Disadvantages of swerve/crab

[MichaelBick]

Originally Posted by Leeland1126

Competitively, Swerve is, perhaps, the best ALL AROUND drive train in FIRST. All around meaning it follows the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none."

Swerve is so much desired because it offers the omni-directional movement of Mechanums, without relying on wheel slip and thus, is not as easily pushed. However, that in no way means the average Swerve can push. Your standard 4 wheel Swerve will lose a pushing match against most decently done 6 Wheel Drive Systems.

In addition, Swerve won't outrun a lot of drive systems. It's going to rely on that omni-directional movement to cut out the time used in turning to make up for the lack of excessive speed. Unless you're 973 using Emperor Swerve, you're not going to be moving at very fast speeds.

Average speed + average power + omni-directional movement = one very effective drive system. But it will not handle drive systems that excel in power or speed very well. That is, of course, based on an average Swerve. Some teams who have become very well versed in Swerve drive can overcome these shortfalls and create a drive system with great power and speed. But your average Swerve will boast a decent level of speed and power, not a wealth of either.

While you say that swerve does not have the same "power" as a 6 wheel, I'm not sure what you are referring to, as they will have the same power, assuming they have the same traction.