VersaWheel vs Traction wheels

[Joe G.]

Versa wheels have significantly greater forward traction than lateral. I don't have conclusive test numbers, but they seemed to have slightly more forward traction than traction wheels last season. However, unlike traction wheels which have roughly equal lateral traction, versa wheels slide sideways quite readily.

[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

Versa wheels have significantly greater forward traction than lateral. I don't have conclusive test numbers, but they seemed to have slightly more forward traction than traction wheels last season. However, unlike traction wheels which have roughly equal lateral traction, versa wheels slide sideways quite readily.

I would say Versa-wheels may have more traction fresh-out-of-the-box, but they certainly loose that advantage quickly.
This is why I suggest using drive train with a mix of both wheels. You may be able to get away with a non-drop center configuration because the versa-wheels can slide so easily

[JeremyLansing]

We used Versa Wheels last year for our 6wd. We ended up going through three sets of them through four events (2 regionals, Championships, and IRI). We didn't have any problems with having to buy multiple sets since they are so cheap. I personally don't have a lot of experience with traction wheels, since we only built one practice bot that used them, but I never felt like our robot was at a disadvantage to robots with traction wheels because of the Versa Wheels. I would recommend at least buying a set to put on a practice robot, since they are so cheap. IMO they are a really cheap alternative that is almost as good.

[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by JeremyLansing

I personally don't have a lot of experience with traction wheels, since we only built one practice bot that used them, but I never felt like our robot was at a disadvantage to robots with traction wheels because of the Versa Wheels. I would recommend at least buying a set to put on a practice robot, since they are so cheap. IMO they are a really cheap alternative that is almost as good.

Yeah I agree. I am still not sure which I prefer.
With a fresh set of wheels, and a robot completely maxed out (120lb bot + 20 lb bumpers + 13lb Battery) with the standard VexPro Ball shifter (2 stage, default gearing) geared down again 1.4:1, we still ran out of traction before running out of torque in both High and Low gears.