The below is just my opinion.
Over the years, we have noticed that the drive base of your robot is one of the most important things to design. Every game that has been created has had some sort of defense. To think that you will never be defended on, is just not smart, haha.
Our robots always start with a strong drive base. With the introduction to Andymark Motors, its even better now. If you look back in our last five years of the seven, every single robot has over 6 drive base wheels. Again, with the introduction to new wheels and motors, it has helped. We run the Andymark Stealth wheels since the am-2256(?) (Hi-Grip) are not allowed. Both robots also have 4 motors, 2 per side on the base. As its been said, a heavy drive base is better.... to a point.. haha. Both of the robots that we have built this year total over 45 pounds each... the heaviest robots that we have made. This is getting to the point of too much weight though. Your motors can start to struggle.
As it says in the manuals, your robot needs to be built robust for the game play, whether it be rough or not. You could hit both of our robots at full lift height, and it wouldn't be a problem for us... Even though we don't want this happening, the students have designed it in.
If you are headed to any Super Regional, (Both of my teams are headed to West), I would strong suggest looking at your drive base, and changing it to deal with the rough play.... its going to happen. You have to expect the high defense. Your in the big leagues now.
