Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Just so it's correct, Team HYPER has 7 regional wins :) But we're honored to be considered the best of our rookie year :D

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

It was previously suggested, but 2010 should be 3138. Can we please put them in the 2010 spot until someone makes a valid argument to the contrary?

Einstein first year, CMP Rookie All Stars, CMP division finalist second year, RCA second year, has done very well at IRI, etc. They have another great robot this year but are one of the many notable teams who've not had the good fortune of qualifying for St. Louis.

www.frclinks.com/t/3138

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'll give 1994 to team 155. ;)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

With all due respect to those teams...

I think 111 is 92 as well, and I think with their recent success they are the clear winners of that category.

Also 126 hasn't even got a mention...they have one national championship (1992), two national finalists (1995, 2000), and 6 regional wins.

Also, was 148 technically a winner of 1993 as well? I believe it was Texas Instruments (or e-systems) and Greenville High School who won that year, if that was the case I think that would put 148 at 2 CMP wins?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Wildstang isn't 92 they are 96

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Incorrect...see link.


http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles..._Team_List.pdf

Also note that the 1993 winner was E-Systems and Dallas Christian Schools...which I believe E-Systems was based out of Greenville, and thus qualifies as 148...so that would give them 2 CMP wins.

1993 I think would belong to current team 151, Sanders and Nashua HS is what they were back in the day. They have a regional victory and chairmans award...of course you could also factor in the team from Edison Tech which you could consider to be Tigerbolt team 73 which won the CMP event in 1996.

1994 would easily go to now defunct team Proctor and Gamble and Walnut Hills High School team 144...arguably the first true powerhouse in the history of FIRST. They won the CMP event in 1994 and have a CMP Chairmans under their belt.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Based on records found at http://www.team358.org/files/frc_records/index.php:


Wildstang competed in 1992 and didn't compete again until 1996.

E-Systems sponsored a team belonging to Dallas Christian Schools for four years (92-95), and the location of the school switched three times. It also sponsored a team belonging to Greenville Public Schools starting in 1994, known today as 148.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Agreed on that info...however I believe 148 is considered a legacy team and that would only be possible if they counted the Dallas Christian School team as 148. Maybe someone from the Wranglers could clear that up for us.

As for Wilstang...you can't just choose to ignore 1992 because they took a 4 year hiatus, can you? I think they were one of the finalists (Back then I believe there were 4...126, 190, 111, and I am unsure of who the fourth one was.)

If I were making the decision, I would call them a rookie in 1992...that would put the order...111, followed by 148, followed by 126, followed by 190

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

3256 is quite good, but I think the title for 2010 is best given to 3138. Most notably, they made Einstein in their rookie year, #1 seed at the Championship last year, IRI finalists twice, and one regional win to their credit.

As for Stang... they don't have legacy status and they won Rookie All Star in 1996. Their website starts their history at 1996... So that is where I would be tempted to place them.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I know that 343 won the rookie all-star award at championships in 2000.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Interesting point that they won Rookie All-Star. By that measure, any time a team leaves and comes back, they can be considered a rookie team? I say FIRST gave the award to the wrong team in 1996! Hell...Motorola and Wheeling High School stayed more intact than some teams that are considered to be Legacy teams! At least they have the same sponsor and school. I think only a Wildstang member can settle this dispute. I say FIRST is wrong and I am right! Hows that for ego!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Rookie and legacy status are very gray areas in the early days of FIRST. Technically, 131 would be a legacy team if they had not taken 1993 off. The rookie status rules that you see today weren't started until a few years ago.

The closest ruling I have ever received as to what considered a team consistent in the old days is that team status flowed through the main mentor registering the team. As long as that was consistent, the team was consistent. This is the grey where 148 and 190 are still considered legacy even though they both changed schools.

Sidenote: In my years I've found it's just not worth it to argue with Mr Grady about team history in the early to mid 90s. I pick my battles, and I recommend you do the same :)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Those are the same team, now known as 148, the Robowranglers.

The team was originally sponsored by the E-Systems facility in Greenville, TX and the Dallas Christian School. In 1994, Greenville High School joined the team (and Greenville ISD became the second major sponsor), but later became the sole high school. The Greenville E-Systems facility was acquired by Raytheon in the late 1990s, who sponsored 148 until the Greenville facility was sold to L3 Communications in 2002, who continues to sponsor 148 to the present. Innovation First began sponsoring 148 in 2007.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd consider 111 as a 92 team.

2010 should go to 3138 not only did they have a very successful season they excelled in 2011.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

A little 'Horn Blowing' for possible consideration in the '98 slot, maybe. :D

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

At least for this year, I'm going to plug 3940 for 2012. So far for this year, they were a Regional Champion and Rookie All Star at Queen City and a Regional Finalist at BMR.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Any rookie team with Andy Baker gets my vote.

But seriously, they (along with 45 and 781) took an 8th seed alliance at one of the toughest regionals in the country and upset everyone. 3940 wins.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I don't disagree that 144 was the best team to start from 1994. However, they don't exist anymore. All the teams on the list so far are currently competing.
Hey, gotta stick up for my team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

2011.. My vote 3539

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I want to clarify some details. WildStang's true rookie year was 1996. In 1992 it was only one school from our School District that had founded a separate team that had been retired after that last year. The WildStang that everyone knows is actually the combination of Wheeling High School (WildCats) and Rolling Meadows High School (Mustangs) which was created with a larger funding and supporting system. Also WildStang did win Rookie All-Star at the Championship in 1996 :P

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Two can play at this game! Now that Erik has clarified that Wildstang was a rookie in 1996 (blast it, Erik, for proving me wrong!)...If we don't count 144, under the new rookie year rules, Team CHAOS now becomes a rookie in 1994! 3 Regional Championships, 1 CMP Finalist...BAM! Sorry J-Rod, taking that one right out from under your nose!

In all seriousness...this is a pretty cool thread. It's really neat to see who came from when and look at the incredible classes of teams that we have had over the years.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I feel I need to throw in at least a 2012 honorable mention for 4294 (Startrek). They are a michigan rookie headed to the championship via competitive points acrued throughout the season. They were the first team at Kettering to pass inspection*, they were kettering champs (3rd bot), an alliance captain at their next competition, and an alliance captain at MSC. they have been fast learners and have improved their robot from a 2WD with caster to a 6x6 and even added an effective stinger at MSC (they may be the highest number with a stinger).

*After being the first to pass inspection, and on the first pass through, I told them I was really impressed. Their response was: "We just read the rules and made a simple robot. Don't most teams pass the first time through?"

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I totally agree with 4292 (Startrek) for 2012. With being a rookie i was very scared with balancing with them but they turned out to be one of the easiest team to balance with. If your not from Michigan, your missing out. Startrek is an amazing team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

+1 for 4294

A lot of times during the awards they say that a Rookie Team "Gets It!", with Startrek they really do Get It. As Ike has said they are fast learners and have really taken the idea of continuous improvement to heart.

I look forward to seeing them in St Louis, as well as years to come.

-Clinton-

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I wish more rookie AND veteran teams had this attitude.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Here is an odd turn of events...

Team 144 does exist according to the championship team list. I did further research and found that they are still out of Cincinnati, Ohio and still carry Proctor and Gamble as one of their sponsors...though they do not have Walnut Hills as one of their schools. They competed this year as R.O.C.K. at Buckeye and Queen City.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

They also gave up the use of their team bus so we could get back to our hotel after our bus "broke down" at Queen City, so I can personally vouch for 144's existence. ;)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

144 took a multi-year hiatus. It ended with Logomotion.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Looks like it's all filled out (at least preliminarily). Happy to adjust as-needed. Also can't wait for people to be watching this list and see how they do at the Champs this year (at least most of them).

Teams With the Best Robots by Rookie-Year
2012: 4294 - 1 regional win, 3 rookie inspiration, 2 highest rookie seed
2011: 3539 - 2 rookie all star, 1 highest rookie seed - cmp
2010: 3138 - 1 regional win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist, 1 division #1 seed, 2 IRI finalist, highest rookie seed - cmp
2009: 2826 - 3 regional wins, 1 div finalist, 2 regional finalists
2008: 2337 - 4 regional wins, highest rookie seed - cmp
2007: 2056 - 14 regional wins, 1 division win
2006: 1717 - 6 regional wins, 2 division finalists
2005: 1625 - 5 regional wins, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2004: 1477 - 6 regional wins
2003: 1114 - 19 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2002: 987 - 8 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist, highest rookie seed - Einstein
2001: 494 - 4 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2000: 469 - 11 regional wins, 1 cmp, 2 divisions, 3 finalists
1999: 254 - 22 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 3 divisions, 1 div finalist
1998: 48 - 5 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 2 div finalists, highest rookie seed - cmp
1997: 67 - 19 regional wins, 3 cmp wins, 2 div wins, 2 div finalists
1996: 71 - 13 regional wins, 4 cmp wins, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
1995: 177 - 4 regional wins, 2 cmp wins, 5 div wins, 1 div finalist
1994: 144 - 2 division wins, 1 division #1 seed
1993: 151
1992: 148 - 9 regional wins, 2 cmp wins, 1 div finalist

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

by this do you just mean they qualified or are they for sure registered for worlds?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Qualified, I know you 217 kids are just waiting to hear what happens to them..

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Yeah, after i wrote that i felt a little bad, i didnt mean to take the attention off a team that very much deserves it after a very impressive performance at states, but i hope people understand why we are just a little anxious, trying to find out anything we can at this point

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

StarTREK's defense at States was a force to be reckoned with! According to here, they are going to St. Louis!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Would 51 be considered a 2010 rookie?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I have to throw our team's hat in for 2011.

3747 now has: 2 regional wins, 1 division finalist, one rookie all-star.

We're good looking too! :]

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

No because it was a combination of existing teams.. (47 & 65)

That is pretty official to me.. They got the money approved tonight..

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

N.O.

51 is a combination of teams 47 and 65. Those teams had their rookie year many, many years ago. 51 is a HoF team (47 won a Chairman's, and was a force to be reckoned with in the 90s), and has a National Championship under their belt (2003 or before--can't remember when 65 won it).

If 51 is considered a 2010 rookie, then 23 is a 2012 rookie, though they are returning after a 12-year hiatus.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Just to note, because this mistake or typo has been made a few times, the team being nominated for top 2012 rookie is 4294.

Also, I have to agree that 3539 has begun their FIRST History with two really great years and support their nomination.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I chuckled when I read that.

And for Eric, it was 2003 when 65 won the championship.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I was mistaken. Apologias to team 144.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

3539 has 1 district win- waterford last year

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Using the same logic, 2753 was the 2nd overall pick at IRI that year. Wildstang 111 was chosen first by team 980, the #2 alliance (832) picked 2753 as their first pick. Albeit I have a bit of a bias.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

My vote for 2009 best rookie goes to 2771. (sorry for the michigan bias)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

4451 hands down this year so far.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

So much this! Been saying it since 11 saw them play in Palmetto. A few of us were talking about them today as well.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Without actually doing some research, it's hard to think of some teams that are clearly better by year.

2013: ????
2012: 4334
2011: ????
2010: ????
2009: 2826
2008: 2337
2007: 2056
2006: 1717
2005: 1625
2004: ????
2003: 1114
2002: 987
2001: ????
2000: 469
1999: 217, 254
1998: ????
1997: 67
1996: 71, 111

And I really don't even know what teams even existed way back when. Is there some site where I can see the rookie years for each team?

Also, I don't believe there's a good way of measuring the best team by year for certain years. For 2007 the best team is clearly 2056. But it's really hard to say what team is the best from 1999. I would take 254 over 217, but the success 217 had, particularly between 2006 and 2011 was ridiculous. They won 2 Championships in 2006 and 2008, and won at least 70 matches in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

4294 has been a bit underwhelming this year, so given another solid robot from 4334, I'd might endorse that pick for 2012 rookie. 4124 is another 2012 rookie that is doing serious work, though. Finalist last year and top pick and winner at BAE this year.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

For 2013 I would have to say the current leader and high favorite would have to be 4451. And for 2010 I'd say 3357, they made it to Einstein.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

What's really scary is they get like 6 weeks to drop under the radar and somehow figure out a way to play their game even better before Championships. They didn't use up any black magic to win regionals (2x RAS, ranked 5th/finalists in Orlando and rank 7/semifinalist in Myrtle Beach) so I bet lady luck (and the robot itself) will go far into CMP with 4451. Definitely an early candidate for CMP highest rookie seed.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Hi All,

Time to bring this back, now that we're in the heart of 2014's competition.

This is where things stand so far. Let the debates continue! Note none of the data attached includes 2014 wins.

Teams With the Best Robots by Rookie-Year
2014: ????
2013: 4451
2012: 4294
2011: 3539
2010: 3138
2009: 2826
2008: 2337
2007: 2056
2006: 1717
2005: 1625
2004: 1477
2003: 1114
2002: 987
2001: 494
2000: 469
1999: 254
1998: 48
1997: 67
1996: 71
1995: 177
1994: 144
1993: 151
1992: 111

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I haven't watched much outside of Michigan, but Michigan does have one strong contender. 4967 has won all three rookie awards, including Highest Rookie Seed Twice, and they've captained alliances to a District Win and a semifinal.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I vote 4901. They won orlando as 2nd pick with a strong drivetrain and great truss shot.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

They're good, but wouldnt call them best of their class.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

4488 is definitely the best 2013 bot.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

111 is a 1996 rookie, not 1992. Tough call between them and 71.

As was said earlier in the thread, 148 looks like the 1992 team.

I'd argue for 610 or 525 over 494 in 2001.

I'd propose 1538 as a rival to 1625 in 2005.

For 2012, I think 3990, 3928, and 4334 would all be fine choices.

I like 4488 for 2013. [edit: Adam beat me to that one, but I also thought that this one was pretty clear]

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd agree with 1538 based off HoF.

But 610/525 vs 494? Nah.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd throw 5172 into the mix for this year, they had an amazing bot at Northern Lights, and seeded second in what was in my opinion a pretty deep event. They ended up being finalists and winning the rookie all star award. Can't wait to see how they do in St. Louis.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I forgot: 525 was actually a rookie in 1999 before taking 2000 off and returning in 2001. So they're out, but have you seen their record in the past several years?

And 610 has also been pretty awesome in the past few years. Perhaps they have some more catching up to do because of how successful 494 was in their earlier years.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

That would be my thing. 610 is pretty hot stuff lately but 494 was a big deal a few years before. I'd also assert that looking at 494 without looking also at the success of their twin, 70, is mildly unfair as it is the same team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

5136 is my favorite rookie this year in terms of performance.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

2012 is tough, but 3990 and 4265 are the two that come to mind. 3990 has 3 regional wins and 1 finalist in 4 events, so I think they get the title.

610 has been better than 70/494 every year from 2011 on, I think 610's dominance is here to stay.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

4039 would be another contender for 2012. #1 seed this weekend in Waterloo, outseeding 254, 1114, AND 2056.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I wouldn't either. and I'm one of the heads of the team. The new intake we've made might put us close by STL. We'll see. We can't seed high without decent partners. I'm trying to fix that issue though.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Definitely 4967 for this year.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

You are insane john!!!haha

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I have to agree with putting in 4967 for 2014 consideration. I know, I am probably completely bias as this is one of my teams, but here's some information, from The Blue Alliance:

Gull Lake District 2nd Seed
16-2-0
Rookie All Star
Winner
Highest Rookie Seed

West Michigan District 4th Seed
12-5-0
Highest Rookie Seed
Rookie Inspiration
(beat out in Semifinals by eventual Event Winners)

Overall
28-7-0
Rank 2 in Michigan (as of post-Week 4)
Rank 53 in World according to Joe Ross' spreadsheet. (as of post-Week 4)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Yes and no. Half of what would become 111 was indeed a team in 1992. And IIRC it was Motorola sponsored. It didn't make it to 1993/4/5 though.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Going to nominate Code Orange (3476) for 2011. Deciding between them and 3539 is hard.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Thanks for the mention. Our 2011 robot was, frankly, pretty terrible. The only thing that worked properly was the mini-bot. Perhaps you mean 2012? That year we got a new engineering mentor who helped us to step up our game and win the San Diego regional with 4161 and 3255. ;)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

The sunny d team, is now known as team 144 I believe, or at least our current mentor had a role in it. Sunny d is on display at P&G, last I heard. However, poor brute is no longer operational.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I thought I'd necro this thread because it's a fun one. The question is this, which team from each rookie class has been the strongest over their history? The last time CD came to a consensus was mid-2014 for the following. Things have definitely changed since then.

Right off the bat, I'd suggest 2481 for 2008, and 3990 for 2012. Thoughts?

2013: 4451
2012: 4294
2011: 3539
2010: 3138
2009: 2826
2008: 2337
2007: 2056
2006: 1717
2005: 1625
2004: 1477
2003: 1114
2002: 987
2001: 494
2000: 469
1999: 254
1998: 48
1997: 67
1996: 71
1995: 177
1994: 144
1993: 151
1992: 111

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

While Motorola and Wheeling HS was at the 1992 tournament, WildStang's official rookie year is 1996 and they don't claim otherwise. Now, does that knock 71 off their perch for 1996? Four world titles and a Championship WFA vs. three world titles (two in the 3v3 era), a Championship WFA, and a spot in the Hall of Fame, and a Championship Volunteer of the Year? WildStang, I think I love you.

The 1992 battle really comes down to 148 vs. 45 (with a special shoutout to 191 for doing what nobody else can do now). Before the 148 afterburners really came on in 2007 or 2008, this would be an easy decision for 45. But in the years since, the momentum has shifted greatly--15 of 148's 16 regional wins (and all four trips to Einstein) have been in 2008 or later, while 5 of the TechnoKats' 9 district and regional wins came during the same time period. 45's best counterargument would be culture-changing awards--three WFFAs and a Championship WFA (vs. 2 and 0), three RCAs (vs. 1), and two EI awards (vs. 0). I think the nod still goes to 148, but it's not an early-round knockout.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

48 has added to their impressive resume since this list was last discussed, but I'd still like to throw our hat into the ring as representatives of the rookie class of '98.

https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/180/history

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

3476 has now added two Einstein appearances and multiple regional wins to their resume since 2014. I think that pushes them above 3539.

I also agree that 180 has had more success than 48.

For 2010 rookies, I would like to suggest 3015, who has been very strong since 2014.

4039 has also been an excellent 2012 (?) rookie.

For a 2014 rookie, 5254.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

48 doesn't particularly care about or for popularity contests such as these, so we don't mind one bit if other teams wish to pursue such arbitrary mantles of distinction.

Have at it, 1998 teams. :)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Clearly :P

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Well that was coming off a very productive year in the hardware department.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Clearly an aberration. We promise it will never happen again.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

We appreciate that, but there are other 2014 rookies who have had better results than us, for example 5172, 4967, and 4911.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

4488 for 2013. 5803 for 2016. Echo 3476 and 2481.

Not sure for 2012 btwn 3990 and 4039, both are very accomplished teams.

5406 for 2015.
4967 seems like a decent choice for 2014.

4294 doesn't exist anymore :(

1678 may have a legitimate claim over 1625.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

My opinion:

2016: 5803 (or 5895 - thanks bkahl)
2015: 5460 (or 5406 - thanks BrennanB)
2014: 5172
2013: 4488
2012: 3990 (or 4039)
2011: 3476 (or 3539)
2010: 3310 (with 3132 on the upswing)
2009: 2826
2008: 2481
2007: 2056
2006: 1717 ( :( )
2005: 1678
2004: 1318 (or 1241 - thanks Chris_is_me)
2003: 1114
2002: 987
2001: 494 (or 610 - thanks Chris_is_me)
2000: 469
1999: 254
1998: 195 (or 180)
1997: 67
1996: 71
1995: 177
1994: 144
1993: 151
1992: 111 (or 148)

As more facts come to light, I will most likely end up editing my opinion!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

It's not; it's 2001. FRC website lists them as attending "Nationals" that year.

With 610's continued excellence especially from 2011 onward, they are certainly competitive with 494 for the title.

1241 is a strong choice for 2004.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Absolutely. For some reason I thought they were 2003.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

2016: 5895

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

No question in my mind about this. While I appreciate all the nominations for 5803, I think 5895 Peddie School Robotics' on-field performance shows a clear winner. They won 9 awards in 4 events, highest rookie seed at every event they attended and captained the #4 alliance on Carson to the finals.

Ultimately the next several seasons will show more than just the rookie campaigns. This year's rookie class is one of the strongest I can remember. 5817 Uni-Rex, 5818 Riviera Robotics, 5813 Morpheus and more also came out very strong this season, and most importantly are building sustainable programs which will continue to field incredible, high caliber teams for years to come.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

As is 1477.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1519, 1671, and 1690 all contend for best out of 2005 with 1678. all have either won or been a finalist on einstein and always do well a worlds

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Was not our rookie year, but in our second year (2004), team 1218 went from ranking last at their first regional, to captaining the number one seed on Galileo and finishing as Einstein finalists, only to lose in three to 71...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I agree with many of the suggestions and disagree with others. I'm particularly not convinced we've found the best 2010 rookie. Do we give it to 3339 from their being spectacular the past two years? Or 3310 for more consistent production?

2004: I just don't think 1318 is in the running with 1477 and 1241. They're similar on recent history, but can't compete on early history and lack of championship win.

2015: 5406 might be in a tougher region, but I still think 5460 has had more success, particularly this year (4th overall pick at MSC en route to being finalist)

2014: I would go with 5254, but I think we can have more discussion.

2001: Tough choice, but I'd go with 610 personally. FRC history is short-sighted. Let's add 525 to the discussion as well.

2006: The other possible choices are 1918 and 1718. I'd still go with 1717. Never noticed before, they won a robot award at the Championship 6 of their last 7 years.

Per Billfred, I think we're going with 111 as a '96 rookie. We should only be considering robot quality (see: thread title), but personally I think 111 has been better over the course of history than 71, despite 71's extra Championship. 148 gets in over 45 because FRC history is short-sighted.

2016: 5895
2015: 5460 or 5406
2014: 5254 or 5172 or 4967
2013: 4488
2012: 3990 or 4039
2011: 3476
2010: 3339 or 3310 or 3138 or 3015
2009: 2826
2008: 2481
2007: 2056
2006: 1717 or 1718 or 1918
2005: 1678 (this is unequivocal)
2004: 1477 or 1241
2003: 1114
2002: 987
2001: 610 or 494 or 525
2000: 469
1999: 254
1998: 48 or 180
1997: 67
1996: 111 or 71
1995: 177
1994: 144
1993: 151
1992: 148

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Basel is right about everything as usual. Except I do think 195 should be considered along with 48 and 180 for the rookie class of 1998.

48:
1 Championship win (1999)
2 division finalists (2006 and 2007)
5 regional wins (going back to 2007)
10 regional finalists (going back to 2000)

180:
1 Einstein win (2012)
1 Einstein finalist (2002)
2 division wins (2002 and 2012)
2 division finalists (2003 and 2016)
9 regional wins (going back to 2002)
2 regional finalists

195:
1 Einstein finalist (2006)
2 division wins (2006 and 2016)
1 division finalist (2015)
2 district championship wins (2015 and 2016)
1 district championship finalist (2014)
4 district event wins
6 regional wins (going back to 2007)
3 regional finalists (going back to 2002)

Edit: As a small side note, 3015's rookie year is actually 2009, and thus cannot be considered in the running for the 2010 class awards.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm also definitely on the 5172 hype train for 2014 (sorry HYPE :)). They have literally made the finals at every regional they've ever attended, ranking 2nd and 3rd overall at their regionals their first two years. Impressive!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I agree with 195 for 1998. Another 1998 rookie that is not as well known but could be put up for consideration is 64. They made Einstein twice in their years, and had such a great season in 2005 (9 awards and a trip to Einstein finals) that they retired their number, resuming as 39 in 2006 (I think that's who they became, right?). 64 is a little unconventional since they stopped competing, but on a year-for-year basis I could argue that they were the most successful 1998 rookie.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Fun fact about 64. In most of the historical statistics I've played with over the years, they ALWAYS come out near the top. But that's because I usually stop derating scores for folks when they stop competing. And usually teams don't have a dominant year then stop competing... I've figured out ways around this, but 64 is always my canary for forgetting to do a reversion to mean in a statistic.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1538 has had both great competitive success and also is Hall of Fame.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1983 has been the dominant team in the PNW for many years now.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Notice a trend? I think all of these are mentored by FRC alums or veterans.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

5137 had at least as good year (even at the same regional in one case).

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1983 is amazing! However, they have to compete with 2056 because their rookie year was 2007.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think 1902 should be considered near the top of the contenders for 2006.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

That post was made in 2014, where 5136 was clearly better.