NewBie transitioning from FLL: Vex or FTC

[nfhammes]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Is this the thread you're referring to? If not, please provide a link so everyone answering is on the same page.

I think a lot of what's in that linked 2011 thread is still basically valid. The competition structures for the two programs haven't really changed in the last 5 years, relevant to this discussion. There are small changes; 3D printing has expanded parts options in both programs, though FTC still allows a wider set of parts overall, etc.

I'm personally way more familiar with FTC, and know a bunch of the teams and people who run the program in the Midwest. One thing I know is true in FTC there, is there's a strong community of teams in the IL/WI/IN area, and basically everyone I've met out there is fantastic. I don't know about VEX in that region, but if this sense of community is important to you, I recommend exploring it.

The Illinois FTC site has info on grants for teams, and REC's site has info for all states, and each of their programs you can filter down. I know the cost situation is complex, but these should help whichever way you opt to go.

[ehochstein]

Originally Posted by nfhammes

There are small changes; 3D printing has expanded parts options in both programs, though FTC still allows a wider set of parts overall, etc.

Not necessarily on the VEX side.

https://www.vexforum.com/index.php/1...rinted-parts/0

3D printed parts are only allowed as non functional decorations in the High School and Middle School levels of the VEX Robotics Competition.

You can 3D print an entire robot on the FTC side of things, and there are multiple FTC teams that have done this.

[nfhammes]

Originally Posted by ehochstein

Not necessarily on the VEX side.

https://www.vexforum.com/index.php/1...rinted-parts/0

I stand corrected. It looks like 3d printed parts are only allowed in the college-level VEX U program, and then with size limits, not VRC.

[Foster]

tl;dr: Don't care, inspire roboteers is the goal, both are great programs.

As a long term VEX metal mentor (10 years!!) and VEXIQ for the last two, I'm a VEX fan. Program costs are lower for:

* Initial registration
* Event registration
* Cost of building a robot

and at least in my area (DE, Southeast PA) there are a ton more events for roboteers to go to. There are almost 20 in the hour drive from my house. (6 of them in Delaware) And that point is the big decision point for you. It's competition robotics, how many events can your team go to?

The initial registration for teams are $75 for the first one and then $50 for each associated team after that. Because you are starting a team and you know from your FFL days there is a HUGE DEMAND for this. So your question should be around on going growth.

Events are about $50 in my area. In Delaware if you bring a field or some extra parents to help out, we will give you a free registration.

Cost to build a robot. You are building a World Champ Robot you are going to spend about $1500-$1800. If you start out you can build a pretty good robot for $1300 (Classroom kit). Next years costs will be about $200-300 for replacement parts.

But you can't 3D print, weld, etc. It's a engineering design box. VEX corrals the build costs by limiting parts. If you have $4K to spend on a 3D printer then FTC is for you. Constrained on costs? VEX

The huge downside of VEX is the growth. Tons of teams compete. The VEX Worlds have been split to have Metal the first 4 days, IQ the next 4 days. So there is more room this year, but as the program grows it's dog eat dog more competitive.

Good luck, let us know what you decide!