[FTC]: Grip tape use allowed on FTC robot wheels?

[nanites]

We have a question concerning whether or not we can add grip tape to our robots wheels to increase traction... we've seen some FRC robots use it, but we aren't totally clear on whether or not it's allowed for FTC.

Any suggestions or ideas are really appreciated!
- Nanites, #4092

(grip tape is like what is used on skateboards... http://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Si...7554185&sr=1-1 )

[TRWSHSHLX]

Anything that's not mentioned in the manual is not allowed. You can go onto the FTC forum (ftcforum.usfirst.org) to post a question for an official ruling.
As for traction, you can try some Lego tires or zipties to see if it helps or not. Or you can try the treads with rubber insert.

[normalmutant]

Typically, when driving on the rubber foam mats, you don't want too much traction. More traction means more difficult turning. But, by all means, experiment.

[Mike Martus]

I suggest that you carefully look at the allowed parts and materials. They are very clearly spelled out. The grip tape is not on the list therefore it is not legal.

The Lego wheels are also not legal.... again look at the list provided for what is allowed.

The game manual is your friend.
The updates are your new friends.
The details are your parents.

[ssi]

Actually for FTC, LEGO wheels are allowed (they come in the full kit). In general all LEGO parts are legal. However, I do not think grip tape would be allowed. As TRWSHSHLX said, to verify, you should post a question in the official Q/A.

[JesseK]

Grip tape is not allowed afaik. Even if it's classified as a 'tape', its sandpaper-like effect will rip up the rubber foam fields. You would be wise to Q&A it before you use it.

I concur, LEGO wheels for FTC (not minibot) are legal. We used some fairly rare LEGO tires last year on the 3" wheels to great effect. In one match, we scored something in auton then pushed all 3 other robots (1 of them was sideways) in the course of playing defense.

HOWEVER

Do not think that increased traction is a silver bullet. It takes some incredible consideration to be able to actually push so much while also maintaining enough agility to move around. The kids' robot last year was simply 'lucky' that it only took a few tweaks to get it to its best design for pushing (they didn't consider it for pushing until March).

[forceman]

Surgical tubing can wrap the legal wheels but, as mentioned, can create so mch traction it can impede turning,

[TRWSHSHLX]

For FTC most teams will have issues with too little traction due to the limited tire selections. All regular tetrix wheels have little to none and they easily slide or spin out when pushing something. Traction also helps with autonomous since the wheels are not going to skid / slide out as much when paired up with the encoder.
The tires that JesseK was mentioning are great for traction. I saw them at World's last year and in one of the matches (they posted the video on youtube), they scored in end game then pushed TWO robots on their sides and successfully prevented from scoring. Also in the divisional finals they pushed team Tiki (can't remember team number) with only 2 wheels contacting the ground during autonomous. If I remembered correctly team Tiki's robot weighted almost 50 lbs so it's obvious that the traction helps.
For additional traction on the 3'' wheels, there are the tires that Jessek was talking about. As for the 4'' wheels, there's this tire that team 3531 the short circuits, another divisional finalist last year. The first kind (I won't mention the part# or specs) fits prefect with the original tires on there; for the second kind the tires must be taken off the 4'' rim and the tire must be stretched to fit.
Traction are good until it starts slowing down the robot's agility and turning ability. But other than that, it's a great asset and if correctly utilized it will be a game changer.
The last way to increase traction is just simply put more wheels on! Dualies (putting two wheels side by side) helped two of our teams last year and they were a huge part of the strategy in the state finals where all three teams from our school were on the same alliance and take out the first seed.
Good luck teams!

[nanites]

Okay, thanks for the advice everyone!