VexPro vs. Andymark Mecanum Wheels

[xForceDee]

Hello Everybody, I was surfing the web daydreaming about different combinations drive-trains when I noticed that the vex Mecanum wheels are notably cheaper than the Andy Mark ones. I am looking at the 8'' option and Andy Mark has two options.

HD Option ($459) - http://www.andymark.com/8in-Mecanum-HD-Set-p/am-2118.htm
Normal Option ($305) - http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0083.htm

Vex seems to have one option:
($189) http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/wheels-and-hubs/mecanum-wheels.html

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has experience with both and could elaborate some differences as far as performance. Is it worth spending more and going with AM or staying cheaper and going with vex?

[omsahmad]

We use 6" wheels, so I have experience with these AMs (http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0137.htm), and the 6" version of the VEXPro wheels. We did have a problem with the VEX wheels, that is a few of rollers on the mecanum wheels did break off, after lots of usage. Fortunately the rollers can be replaced for $15 for 7.

I do feel that the AM wheels were a little smoother as well. The bolts sticking out of the normal AM wheels however tend to get caught on things, but they can easily be cut off.

[cbale2000]

The bolts sticking out of the normal AM wheels however tend to get caught on things, but they can easily be cut off.

Very much this. I saw a team a year or two ago that used AM Mecanums get partially knocked over during a match, and as the driver was trying to right the robot (unsuccessfully) the protruding screws from the wheels dug a huge hole in the carpet.

[Donut]

We used the 8" normal Andymark wheels last year and the 8" Vex wheels this year. We only attended one regional both years and saw no failures with either set.

For us the Vex wheels are a no brainer to continue using since they are lighter (significantly), cheaper, they come completely assembled, and we saw no difference in durability.