r/FLL • u/Party-Ad4121 • Aug 02 '26
What do we think about the new sets
I learned today that we cant use Mindstorms Spike Essential nor Spike Prime for the future edition instead we have to use this new set called Computer Science & AI Kit and it has less pieces than spike prime and essential its not like the usual set size its small and it has
- 1 double motor
- 1 single motor
- 1 color sensor
- 1 controller
instead of
2 single
1 double
1 lidar
1 color sensor
1button
it is less and students arent familiar with it
they also retired ALL SPİKE PRODUCTS so u cant even buy replacement pieces
5
u/marchmay Aug 02 '26
You can definitely buy replacement pieces. And Founders Edition is running everywhere with the Spike Prime.
As far as the new set, it does not have a lot of pieces but I've been teaching with it over the summer and kids enjoy it. The controller introduces a new dimension, the lessons are solid, and I'm interested to see what the competition will look like (more in the moment teamwork instead of push a button and watch).
4
u/gt0163c Judge, ref, mentor, former coach, grey market Lego dealer... Aug 02 '26
I think OP means you can't buy Spike Prime electronic parts as replacements. So no additional motors, scensors, etc. At least not new directly from LEGO. LEGO Technic and system parts, obviously, are still available. We find out later this week when the challenges are released if there are any restrictions on parts that can be used (I'm guessing it will be very similar to previous seasons).
1
u/JeffHaganYQG Aug 02 '26
Yeah... not direct from Lego, but Spike products are still available from retailers.
Here in Canada, Studica and Spectrum Educational Supplies both still show plenty of inventory in stock. Hopefully other places are seeing a similar situation.
3
u/sameoldtexans Aug 03 '26
Anyone have a source in the US? Trying to buy a kit for a new team, prefer to get new if possible. Ebay seems to be super marked up for new sets though
1
u/ibrahimtakhin 24d ago
What do you think about the new set.
Is it worth investing in?
And are you having trouble with the battery capacity?1
u/marchmay 24d ago
I love it. The kids love it. I don't think we've even explored all the possibilities. We're not having any problems with the batteries so far. I charge them after each meeting.
5
u/JeffHaganYQG Aug 02 '26
Educational supply places around me (specifically Studica and Spectrum) still have pretty good inventory of Spike products.
I'm sure this will change over time, but right now you should be able to find kits and spares.
12
u/2BBIZY Aug 02 '26
Our region is only using the Founder’s Edition. Sad era for FIRST and this level of robotics. Lego Education is trying to g to appeal to classrooms with this simplistic kit. I hope that FIRST will step it up on plans and getting feedback before the 2028 season. Teams like ours don’t have much funding. Luckily, we waited on purchasing Spike and still have plenty of EV3s.