How to build good bumpers

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by MrBasse

And I think the rules have specified plywood for as long as I've been making bumpers, so hardwood shouldn't even be considered anyway. Plywood will take an impact better due to the crossing grain structure over hardwood, the results of hardwood would be exactly what you stated.

Solid wood became legal in 2013 or 2014. A typical 1x6 is perfectly legal and effective bumper material and teams don't even have to cut it to width. (bumper heights are +-0.5“). We used 1x6s in 2014 and didn't have any splitting problems. We played at 2 regionals, champs, and 5 off season events, plus demonstrations and we haven't broke any wood and our 2014 drive train had a lot of power behind it. We also used the full 20lbs for our bumpers each set weighed over 19.5lbs, with a sheet metal frame covering the top edge and 1/8" aluminum L on bottom edge.