Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH
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."
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Well, I thought tread system limits your maneuverability a lot. I think a ball shifter or a super shifter with traction wheels, will do the job. There was an offseason event in Turkey this year, and theme was 2006 Aim High. I was a volunteer there as a robot inspector. In 2006's end game, there is a ramp with 30 degrees that you need to climb. The only teams I have seen climbing the ramp safely, was the teams who use traction wheels.