can we use the cloth for bumpers?

Technical Technical Discussion
1

Hi i’m from team 2135 from Presentation High School in SJ and we wanted to use our uniform skirts for the bumper cloth (because they’re indestructible :] ) but we weren’t sure if they were ok w/ the FIRST regulations. They are made from 100% polyester. Is this ok to use?

thanks
~elaine

2

According to <R37>,one of the bullet points says…

STANDARD BUMPERS must be covered with a tough smooth cloth (1000 denier Cordura Plus® strongly recommended).

So if your cloth is “tough” and “smooth”, then it should be OK. (The alterantives are “wimpy” and “rough”. Remember, you want this stuff to not rip, it’ll be taking a beating.)

If you have never seen 1000 denier Cordura Plus, it’s like the stuff backpacks are made from.

Don

3

In many of FIRST’s Q&A responses, as long as it is really a tough and durable material, it should be okay. The important thing is the strength of the cloth. We don’t want ripped bumpers out on the field!