[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by DjAlamose

We had to do this on our arm for our robot in 2004. We had to use the big sprockets to make less torque on the chain meaning it would snap less.

I think you mean less force. Which is a valid reason. However, with the most powerful drivetrain in the history of FIRST (afaik), last year we ran #25 chain on 13 tooth sprockets and snapped only one chain once ever in a very rare circumstance. We had very grippy wheels too (1.25" wide wedgetop).

So, I think most teams can get by with a lot less than what they are currently using, and save a lot of weight allowing for more innovation in other areas.