[jee7s]

This is a big heads up for FRC teams in 2014.

While building a replica of one of the Robot in Three Days pickup mechanisms, our team popped our game ball. Now, I wasn't there to witness it, but I did see the aftermath. Our students were using the same wheels as the Ri3d example (AndyMark white plastic treaded wheels am-0940 or similar) and they say they were spinning them a little too fast. Based on what I saw, the edge of the treaded wheel caught the fabric and tore it, then it tore through the ball. It wasn't a huge hole, maybe 3/4" or so. But any hole deflates the ball, right?

Takeaway message: THE 2014 GAME BALLS ARE MORE FRAGILE THAN THEY SEEM. Our students weren't doing anything to the ball that we wouldn't have expected to see in game play, other than running the pickup a little too fast. So, while testing, please be mindful of this. Also of note: these balls are not nearly as durable as the type used in 2008. The 2008 ball was a rather durable solid surface type. This 2014 ball is a very foamy type of material, which seems to be more susceptible to tearing. I checked the manual, and both are made by Sportogo. But, I recall quite vividly that the 2008 ball was a more durable PVC.

This is a scenario that I can certainly see playing out at events. We are going to see untested pickup mechanisms using similar wheels that will be run too fast. So, teams, PLEASE prudently test your mechanisms so events don't go through their supply of game balls on practice day.