Treaded wheels vs Solid rubber

[aldaeron]

I think this needs some clarification.

There are molded rubber wheels of various types, most of which are molded onto plastic hubs to keep them light. Some have a molded tread pattern (AndyMark HiGrip). Some are molded flat (Colson Performa, AndyMark Stealth). Some are pneumatic (AndyMark).

There are also solid metal rims that accept tread (wedge top, pebble top, blue nitrile)

Others are molded flat rubber, but not great for driving (Banebots, Battle Treads (heavy), Various Other Urethane Wheels (for shooters) )

-matto-

[Chris is me]

Speaking specifically about Colsons versus roughtop tread here. Other materials may vary.

Colsons wear very slowly, and basically do not need to be changed through an FRC season. Colsons have pretty good grip on carpet and are basically maintenance free wheels.

Roughtop treaded wheels require more maintenance (the tread may need to be changed once or twice per event depending on material), and they have an additional failure mode in tread loss. Depending on the wheel geometry, roughtop tread can give more traction than any Colson wheel can, though the difference is somewhat small.

If you want an easy, robust drivetrain with no maintenance without a huge traction compromise, go Colsons. If you want the best traction and pushing performance and you're willing to put in a little work in maintenance, go with roughtop.