[EricH]

Originally Posted by Charger

wow, that product though. I think a game of climbing is incoming and it looks like teams need more and more pushing power. But one question in my mind? how much belts are useful in FRC? (instead of wheels)

It has been a long time since a tank tread drive was actually useful. I want to say '06 or so, maybe as recently as '07.

Does a tread system have its advantages? Yes. They're good for dealing with obstacles and rough terrain, and good for lots of traction (in some circumstances). However, they tend to have a lot of disadvantages, the chief of which is that if something goes wrong, you lose half of your drivetrain. It's no fun spinning in circles...

Someone was discussing using a tread system last year to handle the scoring platforms in Recycle Rush. No fewer than two teams that had previously mastered treads (back when they were often useful) spoke up with "We could do them, but we DON'T."