Gopher SoftiBall - 2016 Game Piece

[sanddrag]

While I like the game overall, So far, I'm pretty disappointed with the Gopher Softiball as the "boulder". Ours was already dented and waffled from being crammed in the KOP. These things are going to get absolutely destroyed. Also, why does it cost so much for what it is, and with the volume that the FIRST community will do on this particular item why are we not getting better pricing like this school district (large PDF). In the kind of volume for these things in FIRST this season, it seems to be like this should be a $5 item, not a $30+ item.

The JW Hole-ee Roller would have been such a better choice.

[SenorZ]

Look like the dodgeballs we use at school for a tourney. They are trashed quickly.

[cglrcng]

AM=$35.00 + Shipping each. Currently In Stock/ Wt. 0.65 pounds each (Gray Coating w/ FIRST Logo 10").

Gopher=$239.85 shipping included for a multi-color set of 6 (the 10" size is not sold separately or indiv. currently for any advertised price of on their website). Listed as: In stock soon/current expected shipping date listed is 12/28/14? (also unknown actual weight each pc.-will it be the same weight ball?)

Now, I understand that supply shortages are real world problems. But the actual game pcs. when it takes 12 alone to just start auto mode w/ 2 alliances/6 robots on the field (and 6 of those being contested pcs. alone)....Well, I disagree on the choice of supplier or item when you must start the prototyping/design process with only 1 avail. kit supplied game pc. and no real other options.

Game pcs. should be easily kickoff avail. and immediately shippable by at least 2 suppliers (Mfg. and 1 official FIRST Supplier, or multiple source stores in this type of case).

Just my opinion. (Not like the game isn't difficult enough to design / strategize for this year or anything).

[Redo91]

From the stand point of designing and testing a robot, you only need one BOULDER. Per G38, the robot can only be in control of one BOULDER.

They do seem a little pricey for game pieces, and for what they are.

[cglrcng]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

While I like the game overall, So far, I'm pretty disappointed with the Gopher Softiball as the "boulder". Ours was already dented and waffled from being crammed in the KOP. These things are going to get absolutely destroyed. Also, why does it cost so much for what it is, and with the volume that the FIRST community will do on this particular item why are we not getting better pricing like this school district (large PDF).

The JW Hole-ee Roller would have been such a better choice.

_____________________________

2282 47-121 Rainbow SoftiBall Coated-Foam Balls - 10" dia, Set of 6 22 EA 205.00 $ 174.25 $ 174.25

That is quite a discounted price. No terms anywhere though on that 6789 line price list document? Shipping charges, min. purchase, anything...Maybe school athletic dep. heads can order quoting the doc., though that is 4/2014 price document?

[sraque]

What do people think of these:

http://www.flaghouse.com/Physical-Ed...l---10-dia.axd

[JacobD]

On gopher's website, you can mess with the settings and get the price down. I don't know why it shows $200+ for the rainbow pack at first.

[KosmicKhaos]

Originally Posted by JacobD

On gopher's website, you can mess with the settings and get the price down. I don't know why it shows $200+ for the rainbow pack at first.

Where are you seeing this? Are you sure you are selecting the 10" balls? The 10" diameter balls can only be purchased in a pack of 6 as far as I can tell which is $200+

[cadandcookies]

Also worth noting that even if yours is currently dented, leaving it out for a night or two will typically let it expand back into shape. I'd be cautious about making judgements on durability on the first day-- at least from the time we've spent messing with it here at 'Snow Problem, they feel far more durable than 2012's basketballs (which is the most comparable game piece from my time in FIRST).

[hawktomatoes]

I feel like the game pieces were a downsize to the unique-ish pieces we had last year. Not too creative in my opinion, but I'm sure we'll get used to them

[pmangels17]

They're nice and simple, just a ball. I like that they don't add another level of complexity to manipulate like footballs or frisbees would, because this game is already complicated (and I love it so far btw). Also, finally FIRST gave us additional suppliers for game pieces, that'll be a huge plus this season.

[Sperkowsky]

They seem pretty durable as long as you don't play dodge ball them with and just use them for testing. We will probably order 1 or 2 as they are really overpriced.

We are also going to hit up our gyms storage closet and see if there any in there.

Creative meh but good game piece imo. I predicted dodge balls as cannonballs pre kickoff on tape so I'm happy.

[CindiCC]

Signup on the intro page to Gopher and you get a 15% off code emailed to you.

[GreyingJay]

My local Walmart had a 7" version with the exact same look and feel - just smaller - for $5.

Did anyone opt-in for extra game pieces, the new option FIRST gave international teams? How many extra did you get?

[Michael Hill]

I would personally love to see a picture of all the game pieces in AndyMark's warehouse. There had to have been several thousand of these things.