HDPE vs UHMWPE

So a lot of people search to be using HDPE. Personally I've used UHMWPE. Is one better than the other? I am struggling to work with mine (6mm sheet) any recommendations on how to accurately cut these plastics and which tools to use?

HDPE is the cheaper material in the UK hence why it's the plastic of choice. It's also the easier to work with, i just use a hand saw and a straight edge to cut mine and it can get it fairly accurate. Tidy it up with some filing and you're good to go.

What is the thickness of choice for beetle weight chassis people are using?

We use 5mm hdpe for fat lip with 8mm on the front. Nothing so far has caused any damage of any note and it fights spinners regularly.

To cut use a metal ruler. A Stanley knife and do a few passes. Go at least half way through and then use a pair of pliers to break. Obviously that doesn't do curves but you can use a saw for those bits.

Thanks that's really helpful! I wasn't expecting it to be that thin :) I thought it was going to be 10mm at least. I think HPDE is they way forward for my first beetle weight.

When looking at UHMWPE I was told to look at RG1000 by direct plastics - it's the recycled version and is more reasonable in price :)

UHMWPE is much harder to work from what I hear. I'm told it's rather slippery so can't be easily secured using things like clamps, so some people drill holes and pin it that way. I can't confirm this but Robert Cowan, a builder in the US, has stated it provides some benefits with this slippery nature as other weapons and wedges struggle to get a grip. But again, I've not used it so I can't say for sure!

I believe Red Devil from Battlebots uses UHMWPE chain guides for its tracks. I assume the slipperiness helps greatly there, considering you want as little rolling resistance as possible.