[RyanN]

In the past we've directly put a sprocket on a CIM, but it went to a larger sprocket that went into our custom 2 speed transmission. We never really had trouble with the setup, but the more chains you get, the more master links that can fall out... (IRI 2006 right before alliance picking). AndyMark products are nice and reliable, but they are a bit expensive ($88 for the toughbox that shipped in the KOP). Banebots are still pretty expensive... the cheapest is $83. I'm not sure of your ability to build your own parts with a mill or CNC mill, but custom is probably the cheapest way to go, but also the most time consuming. Chain's are probably the easiest way to go, but their reliability becomes the issue. Gears are the hardest way to go, but their reliability is among the best.

Keep in mind that from 2003 to 2006 we used chains in our custom transmissions and had very little problems, but the problems we had were with the chain derailing or the master links falling out. The chain never broke and we used #25 chain. You may also look into regular bicycle chain as it is easy to find and fairly cheap. We've been looking into bicycle chain as an option next year because we are stretching the limits of the #25 chain as far as the forces we apply to it. Luckily with our 4 CIM drive this year, we had no drive train issues at all (knocks on wood for IRI)