As a rookie team last year, Team 3489 (Category 5) knew little about what build season would hold, but we were pretty sure we'd need wheels. Looking at the simpler COTS options, all had drawbacks. We decided to develop a custom molded urethane wheel that would allow us to pick the geometry and hardness of our wheel tread. A goal was also to eliminate/reduce "throwing" of treads sometimes seen on the Plaction wheels. What we arrived at was a fiberglass reinforced 50 Durometer wheel with a subtle (crowned) tread, molded in place on a 6 inch Performance Wheel.
At our only regional, our 4WD setup on toughbox tubes showed good traction but only fair turning. When we committed to our defensive strategy we were not easily pushed. Integrated jackstands made it really hard to move us when deployed.
For fall scrimmage at SCRIW, we changed out the front wheels for 6 inch omnis, since we already had the jackstands. Much better maneuverability, and still managed to do some pushing against some 6WD drop center drives. Through it all, we have yet to lose a tread on carpet (sound of wood being knocked).
Anyhow, here's some pics, let us know what you think....
https://picasaweb.google.com/1072554...09673741865922
https://picasaweb.google.com/1072554...10166594184162