Carlisle or Nats-which is better?

Both! Never been to Carlisle. (on my bucket list) from what I've heard, Carlisle is very well organized, clean, and higher classed so to speak. The Nats, which I have been to 5 or 6 years now has it's own energy and craziness. We have a great time at the Nats show with all it has to offer but we seem to have lasting memories after the show with friends or at the motel.