Component Selection: Belts vs. Chains vs. Gears

You have a motor. You have a wheel. How do you connect them?

1. Gears

• Best For: Short distances, High Torque (Arms, Slides).
• Pros: DO NOT slip. Precise.
• Cons: Heavy. Need lubrication. If the heavy arm hits a wall, teeth strip.

2. Chain (#25)

• Best For: Medium/Long distances, Drivetrains.
• Pros: Strong. Adjustable length (add links). Forgiving alignment.
• Cons: Stretches over time. Needs tensioning. Noisy.

3. Belts (GT2 3mm/5mm)

• Best For: High Speed (Shooters, Intakes).
• Pros: Quiet. Efficient. Light. No lubrication needed.
• Cons: Cannot start/stop heavy loads easily (teeth jump). Requires EXACT center-to-center distance (cannot shorten a belt).

Rules of Thumb

• Shooter: BELT (Smooth, high RPM).
• Arm: GEAR (High torque, holding position).
• Drivetrain: BELT or GEAR (Chain is okay, but maintenance heavy).
• Intake: CHAIN (Takes abuse well).

Conclusion

Using a belt on a heavy arm is a recipe for disaster. Using gears on a high-speed shooter is a recipe for noise. Choose the right tool for the job.