Read on Twitter
Power Rankings for the Top 30 #Battlebots out in CA filming right now, a thread:
#30: Chomp
Chomp is back, only as a walker bot this year, reportedly with the full double weight allowance of an extra 250 lbs. While we still haven't seen a final photo or video of the bot, it is believed that it will still be a hammer bot, just with a turret.
Chomp is back, only as a walker bot this year, reportedly with the full double weight allowance of an extra 250 lbs. While we still haven't seen a final photo or video of the bot, it is believed that it will still be a hammer bot, just with a turret.
#29: Subzero
Sold in the offseason, Subzero has gotten a full redesign with more power and armor, making its gruesome dismemberment by Cobalt last year hopefully a thing of the past.
https://www.reddit.com/r/battlebots/comments/j5p66g/subzero_onsite_weapon_test_no_tires_were_harmed/
Sold in the offseason, Subzero has gotten a full redesign with more power and armor, making its gruesome dismemberment by Cobalt last year hopefully a thing of the past.
https://www.reddit.com/r/battlebots/comments/j5p66g/subzero_onsite_weapon_test_no_tires_were_harmed/
#28 Perfect Phoenix
Sold by champion Biteforce driver/designer Paul Ventimiglia, old champion Brutality has been retooled by also champion Ray Billings of Tombstone, and is being driven by lightweight champion Doom Kid.
That... is a lot of champions. That poor pinion gear...
Sold by champion Biteforce driver/designer Paul Ventimiglia, old champion Brutality has been retooled by also champion Ray Billings of Tombstone, and is being driven by lightweight champion Doom Kid.
That... is a lot of champions. That poor pinion gear...
#27: Hijinx
After keeping the entire battlebots community in suspense throughout quarantine, we finally have our first look at Hijinx's unique horizontal spinner design, which has had quite a lot of success at lower weight classes.
Also, that bar is bigger than it looks.
After keeping the entire battlebots community in suspense throughout quarantine, we finally have our first look at Hijinx's unique horizontal spinner design, which has had quite a lot of success at lower weight classes.
Also, that bar is bigger than it looks.
#26: Big Dill
I've been rather public about not being crazy about control bots, but the fact that Big Dill made the top 4 at Robot Ruckus is nothing to sneeze at. Combine that with a couple casual flips just over the sidewall or onto the screws, and you could have something.
I've been rather public about not being crazy about control bots, but the fact that Big Dill made the top 4 at Robot Ruckus is nothing to sneeze at. Combine that with a couple casual flips just over the sidewall or onto the screws, and you could have something.
#25: Tracer
This 4WD vert looks clean & compact as anything, and that huge flat armor on the front is giving me Witch Doctor vibes. There's plenty that could go wrong with this bot, as there always is,but I give the benefit of the doubt when the engineering looks this beautiful.
This 4WD vert looks clean & compact as anything, and that huge flat armor on the front is giving me Witch Doctor vibes. There's plenty that could go wrong with this bot, as there always is,but I give the benefit of the doubt when the engineering looks this beautiful.
#24: Ribbot
WPI's college team has more than impressed at Battlebots, and despite having to give up their foam-poured aesthetic, look to be back to their old modular tricks. They even published a spreadsheet w/ their strategy against every bot in the box:
https://www.facebook.com/237868450479267/videos/1112975315711680
WPI's college team has more than impressed at Battlebots, and despite having to give up their foam-poured aesthetic, look to be back to their old modular tricks. They even published a spreadsheet w/ their strategy against every bot in the box:
https://www.facebook.com/237868450479267/videos/1112975315711680
#23: RotatoR
RotatoR is on a short list of bots to have ever taken out Tombstone, & seems to have given up their double disc design for a more KISS approach of just an undercutter. I've never been high on RotatoR, despite their finishes, but I do like things a bit simpler...
RotatoR is on a short list of bots to have ever taken out Tombstone, & seems to have given up their double disc design for a more KISS approach of just an undercutter. I've never been high on RotatoR, despite their finishes, but I do like things a bit simpler...
#22: Kraken
Kraken's been getting better and better finishes in Battlebots over the years. So show me 2 bots w/multiple armor and tooth choices & I become very impressed. While my
will always be for Quantum, Kraken is easily the best crusher in the competition this year.
Kraken's been getting better and better finishes in Battlebots over the years. So show me 2 bots w/multiple armor and tooth choices & I become very impressed. While my
will always be for Quantum, Kraken is easily the best crusher in the competition this year.
#21: Tantrum
Tantrum is most famous in the US for getting its fist embedded in the side of the battle box by Tombstone. So why are they here? Because they've completely redesigned after having a great showing in China, & I think this puncher is gonna be a monster.
Tantrum is most famous in the US for getting its fist embedded in the side of the battle box by Tombstone. So why are they here? Because they've completely redesigned after having a great showing in China, & I think this puncher is gonna be a monster.
#20: Captain Shrederator
Speaking of typical sacrificial lambs that have been dominating China, Cpt. Shrederator *finally* has a redesign w/ more power and bigger teeth. While it still can't self-right, it can now hit like the dickens, and will probably be more reliable as well.
Speaking of typical sacrificial lambs that have been dominating China, Cpt. Shrederator *finally* has a redesign w/ more power and bigger teeth. While it still can't self-right, it can now hit like the dickens, and will probably be more reliable as well.
#19: Gruff
The most durable bot outside of maybe Duck itself, Gruff is also the only control bot I've ever liked... Because it's actual primary weapon is a flamethrower that could be classified as more of a blowtorch. It's not for show, & it *will* melt tires & cook electronics.
The most durable bot outside of maybe Duck itself, Gruff is also the only control bot I've ever liked... Because it's actual primary weapon is a flamethrower that could be classified as more of a blowtorch. It's not for show, & it *will* melt tires & cook electronics.
#18: HUGE
While we finally got an answer to whether HUGE's wheels could withstand huge horizontal spinners last year when it went up against Son of Whyachi (they can't)... SoW isn't here, & there's few horizontal spinners that can even get close to that kind of power.
While we finally got an answer to whether HUGE's wheels could withstand huge horizontal spinners last year when it went up against Son of Whyachi (they can't)... SoW isn't here, & there's few horizontal spinners that can even get close to that kind of power.
#17: BETA
Team Hurtz surprised everyone by saying they'd go through the month of back & forth quarantine to come over from England, and that means it's hammer time, only this time with electromagnets!
https://www.facebook.com/910903322266207/posts/3383347661688415/
Team Hurtz surprised everyone by saying they'd go through the month of back & forth quarantine to come over from England, and that means it's hammer time, only this time with electromagnets!
https://www.facebook.com/910903322266207/posts/3383347661688415/
#16: Valkyrie
W/ 3 bots and as many discs, Valkyrie is going to be nothing if not persistent this year. Considering I've always felt it underperformed & some of the most dangerous bots aren't here, I think they actually have a shot at the nut.
https://www.facebook.com/1647904415322731/posts/3383812755065213/
W/ 3 bots and as many discs, Valkyrie is going to be nothing if not persistent this year. Considering I've always felt it underperformed & some of the most dangerous bots aren't here, I think they actually have a shot at the nut.
https://www.facebook.com/1647904415322731/posts/3383812755065213/
#15: Skorpios
You ever think about how mad Skorpios must be at Sawblaze? It doesn't even have a saw or a dustpan now, it's just literally Skorpios, more or less. Anyway, the plow & disc are back, & they're gonna make a show with a new flamethrower too!
https://www.facebook.com/SkorpiosBattleBot/posts/2623070658003673
You ever think about how mad Skorpios must be at Sawblaze? It doesn't even have a saw or a dustpan now, it's just literally Skorpios, more or less. Anyway, the plow & disc are back, & they're gonna make a show with a new flamethrower too!
https://www.facebook.com/SkorpiosBattleBot/posts/2623070658003673
#14: Copperhead
Copperhead is another bot I've always felt underperformed based on its potential. It's a devastating drum spinner & a simple-yet-deadly design. If they can keep their front pointed at the other bot, now that they have 2 bots they're going to have a real shot.
Copperhead is another bot I've always felt underperformed based on its potential. It's a devastating drum spinner & a simple-yet-deadly design. If they can keep their front pointed at the other bot, now that they have 2 bots they're going to have a real shot.
#13: Uppercut
Who would have thought that a few kids from MIT would know a thing or 2 about robots & generative design? No one gave this vert a chance last year, & they surprised in every fight they were in. It can hit with the best of em & theyve got a heck of a driver to boot.
Who would have thought that a few kids from MIT would know a thing or 2 about robots & generative design? No one gave this vert a chance last year, & they surprised in every fight they were in. It can hit with the best of em & theyve got a heck of a driver to boot.
#12: Bloodsport
Bloodsport is back with a low, sleek design that reminds you of ICEwave, only without that pesky top part for other bots to eat off of it. We obviously don't really know yet, but this very well could be the most powerful "full body" spinner in the competition.
Bloodsport is back with a low, sleek design that reminds you of ICEwave, only without that pesky top part for other bots to eat off of it. We obviously don't really know yet, but this very well could be the most powerful "full body" spinner in the competition.
#11: Whiplash
I say I don't like control bots, but given that Whiplash's lack of power, that might be what it's classified as. It's durable, the lifter gives this bot a lot of flexibility, & it's gone toe to toe w/ the best. (Except they might have the best driver themselves?)
I say I don't like control bots, but given that Whiplash's lack of power, that might be what it's classified as. It's durable, the lifter gives this bot a lot of flexibility, & it's gone toe to toe w/ the best. (Except they might have the best driver themselves?)
#10: Gigabyte
Just watch the video. 2019 Gigabyte was impressive. 2020 Gigabyte is a *nightmare*. The only bot that can beat them is themselves.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3333038886745943
Just watch the video. 2019 Gigabyte was impressive. 2020 Gigabyte is a *nightmare*. The only bot that can beat them is themselves.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3333038886745943
#9: End Game
One of the lone international competitors to make the trip, this little vert out of NZ has constantly inspired, & might have had a real shot last year if it weren't for Death Roll. The Aussies didn't make it this year, however, so...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGC-LA5DClU/?igshid=1ztd13v7c2wo
One of the lone international competitors to make the trip, this little vert out of NZ has constantly inspired, & might have had a real shot last year if it weren't for Death Roll. The Aussies didn't make it this year, however, so...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGC-LA5DClU/?igshid=1ztd13v7c2wo
#8: Shatter
Hands down the prettiest bot in the competition, Shatter is also the height of innovation with their ablative armor & Mecanum wheels. If you don't know what that means, don't worry. When it starts driving sideways&shrugging off hits while givin' em back, you'll know.
Hands down the prettiest bot in the competition, Shatter is also the height of innovation with their ablative armor & Mecanum wheels. If you don't know what that means, don't worry. When it starts driving sideways&shrugging off hits while givin' em back, you'll know.
#7: Black Dragon
The last international team to make the trip, Black Dragon will spend this year terrifying on behalf of Brazil rather than being the little brother to Minotaur. That said, they *did* win that fight last year...
The last international team to make the trip, Black Dragon will spend this year terrifying on behalf of Brazil rather than being the little brother to Minotaur. That said, they *did* win that fight last year...
#6: Sawblaze
Sawblaze seems to have permanently shed its namesake diamond saw, but that only means that it's going to be more stable being designed around that disc,& that could be enough with Jamison's driving & the control this bot brings to the table.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-L8mqjg0b/?igshid=1etvtq8w20ni
Sawblaze seems to have permanently shed its namesake diamond saw, but that only means that it's going to be more stable being designed around that disc,& that could be enough with Jamison's driving & the control this bot brings to the table.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-L8mqjg0b/?igshid=1etvtq8w20ni
#5: Hypershock
Witch Doctor ended up being the 2nd scariest vert last year behind Bite Force, but it was actually a close thing thanks to Hypershock & Lockjaw. With reliability issues behind them, make no mistake, Team Shenanigans & Co can make a run at the title.
Witch Doctor ended up being the 2nd scariest vert last year behind Bite Force, but it was actually a close thing thanks to Hypershock & Lockjaw. With reliability issues behind them, make no mistake, Team Shenanigans & Co can make a run at the title.
#4: Hydra
Hydra took the mantle of best flipper away from a Bronco w/ a bad batch of titanium easily, but honestly they might have done it anyhow. Driving is phenomenal, the flips are damaging as can be, & the bot is resilient.That's everything you need.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1333687846821568
Hydra took the mantle of best flipper away from a Bronco w/ a bad batch of titanium easily, but honestly they might have done it anyhow. Driving is phenomenal, the flips are damaging as can be, & the bot is resilient.That's everything you need.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1333687846821568
#3: Lockjaw
Lockjaw absolutely crushed it last year, and there's no Bite Force around this time. It's easily one of the most maneuverable bots to ever be on the show, with a bonafide champion behind the wheel.
Lockjaw absolutely crushed it last year, and there's no Bite Force around this time. It's easily one of the most maneuverable bots to ever be on the show, with a bonafide champion behind the wheel.
#2: Witch Doctor
We have precious little to go off of for Witch Doctor this year, but what we do know is they almost won it all last year and their bot has been done since basically the beginning of quarantine... And that's enough.
We have precious little to go off of for Witch Doctor this year, but what we do know is they almost won it all last year and their bot has been done since basically the beginning of quarantine... And that's enough.
#1: Tombstone
Simple. Deadly. Catastrophic. It took shattering a bar to stop Tombstone last year, and that's the kind of thing you can't really count on. In other words, never count Ray Billings out, he's always the #1 threat.
Simple. Deadly. Catastrophic. It took shattering a bar to stop Tombstone last year, and that's the kind of thing you can't really count on. In other words, never count Ray Billings out, he's always the #1 threat.
Hope everyone enjoyed, and that we can all vehemently disagree over trivialities together! Thanks, and here's to FINALLY GETTING TO ENJOY #BATTLEBOTS... later this year.
