[EricH]

Originally Posted by DarkFlame145

Crab Drive is a little iffy to me. Other then high maneuverability there aren't many advantages IMO. I mean if you lose one motor or chain it's game over for the match. Also it's a lot of work to build. I find that keeping a chassis simple is better and often lighter.

Depends on exactly how it's set up. It is quite possible to have a motor go out and still be able to drive (e.g. 118 or 111). It is a lot of work to build, yes, but if they build one post-season, then it'll be a little easier.

There are easier ways to get maneuverability, but you can lose lots of power. Any drive system (or any system for that matter) that is designed during the offseason has an element of risk; the rules or game design may force a different setup.

And, in this case, there are definite advantages, if not to applying it for the 2009 game, then simply to doing it. For one thing, they're learning CAD. For another, they're thinking about new tricks to try in their second year. If they do build it, then it'll be a good experience and a pretty good freshman introduction.