Models or Brushes?

[WobblyMonkey]

Is it true Models are better(fps-wise) than Brush-Based models? If it is better to use a prop instead of loads of brushes, is it frowned upon to use someone else's models(models that they've made public)? I know how to 3D model I just have no idea how to wrap a texture around the models I make and I'm too lazy to learn.

Another question:
In a map I'm making there are numerous amounts of traps. One includes a triggered chainball trap. I was wondering if having a ball connected to about, 20-30 different phys objects is a good idea? I tested it in an empty room and it worked out perfectly. If it is triggered in the middle of a game will it lag everyone?

http://personales.ya.com/lwdp/theelderthoughts_files/oblivion_photogallery001.jpg

This is an example of what I'm talking about. Every single link in the chain is it's own object.

[LDM]

Models are better to use than brushes.
Just due to the level of detail required for a model.
It would be possible to make a large gate out of brushes, but it would look terrible, be less detailed and be more intensive on the on the systems.

It is ok to use models made and released publicly, but always credit the people who made it in your Readme.txt.
Don't use any models from other games (DoD, CS... etc) as other people who don't have the game installed won't have the model and thus, there will be an error.

It very well may lag everyone out, I'm not a map maker, so I don't know.
I would try to limit the amount of phys objects. Just try to optimise it.
It may look slightly weird, but I would suggest making the links slightly larger so there is less of them, and also use three links as one object.

[WobblyMonkey]

Alright, thanks :D

Making models out of brushes is a pain in the neck. As for the trap increasing the link sizes and removing most of them works just fine. Thanks for the advice.

[_morgoth_]

i geus those balls are ragdolls? if it is, yes it will lag