New team help needed

VEX V5 Robotics Competition
92

Actually, that may be not the best option given this budget limit. Super Kit is $1499 and has a lot of parts that are unlikely to be used by the first year team. For example, V5 camera, high strength shafts, extra wheels, sprockets, and gears.

Yes, when those parts are packaged in a kit, they may be cheaper, but if $70 V5 camera is going to sit on the shelf - it is dead weight, regardless if it came at a discount price.

On the very tight budget, I would get $899 Competition Starter Kit and buy extra parts separately, on as needed basis.

For example, in addition to the Competition Starter Kit (276-7030) $899, I would get:

Order Total from VEX: $899 +$401 => $1300

Then I would get extra screws, rubber bands, mesh, spacers, and tools from https://www.robosource.net

RoboSource total: $81

Finally, you need to get a couple of good organizers for your small parts, like Plano 3600 or 3700 series that could be found in Walmart fishing section under $10.

This all will cost you less than Super Kit, and leave some funds to cover additional parts that you may need later or an extra competition registration fee.

I would argue that the second battery and going to one more competition has much more value for a new team than the vision sensor or a bunch of unused gussets, even at discounted prices.

Edit: itemized all parts