Pistons not extending fast enough?

[Qbot2640]

You will get much better results using smaller diameter cylinders. Those large ones in the picture require too large a volume of air to fill, thus the extension speed is not fast. Use much smaller cylinders (same length, smaller diameter) for a fast launch.

You may also wish to look at the flow rate on your solenoids. We are using a new solenoid we bought that has a much higher flow rate than the solenoids that were FRC legal last year and before. No flow rate restriction this year - only limit is port size.