Why would being a rookie team prevent them from using mecanum drive? In our experience (2011) we found the mecanum drive to be easier to install, more robust, and with less mechanical problems than a traditional chain-driven 2WD, 4WD, or 6WD*. Plus, canned code for mecanum can easily be found. We simply plugged in some sourced code and went at it.
With an hour or two of practice, our rookie drivers performed admirably at the CAGE Match, comparable to our "professional" regional drive team this past season.
Given, mecanum wheels are not cheap, but if any team has the resources and initiative, I say go for it.
*Of course this comes with the type of implementation. We put the wheels directly on
AndyMark nanotubes, and put the kitbot chassis
on top of that assembly. Aside from having to keep an eye on the axle bolts that hold the wheels in place+, we had no issues at all, we didn't have to fool with chain runs, and our drive system was in a small, compact, constrained space.
+ checking them every 3-4 matches to make sure they were tight
Its never too early to start dreaming. - Robert Cawthon [more] 
24-10-2011, 09:01
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