[BrendanB]

In years 2005-2009 we used the kit frame and aluminum angle and box for the other assemblies. In 2008 we used a smaller version of 80-20 on the speed racer robot and had some 1x1 80-20 in the upper frame work for our 2009 robot. This year we decided to use 80-20 for our robot frame as it was great for prototyping, moving stuff around, and very, very strong. However like many teams it ate up weight, parts shifted (a lot), and was a hassle when we ran out of sliders and brackets. Team 234 said in their swerve drive implementation conference that 80-20 is a great prototype, but aluminum box is better for the final as it is lighter and parts don't slide around.

I hope our team uses more aluminum box in our construction to help save on weight and parts moving, but a strong rigid frame was desired in our first meetings of the season which 80-20 accomplishes until parts move around.