Builder Spotlight: Corey Nason — Consistent Competitor and Innovator
Corey Nason has been a steady presence in the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) for multiple seasons. Across weight classes and robot designs, he has built machines that combine creativity with real competitive results. His work reflects a deep understanding of both engineering fundamentals and the evolving meta of organized combat robotics.
What makes Corey stand out is not just the number of robots he has fielded, but the quality, variety, and performance of each. From beetleweight spinners to featherweight contenders, his designs are among those fans and competitors alike track closely at NHRL events.
Robots and Performance
Throughout his combat career, Corey has built and competed with several notable robots that have earned respect on the arena floor:
Synthesis (Beetleweight)
One of Corey’s most consistent performers, Synthesis has competed in multiple NHRL events and posted a solid win record. The bot’s design strikes a balance between aggression and durability, which has made it competitive in bracket play and a reliable entry at finals-tier matches.
Synthesis 30 (Featherweight)
An extension of the beetleweight design into the featherweight class, Synthesis 30 showed that Corey’s approach could scale. The bot handled the more powerful weaponry and heavier opponents associated with the 30-lb division and continued the trend of strong showings in competitive brackets.
Diamondback (Beetleweight)
A more defensive design earlier in Corey’s career, Diamondback helped him get familiar with beetleweight competition and laid groundwork for later successes. Though not as prominent as Synthesis, it represented a meaningful step in his builder development.
Catalyst (Multiple Weights)
Appearing in both the 3-lb and 30-lb divisions under different iterations, Catalyst exemplified Corey’s willingness to experiment with design and application. Though less consistent than Synthesis, it demonstrated his adaptability and technical growth.
These robots have competed in dozens of matches at NHRL events, with Synthesis in particular recording some of the most competitive win–loss records among Corey's fleet. His entries are known for clean construction and strategic weapon placement, and he isn’t shy about evolving designs between seasons.
Early Influence and Community
Corey’s involvement in the sport isn’t limited to his own builds. He has been active within the NHRL community, participating in Discord discussions and engaging with other builders to troubleshoot, refine ideas, and exchange feedback. His presence in the community has helped newer competitors get up to speed and connect with resources beyond competition brackets alone.
Competitive Highlights
Over the years, Corey has appeared in several high-profile matchups at NHRL qualifiers and finals. Synthesis in particular has faced off against a variety of top builders, leading to memorable fights that showcased both durability and effectiveness in weapon design. While not every match has ended in a win, his robots have consistently demonstrated the resilience needed to compete deep into tournaments.
His featherweight entry, Synthesis 30, also garnered attention for its adaptation of beetleweight design principles to a heavier class — an uncommon transition that paid dividends through competitive showings.
What Sets Him Apart
Corey’s approach is methodical. His robots are:
Well-balanced between weapon power and control
Designed with durability in mind
Iterated season-to-season, not simply built once and retired
This iterative philosophy has helped him remain competitive even as designs around him evolve. Instead of chasing the latest trend, Corey’s builds focus on fundamentals — weight distribution, reliable drive systems, and effective hitting surfaces.
Looking Forward
Corey’s continued presence in NHRL contests, and his willingness to try bots in new weight classes, suggests his footprint in the sport will only grow. Whether refining Synthesis for another run or focusing on new ideas, he’s one of the builders who represents the depth and passion that keep grassroots combat robotics thriving.
For fans and fellow builders alike, Corey’s journey offers a reminder that success in the sport is as much about consistent refinement as it is about raw power.
Builder Profile: https://havocrundown.com/en/builder/corey-nason-1763909431321
