Are the VEX kits worth buying?

[Leon_my_zi]

I personally haven’t been able to get alot of hands on experience with our robot so this kit is the next best thing im definently getting one.

[fowlerm]

Version V1 will have many features that .5 doesnt have. It will probably be programmable, and even if they arnt in the starter set, there will be a plethora of new and cool parts (wheels, ect.). But V.5 has everything you need to make a simple bot that works well.
If your just using it for personal use, Id recommend buying the starter set- $300
Battery Pack and charger-$50
1+ Motors- $20 each

That will allow you to build a 4 WD, or a 2 WD bot with a servo and up to 2 motors (if 2WD) for other features such as arms, ect.

The current v.5 controller is porgrammable - look here

[Keith_Chester]

When will the V1 be relased?

Will it also be 300 dollars, for all these extra features?

[Leon_my_zi]

I would also like to know when the V1 will be released. Thanks

[Adam_Y]

When will the V1 be relased?

Will it also be 300 dollars, for all these extra features?

Probably not. They will probably sell the new parts as add on modules.

[IronVulture]

I think these are an excellent bridge between FRC and FLL, it sticks with the simple complexity of legos (yes it’s an oxymoron, but it describes lego perfectly), while advancing into working with custumizable parts. I personally am looking into buying a set, and I think the kit is a great resource for FRC teams, as well as a good introduction to creating specificly modeled parts for teams in between FLL and FRC. I looked at them quite a bit at nationals, and we’re working out the details of having them at IRI (don’t quote me there, I don’t know the specifics). I hope someone starts a VEX team near me!

[Lil_Lavery]

I dont know when the V1 starter set will be realeased, but the programmable module, omni-wheels, tank treads, chain and sprocket sets, and more sensors will be released in the August-Sept time frame according to the VEX people I have talked to.

[locnar]

This goes out to the 50 teams that have the kits already. Are they worth buying? I liked the EDUbot/Robovation kits when they came out but did not feel they were worth the cost. I really think that these VEX kits could make robotics more accessible to schools and youth organizations, if VEX can deliver on their promise. So you have had them for about two weeks now, what have been your experiences? Unfortunately I will not be at Championship with my team(Go Royal Assault!) to see the Vex Challenge first-hand.I am thinking of buying a kit of my own when they’re available. I am really interested in your feedback.
Thanks

I stumbled on the VEX kit almost by accident. I was on Radio Shack’s website looking for something else and happened to notice the VEX kit. I got pretty excited when I first saw it and started doing some research (including this forum). I went to Radio Shack today after deciding that it looked like a good deal. I picked up the starter kit along with a couple of expansion packs.

I’ve got to say that it’s pretty impressive. They have done a great job putting everything together, incuding the packaging. I was surprised by the quality of some of the components. I was expecting much cheaper pieces.

I haven’t had time to play with it much yet, but it seems like a great kit. My biggest complaint so far is that there are some add-on parts that are not available yet.

[Alex_Cormier]

I dont know when the V1 starter set will be realeased, but the programmable module, omni-wheels, tank treads, chain and sprocket sets, and more sensors will be released in the August-Sept time frame according to the VEX people I have talked to.

omni wheels?! oo i want a set even more!

[RoboMom]

Popular Science magazine thinks so.
June issue has a one page with a layout of all the parts.