[Ben Piecuch]

We just purchased a pair of 8" AM plastic molded Omni-wheels. They should be arriving this week, and we'll get a chance to play with them on last years' robot. I talked with Andy himself and asked a few questions, which is what eventually swayed me to the plastic ones. We choose the plastic omni's for the following reasons.

1) Only one wheel per side, no need to double up. This reduces cost, weight, and volume. (Can you get a better solution?)
2) 1.875" bolt pattern, as opposed to the 2.25" on the AL ones. No adapter needed for the AM aluminum sprockets.
3) Hopefully, similar traction on the carpet and the ramp. (I don't know how the more narrow roller from the AL omni's would fare on the ramp.)

Unfortunately, I won't be able to do a head-to-head comparison of the AL omni's to the plastic omni's. But, I can certainly let you know, relatively, how they compare to the 8" skyways.

And, if my word isn't enough, here's one of Andy's direct responses. (Copied without permission, though I don't think he'll mind...)

"I think that the plastic omni-wheels are a improvement to the aluminum-based wheels. We saw many rollers crack and break last year because they stick too far out from the aluminum body of the trick wheel. That is why we made a smaller pulley on the new plastic omni wheel. These rollers will last longer, although they are the same duromter. They won't dig into the carpet as much as the trick wheels, but they still will have ok grab on the carpet. We need to do some tests on this... ug, I need more time for that."

BEN
Team 228