Bot Blast 2015 - Thoughts
It's that time of year again, and I've once again decided to write up my thoughts on the competition at Bot Blast this year. Since I'm bringing three robots this year (one in each weight class) I'll be talking about all of them.
-----Antweights-----
Blutsauger
Ryan Beaver - Team Beaverbotics
Weapon: Vertical Drum
Notes: Team's first drumbot
A new robot from a team I've never met before. Blutsauger should do well but I think FireArrow's titanium wedge should be able to hold up and give me the win.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Century
Jake Woodruff - Team Empire
Weapon: Wedge and Spinner
Notes: Competed last year with Empire
Jake has quickly progressed with his building skills, which impresses me. If he's able to build a robot with a working spinner this year, it could perform well. Again, though, I should be able to out-drive it and win the match.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Cornerstone
Adam Cunard - Revelation Robotics
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Moto 15 rumble winner, Pennbots 15 third place
The fleet of robots from this team looks a lot more impressive this year than last, and Cornerstone is no exception. With a speedy wedge and a good driver, Cornerstone should be one to watch out for. This match will come down to who can get under who more.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Cyclone
Sean McKeown - Team Gyroscopic
Weapon: Horizontal Blade
Notes: Same as Spinzilla
I lost to Spinzilla at Moto because he was able to take off my wheels. With my new wheelguards in place, I should be able to beat it (and the original version of it, Cyclone) with relative ease. Still, it has a high-speed weapon that I should definitely watch out for.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Dark Blade
Russ Barrow - Dark Forces
Weapon: Undercutting Bar
Notes: Recently came out of retirement.
This thing is scary. However, from what I've seen, Russ hasn't had the best of luck in getting it to run at top performance. My wedge should be able to hold up to it, the only problem is that if it gets to my wheels, I could be done for.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Dark Pounder
Russ Barrow - Dark Forces
Weapon: Vertical Disc, Wedge
Notes: #1 ranked antweight of all time
Oh god. Despite being 7 years out of date, it came second at its first competition out of retirement last month. It also has two forks in front to block wedges. I am scared out of my mind to face this thing, but I know it'll be a match for the ages.
Fear Rating: 5/5
DDT (Ranked 7)
Jamison Go - G3 Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting Disc
Notes: 2013 Champion
DDT scared me 2 years ago, and now it's back to reclaim its title with an even scarier one-toothed disc. I have serious doubts about my ability to beat this thing.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Don't Ask: Panicked Assembly Required (Ranked 18)
Tim Thompson - Asylum Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting saw
Notes: 1WD
This gyroscopic wonder made its debut last year at Bot Blast, where it beat me before losing twice. This new version is even more ridiculous than last year's featuring a larger saw and one wheel drive. I predict a lot of sparks will fly, but my better-protected wheels should do wonders in this match.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Gyroscopic (Ranked 13)
Sean McKeown - Team Gyroscopic
Weapon: Vertical Beater
Notes: Bot Blast 2012 2nd place
I finally got to see Gyroscopic fight at Motorama, and it's got a nasty bite. However, in its current form it seems to have some reliability issues. If I can keep eating hits until it breaks, I could win.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Ice Shard
Don Doerfler - Doerfler Bots
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Replaces Nuff Said
From the name alone, it almost sounds like they're making a clone of FireArrow. Which flatters me. I fought Nuff Said at last year's Bot Blast, where we were both having drive issues. Don's other robot Blackout came second in the mantis division, and so I know he's a good driver. This match will be tough.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Justice
Adam Cunard - Revelation Robotics
Weapon: Wedge and Overhead Bar
Notes: New robot from the team
Justice is Adam's newest robot, and definitely his most fearsome. It gives off a Hazard vibe which is always a good thing. If we fight it will come down to who has the better wedge and if I can withstand the spinner.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Mini-Boss
Josh Noel - Team Blood Gulch
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Viper kit
I'm helping Josh put this robot together, and hopefully it will turn out well. Still, it's a Viper kit which I think I can outdrive.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Petit Gateau
Ian Miller - ResettisReplicas
Weapon: Plow Scoop
Notes: Modified RC Car
Ian's first foray into self-built combat robots is certainly interesting. Resembles Onslaught. Unfortunately, it isn't a good robot. I should take an easy win.
Fear Rating: 1/5
Satan's Segway
Frederick Moore - D6 Robotics
Weapon: Thwacking Arm
Notes: I beat it at Motorama
This cool steel-pipe thwackbot is currently 0-4 in battle. If it actually thwacks I might have a tough time against its heavy thwack arm.
Sisu
Adrian Kelly - Last Minute Robotics
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Didn't fight him at MIT
From what I remember, Sisu was a speedy wedge. However, I think I should be able to win by outmaneuvering him.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Slim Pickens (Ranked 14)
Nate Franklin - Mutually Assured Destruction
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Bot Blast 2014 finalist, I beat it there
Nate's wedge is a tough competitor. I nearly lost to it last year at Bot Blast, and this year I'm sure it will be just as tough. This match will come down to who is the better driver.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Sparty Micro
Jim Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Bringing six robots to Bot Blast
I don't know if six bots for a one-day event is a good idea. Regardless, it's simply another wedge.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Spinzilla
Brandon Nichols - Team Headbangers
Weapon: Spinning Chipper Blade
Notes: Lost to it at Moto
It's Cyclone with a different driver! The new FireArrow now has enclosed wheels, so I should be able to win.
Fear Rating: 3/5
The Ophidian
Joe Cunard - Revelation Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting Blade
Notes: Viper Kit
Joe's Viper kit did well at Moto, despite its blade falling off every match. If they can fix that issue, The Ophidian could be one to watch out for.
Fear Rating: 3/5
The Red Shpee
Ryan Beaver - Team Beaverbotics
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Went 0-2 at Franklin last year
It's a basic wedge. There really isn't much to say. If I out-drive it, I win.
Fear Rating: 1/5
Unknown
Kevin Shaw - Team TRG
Weapon: Flipper
Notes: New robot from new team
I know literally nothing about this robot. I suspect it will be a challenge of driving skill.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Zip Reborn (ranked 26)
John Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: 2-2 record
The only robot from this team with a pre-existing record (they had a hobbyweight as well, but that no longer runs at Bot Blast). If I can outmaneuver it, I can win.
Fear Rating: 2/5
-----Beetleweights-----
#1 Low Blow
Richard Kelley - Kelley PA
Weapon: Ramming Bar
Notes: Snazzy green tires
This team's robots have held up spectacularly well for low-budget machines and always seem to do well at Bot Blast. However, this one has some nice corners to nom on. This should be a fun match.
47% Steel
Alex Horne - Wedge Industries
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Uses leftover parts
Tough steel front wedge, speedy drive and a decent driver. I don't know if Nocturne will be able to bite the wedge, but I do know if I can get to the sides, I can tear into those wheels.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Arcbeetle (Ranked 8)
Kyle Singer - Twisted Sick Robotics
Weapon: Vertical Drum
Notes: Runner-up at Bot Blast 2011
Arcbeetle is one of the beetles that genuinely scares me. I'm not sure what I'll be able to do to it. If we meet, I suspect he'll throw me to the ceiling before I can hit him.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Boll Weevil
John Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Unknown
Notes: new robot from out-of-retirement team
I have no clue what its weapon is, but it should be easy to defeat. From their previous bots I think it should have lots of tasty right angles to tear into.
Fear Rating: 1/5
Catastrophic (Ranked 44)
Sean McKeown - Team Gyroscopic
Weapon: Vertical Beater
Notes:
It's a beetleweight Gyroscopic, so completely different to the last time it competed. I'll have a tough time getting around the beater, so it'll be a difficult fight to win
Fear Rating: 4/5
Chibi Knockout
Joe Doerfler - Doerfler Bots
Weapon: Vertical Eggbeater
Notes: another new bot
Based on their latest 15lber, Chibi Knockout looks like a vertical spinner with lots of resistance to other spinners. This one will be a tough nut to crack.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Circuit Breaker
Don Doerfler - Doerfler Bots
Weapon: Horizontal Bar
Notes: Uses the same weapon motor as a 12lber
This robot is essentially a better version of Nocturne due to the larger weapon motor and lower profile. However, it's 3-D printed, at least some of it, which means it'll take stress less well. Does this mean I can win? maybe...
Fear Rating: 4/5
Colsonbot (Ranked 27)
Charles Guan - Team Testbot
Weapon: Spinning Tire
Notes: Can he spin? Can he win? No he can't! He's a wheel!
All I can say is I'm excited to see this thing fight again. It's been too long.
Fear Rating: 1/5
Dark Daggers
Russ Barrow - Dark Forces
Weapon: Vertical Disc
Notes: Very long frontal wedge
Oh jeez. Can Nocturne even hit Daggers' wedge? We'll find out...
Fear Rating: 5/5
Dominant Mode
Jamison Go - G3 Robotics
Weapon: Vertical Drum
Notes: Successor to Cake, 2011 runner-up
A wide, vicious drum with lots of power behind it. I'm not sure if I'll be able to survive this one.
Fear Rating: 5/5
El Destructo (Ranked 17)
Brandon Young - Bone Dead Robotics
Weapon: Vertical Beater
Notes:
Brandon's bots are always at least decent, and this one is no exception. It has a nice, wide drum which gives me little to bite on the front end. However, I think I should be able to bite the sides of his robot and get some good damage in.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Gemini (Ranked 19)
Bryant Wersinger - Team AstroBot
Weapon: Wedges
Notes: Frame is entirely 3D printed
The past few competitions have shown me that when unprotected ABS is hit, it doesn't enjoy it very well. I should be able to get in a lot of damage on this one, though I'm not sure if I can out-drive it.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Mondo Bizarro (Ranked 2)
Brandon Nichols - Team Headbangers
Weapon: Vertical Beater
Notes: 2x Bot Blast Champion
Very scared about this weta. Brandon is an excellent driver, and while I think I have a chance to avoid the front end, I think I'll leave this match with a lot of battle scars no matter who wins.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Rmr
Frederick Moore - D6 Robotics
Weapon: Overhead Spinner
Notes: runs on tracks, has a 0-4 record
Not too nervous about this one. It seems to have a tendency to flip itself (a lot of overhead spinners like to do that in the insect classes) and the tracks make it kind of slow. I should be able to take it.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Robo-Rooter (Ranked 38)
Alex Horne - Wedge Industries
Weapon: Hubmotor Disc
Notes: Beat me at MIT
Robo-Rooter scares me, but now that my weapon works and I have a stronger weapon shaft, I should be able to hold up to it for longer. Still, it'll be tough to win.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Scorpius
Bryant Wersinger - Team AstroBot
Weapon: Undercutting Edger Blade
Notes: Frame is entirely 3D printed
Just like with Gemini, Scorpius is entirely 3D printed. However, this one's already lost to a horizontal spinner at Motorama. I think I can win against it pretty handily.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Scrambles the Death Dealer (Ranked 47)
Tim Thompson - Asylum Robotics
Weapon: Horizontal Bar
Notes: 0-4 at Bot Blast
Scrambles keeps getting deadlier, yet its only victory at Bot Blast has been a rumble. Still, I think it has more kinetic energy in its weapon bar, so I may be screwed here.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Short Circuit
Grant Long - Circuit Overload
Weapon: Vertical Beater
Notes: New bot by new team
Similar design to El Destructo. However, since it's a new robot, I don't know how well it'll hold up. I think I'll be able to win if I keep the weapon going.
Fear Rating: 3/5
SIMO
Jamison Go - G3 Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting Disc
Notes: Beetleweight DDT
More reach and a powerful undercutter. I don't think Nocturne will enjoy this much.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Sir Squirt
Tim Thompson - Asylum Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting Sawblade
Notes: BW Don't Ask
LMAO WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TIM
One wheel and a sawblade, and my spinner should be strong enough to hold out. I think I can take this one.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Sparty Mini
John Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Team last competed in 2010
It's a wedge from a team that last competed half a decade ago. I don't think I'll have many issues with this.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Super Killy Deathbot 3000
Mike Zalatan - Wedge Industries
Weapon: ?????????
Notes: Built Pizza Party
If Mike builds another joke robot (like Pizza Party, Spongetron and VLC all were) then I shouldn't have an issue unless something breaks down.
Fear Rating: 1/5
The Yinzer
Thorin Tobiassen - Team PLUNDER
Weapon: Vertical Drum
Notes: Last competed in 2013
A narrow spinner that seems similar to Weta. It doesn't look too fierce, so I should be okay.
Fear Rating: 3/5
Thunder Child
Nate Franklin - Mutually Assured Destruction
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Trilobite kit
Nate managed to beat quite a few spinners at Motorama with Thunder Child. As the only Trilobite in the competition, it should do fairly well. I'll have a lot of trouble with this one.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Whirl and Hurl
Adrian Kelly - Last-Minute Robotics
Weapon: Melty-Brain Spinner
Notes: The other melty-brain
Adrian's melty-brain doesn't scare me as much as Gene's, but that's just due to experience. It'll still be tough to beat if it works as well as I presume Gene's does.
(Note: Gene's melty-brain beetle, One Fierce Fourty Five, pulled out of the competition after I wrote this.)
Fear Rating: 4/5
Yardmaster, Master of Yards
Frederick Moore - D6 Robotics
Weapon: Undercutting Bar
Notes: totally not SIMO
Fred seems to have taken SIMO's design and added a bar to it. If it works as well as SIMO does, it could be a threat. If its bar is low enough, it could tweak my weapon shaft as well, and that usually isn't good.
Fear Rating: 3/5
-----Mantisweights-----
CATAPULT (Ranked 14)
Brandon Young - Bone Dead Robotics
Weapon: Full-Body Spinner
Notes: Went 0-2 last year
Brandon's been working on this shell spinner for about 3 years now, and I think he finally has it dialed in. With the added teeth and new baseplate, it could be a contender. However, I think my wedge is the right shape to keep it from damaging me, and I can out-maneuver it for the win.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Chibi Blackout (Ranked 4)
Don Doerfler - Doerfler Bots
Weapon: Vertical Drum
Notes: last year's runner-up
This is the mantis that scares me the most. I don't think my drive is fast enough to box-rush it, and I also don't think I'll be able to hold up to it for 3 minutes. We will see.
Fear Rating: 5/5
Chibi Floppy Wedge
Luke Yount - Magical Lipo Fire
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: First mantis by this team
Luke's robots always seem well-built despite the last-minuteness of them. If it's fast, it may be a challenge.
Fear Rating: 2/5
CounterStryker
Zac O'Donnell - Brain Damage
Weapon: Counter-rotating vertical blades
Notes: Built Threecoil, 2013's mantis champ
Zac's been all over the USA this year with heavyweight robots, and they've inspired him to make this. With its counter-rotating blades, it seems to be much more stable than most vertical spinners. However, whether or not it'll get a good bite on Landshark is questionable...
Fear Rating: 3/5
Cozmo
John Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Old team, new bot. Entered SIX robots this year
This'll be a classic wedge v wedge battle. It'll all depend on who's lower to the ground and who has the stronger drive.
Fear Rating: 2/5
Damaged Goods
The Cooley Family - Team RTFM
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: First robot from this team
A family team with their first robot coming along now. No clue what it looks like, so it'll be interesting to see. Another wedge/wedge battle.
Fear Rating: 2/5
FLCL
Kyle Singer - Twisted Sick Robotics
Weapon: Pneumatic Flipper
Notes: Only pneumatic robot registered
So apparently Kyle isn't building this and instead is reviving Massive, his wide-ass wedge from 5 years ago. So many wedges...
Fear Rating: 2/5
One Fierce Bush Wacker (Ranked 1)
Gene Burbeck - Fierce Robots
Weapon: Undercutting Bar
Notes: 2011 mantis champion
Believe me, I'm scared to fight this beast of a robot. However, I feel that my steel wedge will have the right shape to withstand its blows. Also, my wheels are easy to protect. I could just pull this off.
Fear Rating: 4/5
Sparty Junior
John Rowland - Rowdon
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Last competed in 2010
Another wedge! What else do I have to say at this point?
Fear Rating: 2/5
Spawn of Floppy Wedge
Luke Yount - Magical Lipo Fire
Weapon: Wedge
Notes: Another wedge???
Not sure if it's the same as Chibi or different, but either way they're both wedges.
Fear Rating: 2/5
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