AndyMark Stealth Wheels

[mman1506]

We sometimes used them on our practice bot because they were cheaper and didn't wear as fast as our blue nitrile wheels. The tread is quite hard but the grip is fair (it's a lot like the old grey tread sky way wheels). After a while they would wear and leave the tread with a powdery feeling which reduced their traction significantly. I probably would not use them in competition unless you couldn't afford anything else. Vex's new hex Colson are a better option

[IndySam]

These may work on some FRC applications like intakes or object manipulation but I would not use them on a drive. The 4" high grip wheels are the same price and we have used them successfully for years.

[jeremylee]

The plastic hub can't handle the torque of a frc drivetrain without adding an aluminum hub. I think they'd work well for other things like pickups and shooters.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by jeremylee

The plastic hub can't handle the torque of a frc drivetrain without adding an aluminum hub.

Says who? Most other AndyMark wheels have plastic hubs, and they have spokes. The inside of the stealth wheels is solid plastic.

[Gregor]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

Says who? Most other AndyMark wheels have plastic hubs, and they have spokes. The inside of the stealth wheels is solid plastic.

I've broken more plastic Andymark wheel spokes than I care to talk about.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by Gregor

I've broken more plastic Andymark wheel spokes than I care to talk about.

But the stealth wheels in question don't have spokes.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

But the stealth wheels in question don't have spokes.

They have hidden spokes. That's why they are stealth wheels.

[mrnoble]

My team hasn't ever broken a spoked Andy Mark wheel, though I don't doubt you folks who say you have. AM has been around for a decade and their products improve annually. I would have no fear of using the stealth wheels for just about anything FRC; they are among the latest products and will be high quality.

[AdamHeard]

They are VERY light for their diameter.

I think they have a good fit in FRC for intake applications (5136 used them last year) due to their very low weight, low price and reasonable grip.

If you need more grip, screwing/riveting on some roughtop is solid too. The wheel is so cheap even if it is just a hub in that application.

TL,DR; I like 'em.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

They are VERY light for their diameter.

I think they have a good fit in FRC for intake applications (5136 used them last year) due to their very low weight, low price and reasonable grip.

If you need more grip, screwing/riveting on some roughtop is solid too. The wheel is so cheap even if it is just a hub in that application.

TL,DR; I like 'em.

I like 'em, too.

Adam, how would you compare the AndyMark Stealth 4" (AM-2647) vs. the recently introduced VexPro Colson 4" (217-4049)? To me, the Colson looks a little better for CoF and hub material/structure. The Stealth costs less, is about 8% lighter and has a sprocket mounting pattern. Overall, I like the Stealth as an intake component, but would prefer the Colson in a drivetrain. Do you agree?

[wilsonmw04]

I have used 4" colsons for the past two years. They provide good traction, great wear at a reasonable cost. I am interested to try the new hex version by vex soon.

[jeremylee]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

Says who? Most other AndyMark wheels have plastic hubs, and they have spokes. The inside of the stealth wheels is solid plastic.

1756 used them last year, robot was sitting first practice day with cracked hubs

[KamalRC]

Originally Posted by jeremylee

1756 used them last year, robot was sitting first practice day with cracked hubs

Yeah I think these wheels are not meant for a FRC drive, maybe an intake, but I believe they are more intended for FTC use.

[Danny Blau]

Hi CD

Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences with the Stealth Wheels last season!

I was the main designer on that wheel and I wanted to share a bit of our design intent. We set out to create a really competitive FTC wheel (see the 8mm version here) and at the same time create a wheel that could be used all over an FRC robot; for intakes, drive trains, shooters, internal conveyors, roller claws, etc). We have seen and heard from teams that a main drive train gearbox can round out the internal hex on the wheels, but this can be solved by adding a hex hub (here) to the wheel.

A few quick pros and cons to using the wheel in a drive train:
Cons
-Lack of a 3D tread prevents mechanical engagement with carpeting (lowers total traction)
-May need to add a hub to prevent round-outs

Pros
-A stiff sidewall edge helps to prevent the wheel from sliding sideways (like when getting pushed by a defender)
-Like stated earlier, the wheel is inexpensive
-The wheel is easy for us to make so its easy for us to keep them in stock
-The 6 hole pattern in the wheel's center body means it works with all the AM sprockets, hubs, and other components.

Let me know if you have any questions
Thanks
Danny