Rammer

Rammer

Real Life Examples: Punjar, Doom of Babylon, S3, Warmachine (at least how it is driven) Game Examples: Roly Poly, SnowJob (totally harmless), Da Dog (same)

Rammers (or rams) do bear the name of the tactic used: ramming. The bot rams repeatedly his opponent, damaging him in the process. Fast and brutish.

You can also use it simply as a pusher. You then can drive the opponent against a wall (and you will do regular damage to him, especially useful against HS's) or in a hazard.

Building a Rammer

Rams must be fast. That means at least Ztek drive for lightweights, generally HP Ztek drive for middles, and 4WD HP Z-tek drive or more for heavyweights. You also need an invertible bot. With the minimum height needed for fitting a Z-tek inside your chassis, you can use shiny wheels and get an invertible bot.

The weapon is simply a rack of weapons using extenders, or several weapons attached on several anchors, installed at the front of the bot.

You should use spikes (irons, razors, pole spikes sometimes) but you can use maces or pointy tips if you want. I never used ice picks but they could be efficient.

A frontal static weapon, an invertible bot and a strong drive train is good, but you should consider putting on some more defense (extended rack of spikes for the sides, plows, ramplates, eventually), or eventually a wedge (but this is uncommon). Especially, protect your wheels.

Ram hybrids are numerous. A hammer adds a way to bypass the enemy's defenses and weapons. A poker adds pushing power and damage, especially for a pusher. A flipper can be useful (as it helps you with a wedge) for incapaciting your opponent prior to ramming his sorry butt. Several builders think the HS/ram hybrid is the king of hybrids, but I still can't see why.

PROS

-Usually the fastest bot class

-Extended pushing ability.

-Good frontal defense.

-Great damage when ramming, but does need to back up then. A little slow when pushing.

-Generally has the edge against an horizontal spinner, especially against a SnS.

CONS

-Don't like hammers and vertical spinners (ramming them head on is the best way to get hit)

-Popups are your deadliest opponents (same, and you can't get a good hit)

-Hard to drive well. Just don't show off after hard hits. They may look cool, but they can leave your bot vulnerable.

-Generally, weak top and bottom.

-Drive train is vital. Don't let them get at your wheels.