Quote:
Originally Posted by Garret
Well in the case of my team this adds additional cost that could have and should have been avoided. If FIRST is requiring us to buy parts to compete in this years game then this minibot competition is not fair at all. There are no FTC teams associated with my team or even in our area, meaning we have to buy the parts, and well frankly we think we support FIRST enough with our FLL programs, I don't see a need for us to invest in FTC just so FIRST can promote its own program, they should at least allow them to use VEX or be a little less restrictive, cause I mean seriously they are basically saying teams that have FTC counterparts are getting a bonus, where as teams with Vex counterparts or that run lego teams, are at a significant disadvantage, and not to mention the fact that the parts are expensive.
I am frankly afraid to use anything other than Tectrix, because I don't know if they will make rules against using non-tectrix parts.
I apologize for the rant but I am frankly frustrated that they are forcing FTC upon FIRST teams if they want to be competitive, and because of the restrictions imposed its pretty obvious that this is simply to promote FTC. But that's how I see it.... Again sorry for the rant.
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Not using components out of fear that they will change the rules is an artificial wall you are creating for yourself and your team.
In addition, FIRST made it clear that you could receive a brand new FTC Tetrix kit for free through FIRST choice. There is no additional cost to teams.
In addition, every year FIRST has a new 'end game'. Whether it be the '10 lift, or the '07 ramp, those end games sometimes require special mechanisms to compete. Those always cost money as well.
I don't particularly like the legal-parts rules. Teams that have the ability to burn or make gears out of aluminum are going to have a small advantage because of the total lack of textrix gear ratios. Once our team decides on the final gear ratio I'm going to go on a search of local suppliers who can burn or hobb said gears out of base materials. If I was able to /purchase/ those gears, I'd be much happier, but it's not a hurdle I can't overcome.