A long car will not hit the can, if its curving in a consistent arch (there's no difference). Mine is a bit longer than that, at about 60 cms.ElGuapo wrote:Thanks!! I see what you mean. I’m doing fine speed wise. So even if it slows a little I should be ok, I think. How long is your device? I believe there’s been a mention of the length twice on this forum and both devices (including MadCow’s) are 40 cms. Does anyone one have a longer buggy and hows it working out. One of my concerns is that a long buggy’s tail might touch a can while passing through, especially on a ‘sharper’ curve like 9 mts.sciolyperson1 wrote:Of course there's a benefit of a longer buggy. A longer buggy means that you can more precisely measure the starting angle of the buggy, which makes the buggy a lot more accurate.MadCow2357 wrote: No need, not like it gives you any significant benefit in doing so. Passing through the cans is one thing, but increasing the length will also increase your weight which is not the best thing.
Increasing the length does increase the weight, but for many, weight doesn't matter much. Weight makes the car go slower, which in turn makes the car more consistent. Skid is also decreased.
Speaking from experience, my last year's car was the same length as well. We placed 5th at nats, with iirc a perfect distance horizontally (left.right), and off vertically (front/back) by 2.5 cm. This goes to show how longer cars do in fact have benefits.
forgot about that part. Weight does play a small role in speed, but you are also right in the fact that a slower car will be less prone to skid. I would still maximize my speed though, and use high traction wheels instead to combat the skid.
