance because of its lower stack and higher drop. The Pacer is still capable beyond an hour and up to around nine or ten miles, which is a genuine step up from the original Pacer.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want exaggerated bounce, softness and a strong rocker for long races, the SC Elite V4 is the shoe that delivers it, and it is the better pick for runners doing heavy training mileage and marathon racing. If you prefer a more direct, grounded ride closer to the early days of carbon racers, with a lighter feel and faster turnover, the Pacer V2 offers that for considerably less money.

As a rule of thumb: the Pacer V2 is the 5K to 10K and possibly half marathon shoe, while the Elite V4 is the marathon shoe that can also handle shorter events. The Pacer is the better value if your racing stays short; the Elite V4 is worth the premium if long distances are your priority. It is also worth noting that lighter high-stack rivals exist elsewhere in the market, so neither is a slam dunk against everything on sale.

Conclusion

Both shoes are very good carbon racers that can technically cover any distance. Your choice comes down to ride preference and budget: the bouncy, protective Elite V4 for long racing and training miles, or the snappy, lighter and cheaper Pacer V2 for short, fast work. Just be prepared to lace carefully around the heels on both.