Bumpers: why not?

[GB330033]

No bumpers here, but simply because we lacked time, and our design didn't allow for it. Our frame itself would have made bumpers difficult, it's an octagon. Even had we put bumpers on it, there would be the problem of climbing the ramp, which we definately want to do. Also, bumpers reduce impact, but as a defensive robot, we're not worried about impacts to our bot. Hopefully, if our strategy pans out, we'll be one of the reasons why other teams have bumpers, yet we won't need them ourselves.

However, I love the bumper rule. I think it's a great addition to FIRST and it's strategy. Had our team chosen an offensive strategy this year, bumpers would have been a must. They're just too good to pass up, unless you're planning on being a reason for having them.

[prettycolors91]

I know bumpers played a key role in our win at GLR because we needed them for defense. They didn't hinder us getting up the ramp, and they protected us. We never got any ramming penaltys to my knowledge...but I could be wrong. They really didn't hinder us getting up the ramp. I wonder why some do and some don't? Is it simply placement, or material, or just design in general?

[LightWaves1636]

we quite simply do not have the money to and we don't have the time. it would be better but we'll see in two weeks at the colorado regionals

[GB330033]

The reason that bumpers would have interfered with the ramp on our robot is because of how far into the chassis the wheels are set. The way we designed it, our robot needs quite a bit of clearance to climb the ramp, and bumpers just weren't going to allow for that.

[the_short1]

we fabricated bumpers for our robot for our second regional (waterloo) as we need the 15lbs down low... we have a fairly stable robot but it still helps. We still think were able to make it up the ramp (theoretically we will at least)

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Mr. Van

A very valid and simple reason to not have bumpers:

They easily go into the lower goals beyond 3". They will result in your team being disqualified in the seeding rounds or your entire alliance being DQed in the elimination rounds.

Even if you are pushed in by an opposing robot - you will be DQed.

Bumpered beware!

-Mr. Van
Coach, 599

We were shoved into the corner goal at the BMR well past 3 inches, and no penalty was incurred. Has this been called at other regionals? We should know before we head off to W. Mich....

[blaskay16]

bumpers are a good thing. 815 used bumpers. it allowed us to be the defensive giant we are without getting a penalty called on us. our defense tok us from 58th place at GLR allt he way to 2nd place in the finals. so in my opinon bumpers are a extremely good thing. they not only cut down on penaltys and damage to your robot

[blaskay16]

Originally Posted by boiler

We were shoved into the corner goal at the BMR well past 3 inches, and no penalty was incurred. Has this been called at other regionals? We should know before we head off to W. Mich....

yes 815 got called at GLR and we got disqualifyed and we didnt get the win counted to our record so. i believe the same head ref at GLR will be at western michigan

[EStokely]

In any given robot robot collision really only one team needs to have a bumper in place.

We had bumpers but never saw the need to add them. The robot was solid and it would have changed the ramp climbing ability.

I don't believe a single Ramming penalty was called at the PNW (but I may be mistaken)