pool noodles

[MrRoboSteve]

The rules in previous years around bumpers are pretty prescriptive:

use a stacked pair of approximately 2 ½ in. round, petal, or hex “pool noodles” (solid or hollow) as the BUMPER cushion material

Think carefully about using substitutes, particularly ones that don't look like pool noodles or have substantially different physical properties. You may end up needing to "sell" them to the inspectors at the competition.

I hate working on bumpers at competitions.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by MrRoboSteve

Think carefully about using substitutes, particularly ones that don't look like pool noodles or have substantially different physical properties. You may end up needing to "sell" them to the inspectors at the competition.

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

Originally Posted by BriteBacon

Isn't this against the rules?

You can cannibalize parts. Reusing the pool noodle is ok.

[MrRoboSteve]

Our team's policy at the competition is to disclose anything that is remotely questionable to the inspectors at the time of inspection, allowing us time to fix it if they are going to object.

Last year, we had this on our robot, and specifically pointed it out to the inspectors with a discussion of how the rules applied. It created a bit of consternation, but ultimately was allowed based on how we were using it.

The worst time to find that a part is disallowed is when your bumper comes apart during the competition, revealing 20lb of air entrained concrete . No time to remediate.

[Kevin Sheridan]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

I have heard of an over zealous inspector taking a knife to a team's bumpers to check what's inside

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Kevin,
An inspector should not cut or damage your bumper in any way.
Bumpers do not need to be made new each year and are not part of the with holding allowance under R18 2014 rules, (and forever, I hope). You're welcome.

[Carolyn_Grace]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

Why promote not following the rules, when the rules have been very clear in the past and easy to follow regarding bumpers?

If you don't have access to pool noodles in person, then order them online.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by Carolyn_Grace

Why promote not following the rules, when the rules have been very clear in the past and easy to follow regarding bumpers?

When the rules say "plywood, or solid, robust wood", it is pretty clear you can't use a metal plate.

"pool noodle" is more a description than a specification (such as wood). A "pool noodle" is generally accepted to be a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam. So, if someone wants to use a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam, that is not sold as a "pool noodle", then why not?

Similarly, if company XYZ sells a "pool noodle" made of a synthetic cork compound that floats, is it not allowed because it is not polyethylene foam?

Since Industrial Thermal Polymers invented the "pool noodle" 30 years ago, is their official "pool noodle" the only pool noodle that can be used (literal interpretation), or can anything that functions like a "pool noodle" be used?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Inspectors do not disassemble the bumpers for inspection. So, if it looks like a pool noodle under the cover, and feels like a pool noodle ...

If they suspect there is something that isn't right, they won't disassemble the bumpers.

They'll make you disassemble the bumpers until they're satisfied that you aren't hiding a steel rod inside hollow pool noodles or some similar stunt. Often that would be one or both ends, not the whole thing.

[Phildirt]

Thanks for all the helpful input. I did find them at Amazon for over $10 each.

I think we (rookie team #5502, The Cobrots, Jonesville, MI) will import some in bulk. We'll have them available in a couple weeks.

No holes 6.5cm. $30 for 20'. Proceeds go to the team.

We will have them at the Grand Rapids kick-off (save on shipping).

Please spread the word to rookie teams in need. Our robot "needs a new pair of shoes".

Thanks

Phil McDowell, coach
#5502, The Cobrots

[Tungrus]

If we are able to buy from local pool supply store in Michigan during peak winter, they will be available in other states too! BTW swimming is not just summer activity! Grocery and big chain stores keep seasonal products, but pool supply stores keep them all year round.