Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

We use reversible bumpers for the instant changing time (you take 2 minutes, we literally take 2 seconds [120x faster :P]) Also we are planning to make a large portion of the structural part of our base frame integral to the bumpers (20 free pounds is a lot of steel!) so removing them is not preferable in that situation. Covers do not work well when your robot has very low bumpers (in 2011 we had <1.5" ground clearance) the cover drags the ground or worse

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

Separate bumpers no questions asked for us. Just the professional look of it is what it boils down too. Nothing really wrong with skirts other than looks in my opinion.

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

There will always be teams that end up making robots that are short of their expectations, but when your bumpers are the only thing worth showing, the struggle is real!

I can imagine the scenario in the pits:

Judge: So, what part of your robot is your team most proud of, and why?

Student: The fabric. It's nice and soft. Wanna feel?

Judge: *touches bumper* Wow, it is. What's it made of?

Student: Dolphin fur. Imported from North Antarctica. Don't worry, it's tuna safe.

{{{{INSTANT IMAGERY AWARD}}}}

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

We're using these reversible bumpers. http://www.robopromo.net/product_p/rp_fb.htm

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

We use reversible bumpers, mostly for the speed at which we can change them.

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

Give me reversible bumpers or give me death!

Seriously, it's a no-brainer. A little more work up front, but cheaper (less wood, fewer pool noodles, etc), easier to transport (one set vs 2), doesn't get pulled off like a cover could, and is super easy to change colors. The most important feature is the look it puts on a queuer's face when they freak out because you're the wrong color, and then you change color in a few moments without any tools.

We've been using reversible bumpers for 2 years now and will never ever go back.

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

[quote=bEdhEd;1324085]Another way to get crisp numbers is to get them silkscreen printed or ironed on. As for how 2056 does it, they may have some connections to people who dye fabric. You should ask one of their members for more information. They have a convenient "contact us" page on their website where you can ask them directly.

http://www.2056.ca/contact

Save you the time

We have a printing sponsor (SpeedPro) print the fabric. It is canvas with a transparent laminate.

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

Ah, OK thanks a lot!

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

I just noticed that the irony of this thread is that the poll says that the majority of the teams have bumper sets, but the majority of posts here are people talking about their preference, and even love, for reversibles.

Maybe reversibles make for happy teams!

Have you ever seen someone frown when reversing bumpers? You haven't, because they're too dang cool.

There's something about that velcro ripping, and the flipping from blue to red in an instant that just puts a smile on the face of even the saddest of FIRST-ers.

Re: Bumper sets, skirts, or reversibles?
 

There are trufax.