Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

Someone needs to be leading the strategy/design discussions. They need to build a consensus around ideas that fits within your teams constraints. This is done through the observation and discussion of facts.

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

Our team made the shooter vs. dumper decision based on how consistent we thought we could be scoring, as well as the risks associated with the systems.

Dumper:
Dumps Per Match:3
Points for Dump (second basket): 6
Percentage: 95%
Points per Match: 17

Shooter:
Shot Sets per Match:3
Points per Set (third basket):9
Percentage (from key/closer to basket):66%
Points per Match: 18

Both scenarios were assuming we had a manipulator optimized for the task at hand.

We concluded that assuming we could make a fairly good shooter, it would b slightly better in terms of points. Additionaly, we theorized that a shooter would be more versatile and harder to defend. While a dumper needs go right up against the box at the base at the basket (where defense can push it around), a shooter can shoot from the key, right up against the basket, and anywhere else on the field.

In addition to where it could score from, we thought that even a mediocre shooter that could still throw the balls far could act as a good feeder. We concluded, slightly surprisingly, was that a shooter was in fact a "safer" go in terms of manipulator. And, its definitely more cool.

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

that is a good point a decent shooter can be used for more things than just shooting. of you can throw the balls a considerable distance like if your shooter is made for the top hoop you can also be a good feeder to a more relaible or better shooter that is on the other end of the feild. a dumper is only good at dumping and does not have to much flexibility for other stratigeys other than a good defensive robot because you will need to be powerfull to avoid geting pushed around.

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

This is simply not true. The right drive train can be both high-speed/mobility and high-torque pushy as needed. From nonadrive to octocanum to 6wd with shifters, there are a lot of possibilities out there for a dunker (NOT dumper! :ahh:) besides "good defensive robot".

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

Personally, I prefer "dumper", but either way, I feel shooters have distance, even if they aren't accurate. But a dumper can't get distance, ever, so accuracy might be wasted. A dumper depends on every other system being perfectly suited for it, and no defense in the way. Our drive train is awesome, and we won't get pushed around, but if a defender just stands in our way (ie., in front of the fender), we'd be hard-pressed to get rid of them in a timely fashion, if at all. So, shooter all the way!:]

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

Personally I prefer shooter, but a dumper would be nice if you could get in close enough, which could prove difficult when you consider that you will be a few inches away from the hoop. But there IS an alternative...

...That ball kicker from the kickoff video! Come on! You saw how effective it was to use a boot and a plunger!

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

If you dump, it might be tough to hit some of the higher hoops, so I would prefer shooting. Accuracy is important though, so don't be afraid to go dumping either.

Re: Shooter or Dumper?
 

Sorry, I meant "Dumper" as a term, not a shooting mechanism. Shooters are better, in my opinion. Didn't make that quite clear, huh?