[smclean1969]

The "right" speed is difficult to provide a universal answer for. In general, if your robot is an offensive based robot, it needs to be faster. The right speed should be fast enough that you're able to control both the robot as well as any field elements. We've traditionally had a top speed around 15 fps. For ultimate ascent we had a top speed of 12 fps with increased control. While the better control was nice, we were limited to two runs whereas the faster robots were getting three in. Last year, we had a top speed up around 18 fps and we routinely lost control of the ball because we were so fast in driving so we actually drove at speeds that were less than optimal.

For the low end, that's key for defense or for high control/high torque scenarios, such as the bridges in Rebound Rumble. I don't see the need for a low gear this year. For those defensive push matches 4 to 6 fps should be sufficient.

I agree that this year will be about deliberate control and effective pacing more than incredible speed. That said, the robots that will be top seeds at St Louis will be incredibly fast but they also don't need this blog for inputs. We all tend to follow their lead.