52 replies to this topic

[greywolf79]

I am ok with larger designs. I do want something that is relatively faster (definately faster than 70 kph or whatever it is for speed). I have just gotten myself over the 4 million mark - so right now lets assume my limit is 4-4.5 million, this should help some.

[KrazedOmega]

This is the Blackjack that I pilot. BJ-3

Good top speed.

JumpJets for higher mobility.

High mounted weapons for firing over cover.

It's one of my favorite mechs.

[greywolf79]

That BJ-3 looks like a nice machine. And not much over what I have now for c-bills... I will definately keep that design in mind. Would you go for a BJ-3 or a Quickdraw though? (assuming c-bills could be made in order to buy the base model - upgrades later)

[KrazedOmega]

greywolf79, on 25 September 2013 - 06:42 PM, said:

That BJ-3 looks like a nice machine. And not much over what I have now for c-bills... I will definately keep that design in mind. Would you go for a BJ-3 or a Quickdraw though? (assuming c-bills could be made in order to buy the base model - upgrades later)

Here's my main Quickdraw to compare. QKD-5K

Pretty much stock other than a few changes.

As you can see it's almost two times the cost of the BJ-3. And it probably takes two times the work to do well with. It's more of a target because of its size and for my build you have to be closer to the enemy. More armor, higher speed, better cooling for around the same firepower.

You could always use the same weapon load out on the Quickdraw as the Blackjack. Maybe drop the engine size down to a XL300 and have the same speed as the BJ while mounting 2 LL and 4 ML. Or you could keep it pretty much stock to start with. You could use it until you have enough cash to do some upgrades. I would probably drop the SRM right away and max out most of the armor. Later on you could swap Ferro-Fibrous for Endo-Steel and change the engine to an XL for more speed.

To answer your question though, I would probably get the Blackjack to start with. It's a great mech and the piloting style you'll learn while using it would be beneficial to the Quickdraw if you buy one later.

[greywolf79]

@krazedomega - So you suggest a BJ-3 with jump jets, 2 LL, and 4 ML? That could do well. Would you suggest regular LL or ER LL?

[Rebel816]

greywolf79, on 25 September 2013 - 05:20 PM, said:

I am ok with larger designs. I do want something that is relatively faster (definately faster than 70 kph or whatever it is for speed). I have just gotten myself over the 4 million mark - so right now lets assume my limit is 4-4.5 million, this should help some.

In my cataphract 3D ive had good success with a std280 engine, ac20 w/ 4 tons of ammo, and 4 medium lasers. nearly maxed armor and double heatsinks. with speed tweak im at 71kph, maybe a bit slower than what your wanting but remember your not sacrificing any durability with that standard engine, enough punch to make some assaults think twice, and just enough speed to chase after mediums. terrain isnt a problem either with your 4 jump jets, and its also pretty heat efficient.

CTF-3D

ive also had fun with just 4 larger lasers and as many heatsinks as i can fit too.

i also really like my centurions.

Edited by Rebel816, 27 September 2013 - 03:04 PM.

[greywolf79]

I am thinking that a BJ-3 is a nice design for the next one to use. The design you showed of the BJ-3 has all the guns in the arms, is there a reason for arms instead of torso?

[greywolf79]

Is there a targeting computer or boosted zoom of some kind? I see people with better zoom than I have in my Cataphract, I would like to be able to snipe now and then...

[CheeseThief]

I'm going to suggest the Centurian AL for a nice versitile medium.

3.5 million entry cost nets you a versitile mech with epic zombie potential. You can crank the speed up to just shy of 100kmph on a standard engine without sacrificing armour or firepower.

My personal favorite is a PPC, 2 ML, 2 SRM6+A build that chugs along at 90kmph.

[greywolf79]

The only downside I see with the Centurion is there are no jumping models of it... I would like to keep to designs with jumping if possible. I had 2 ER LL and 2 ML in a build I was just tinkering with for a BJ-3 and it was able to jump and was able to run over 80kph (I think it was around 85-89kph). But the big reason for a blackjack over a centurion in my eyes is the jump. Though I did think about getting 3 commando's just to get the max xp in them. But that was for the XP not for the design.

[KrazedOmega]

greywolf79, on 27 September 2013 - 01:18 PM, said:

@krazedomega - So you suggest a BJ-3 with jump jets, 2 LL, and 4 ML? That could do well. Would you suggest regular LL or ER LL?

My BJ-3 just has 2 ML along with the 2 LL. You could fit 4 ML but you'd have to drop either 2 JumpJets and a Heatsink or 2 Heatsinks for it to fit. That would drop the cooling efficiency down too low. I've never used ER LL in any of my builds. I didn't feel the extra range was worth the increased heat. More of a personal choice.

greywolf79, on 27 September 2013 - 04:52 PM, said:

I am thinking that a BJ-3 is a nice design for the next one to use. The design you showed of the BJ-3 has all the guns in the arms, is there a reason for arms instead of torso?

More range of motion. If either the ML or LL were in the torso you'd be limited by the lowered vertical motion of the torso.

greywolf79, on 27 September 2013 - 04:59 PM, said:

Is there a targeting computer or boosted zoom of some kind? I see people with better zoom than I have in my Cataphract, I would like to be able to snipe now and then...

There's an Advanced Zoom Module that can be bought for 2 Million credits after you unlock the Pilot Skill for 5000 GXP. It gives you a picture-in-picture 4x magnification zoom.

[Johnny Reb]

greywolf79, on 24 September 2013 - 02:14 PM, said:

So I am trying to figure out the best mech for myself. I do enjoy a fast design and I like jumping capability. I have been using the trial Jenner a lot. I already have a Cataphract 3D but I want something faster. I am on a c-bill budget of about 3 million (cbill only). I am debating a Cicada 2A (I think it was the 2A - the one with all energy hardpoints), a spider (preferably the one with ECM) or a Jenner. Anyone have ideas on which one to get and reasons why?

I would advise if buying a Cicada save up and buy the 3M. It is 7 mill, however, take the components separately and the mech is under 100k.

[greywolf79]

If you strip items from a mech, you have to sell the items? Or am I reading the pop up message wrong? I was hoping to hold onto some items in order to use on future builds for lower costs.

[TB Freelancer]

Want something that's fast, that can jump and is inexpensive? Jenners hands down, if you plan on maxing them out and getting all the unlocks. Which is something I'd strongly recommend.

When I started out I made a few mistakes, but then went to buying 3 variants of a chassis, mastering them and usually having the money to move on to the next set of 3. Right now the only mech I don't own are 3 Orions though I have 3 free mech bays and the cbills to buy them....

....I just have too many mechs that I'm working on mastering, and mechs long since mastered that are my go to mechs for fun and cbills, to bother with them.

[L1f3H4ck]

I WANT A KOMODO!!!!

But yeah, Blackjacks are probably what you're looking for.

[KrazedOmega]

greywolf79, on 28 September 2013 - 07:30 AM, said:

If you strip items from a mech, you have to sell the items? Or am I reading the pop up message wrong? I was hoping to hold onto some items in order to use on future builds for lower costs.

Items that you remove from your mech are saved in your inventory.

Upgrades like Endo-Steel, Ferro-Fibrous, Artemis IV and Double Heatsinks have to be repurchased each time they're changed since you are paying to have the old system removed and the new one installed. You will keep any Single or Double heatsinks that you purchase though.

Edited by KrazedOmega, 28 September 2013 - 04:00 PM.

[greywolf79]

Ok. Would it best to just start training in a mech to get them leveled up or should I just pick designs I like and stick with those?

I have all basic level items for instance in the Cataphract 3D but I cannot get more until I get 2 more of the Cataphract designs - and I am not sure I like it to be honest... Although maybe when I have more c-bills I might try toying with it, I do not want to just throw c-bills into it and then not use the design - so for now I want one I know I will enjoy more.

By the way, I am now at 5.3 mil c-bills - so the budget is a little larger. I expect tonight I will get to 5.5 mil and maybe 6mil by tomorrow.

[operator0]

You mentioned Cicadas, and while none have JJ and the 2A is a solid mech, I would seriously consider the 3M. The 3M is a tournament quality mech, which means it's considered superior than 90% of the mechs in the game in team play. The only other medium that is currently a tournament worthy mech is the the Cent-9A...and maybe the Kintaro-18.

The 3M can equip ECM which is a very powerful piece of equipment, more valuable than JJs for sure. It has 4 energy HP and a ballistic HP. It also comes with a XL320, which makes it a 7mil CBill mech. That XL will give you great speed and lots of room for ECM and lasers but it's expensive.

[Aluminumfoiled]

One thing on inventory, if the mech can't mount it, it won't be shown. Like single heat sinks on a double equipped mech. They are still there though. Or an engine that is too big etc..

Looking over the Blackjacks myself. That maximum engine size is giving me doubts. My Trebs really start to handle well above 100kph. Most likely try them anyway.

Phracts are solid chassis. But to handle like I think you want would be a big expensive XL engine.

If you go Cicada like operator0 says above, that engine is very useful later on.

[greywolf79]

I am probably going to regret this... I am thinking the quickdraw 4g - 7 slots for jump jets (5 in base model), missile/energy hard points, and a standard engine to start with. I would have to upgrade to DHS, and then I will need to free up space to enhance weapons. However I hink I am going to splurge and spend some money on this Cataphract to enhance my battlefield life. I think I will spend just under 2 mil c-bills to get DHS and switch to MPLs instead of regular MLs.

Does anyone have good designs of the Cataphract 3D and/or Quickdraw 4G? I would love to see some designs that have worked for others.