I have boxes of Fastrack that came with sets and the only use I have for them is for display shelves otherwise it stays in a large box unused.
I was most concerned about noise and reliable track power signal and price.
So I used mostly Gargraves comes in very long sections even the curves, very quiet on a soft or sound deadening base very low track noise very good conductivity half the price of Fastrack and does not rust if you get the Stainless steel track.
I also picked up some used Atlas got a deal on it and it works very well, but the curves are in shorter sections and connections not as good as Gargraves.
If you are doing a home permanent layout then it is very easy to ballast any of the above. Both are reliable and easy to work with.
I do a lot of shows with big set up on carpet. Several loops of track.
I have found what works best for me for very easy connections, very low noise, very reliable connections and track that stays clean is the old K-Line Super snap track, or same track with pins. You can still find some in some stores or used. The turnouts work very well, also have some on the home layout.
This track is now made by Ready made trains;
http://www.readymadetoys.com/susntruma520.html
Excellent track have used it for many years doing several set ups each year, reliable good connections and most importantly low noise.
Personally I have tried and used Fastrack, it is far far more noisy then anything else on the market and the most expensive. I took a section apart to try to see if I could cut the noise it has little plastic tabs that stick up and hold the rail in position so there is no practical way to fill the dead space where most of the noise is. The track works like an amplifier with a hollow empty space between the metal rail and plastic road bed with small holes underneath. It is just like a speaker box amplifying the sound. There is nothing you can do to make this part of the track more quiet.
I have tried it on carpet filling in underneath etc.
I also found at shows with a larger set up the connections did not always stay together tight the plastic tabs wear out loose tension when connected and reconnected. I always had problems with track dead spots when running long trains at shows with the above problems.
The Fastrack rusts / pits easy, seems to pickup more dirt and need cleaning more then any other track I have and I have not had good luck with the track ends staying aligned in some cases. As for looks it does have a good looking base but the oval shaped rail to me looks very toyish compared to most other brands especially Atlas and Gargraves that have a much more scale appearance.
I know a lot of people like it but it is up to you try it see what works best for you.
If you can handle the noise and extra cost go for it.
I recall going to various train show and some I have seen have the Fastrack screwed to the plywood. In all cases all you hear is the roar of the track noise it drowns out all the sound of engines, bells whistles etc.
You could sell any Fastrack you have to purchase something else at a lesser price.
