It is interesting how this thread has revived itself and has also digressed to the much debated coefficient of friction between a track and a wheel.
If I can sumerize the last few posts to clarify my thinking. The physics of tracks verses wheels as applied to FIRST class robots and the carpet does not present an appretiable difference between the two.
If one is looking to gain traction, one needs to focus more on the tread material of which ever system they employ.
Track systems are more expensive, require a bit more enigneering expertise, draw more battery power but still don't kill the system in the short time frame of a round. One needs to have spare tracks and design the system to keep the track on during turns. They do provide greater obstacle drivability.
A six wheel system will drive straighter and draw less power. One can gain back some manuverability by lowering the center wheels 1/4 inch or less.
If we can put those issues to bed, I am still interested to get opinions or tested data for the following:
Do six wheel designs exist that can approach the obstacle drivability of a track system?
