Never said useless, just everyone needs to have them to be on a level field. I'd love to not have the "apple", but unless everyone doesn't have an exposed IR receiver (apple) it won't cut it. Doesn't matter how much testing is done wether it's hidden receivers, lowered apples, aftermarket IR bulbs, etc. Someone is going to say something is unfair for some reason. Have to try and eliminate all variables for less belly aching during IR battles. Say we got everyone motivated to switch to the vampire system, awesome. Now we have to make sure every sensor works before a battle, man that sucks with 40 tankers at inspection. Then the people that don't have the system attend and also the folks that don't have the experience to solder and install the sensors properly. Like I said, cool but not practical since personal installation can vary so much. On a smaller club level with 5-10 guys much more manageable but still work.