One speed vs Two speed gearboxes

[EricH]

Originally Posted by inkling16

These seem like very different goals to me. Maintaining a desired field position seems to imply an offensive strategy. For example, this year it might have been beneficial for a robot to hold its shooting position for a few seconds while getting ready to shoot. Forcing away opponents to stop them from slipping past seems to imply a defensive strategy.

They are not necessarily different. We didn't see this last year, but in 2013, a robot that could maintain a desired field position could be VERY desirable for shutting down a FCS-type robot. I mean hanging out in their line of fire with a maximum-height blocker and STAYING there--but not necessarily keeping them from moving, just keeping them from moving YOU. In other games, a similar form of defense could have been played. I believe it's known as "plugging the gaps" in some sports.

Your reasons for holding a desired field position are your own. Your method had better have a lot of traction, though... Which is why you want a low gear. But getting to that position so that you can hold it may need a high gear. Depends on the game whether the low gear you need and the high gear you need are close enough to do it single-speed or far enough a part to use a shifter.