4 replies to this topic

[Simply4Riot]

I'm new to the game a need some help picking a mech I've enjoyed playing in the light trial spider running up and bugging people and all that I have got a few kills here and there and a bunch of assts so just looking on some imput on wats a good mech to get like that I suppose thx for the help

[Akerlof]

I think the Jenner JR7-F is one of the go-to light mechs: It's fast with jump jets so it can survive pretty well, and it can mount 6 medium lasers, which is a ton of firepower. It's a great mech for running around, wreaking havoc and picking off anything that separates from the herd. (I don't remember the trial Spider's layout, so if you were more interested in sneaking around and sniping from afar, the Raven -3L is very good: It can mount ECM (lets you hide) and 2 ER Large Lasers for good long range firepower, but it can't jump.) The Firestarter is a great mech if you want to spend MC (real money) instead of CBills on the chassis.

The thing about lights is that they're expensive to build: Double Heatsinks cost 1.5 million CBills, the XL 300 engine you'll need on a Jenner costs another 4.5 or so million, Endo Steel internal structures is a few hundred thousand, and Ferro Fibrous armor is pretty pricey as well. You need all those goodies to move fast enough and have enough armor to stay alive, so it's worth the investment. You can also get away with buying one engine and then switching it around the different chassis you have, that's what I do on my Blackjacks. So be aware that the low, low introductory sticker price is one of the smaller components of the actual cost of the mech you'll want to have.

[Logan Bones]

If ya like the trial spider, you might want to check the spider-D which can carry ECM

[Victor Morson]

OP: If you buy a Spider, definitely buy the one with ECM first. That's for sure.

The Spider is a pretty decent high tier 'mech due to it's hard to kill nature, but honestly, it's terrible for solo play; it just lacks the overall firepower you want.

The 2nd reply recommending a Jenner had the right idea. You definitely want one of these; anyone who enjoys piloting lights does. They're very powerful in terms of firepower, and are still extremely fast and jump capable- a true "dog fighter" light.

If you feel like going a little heavier I'd recommend the Shadow Hawk (as it's just an all around, multi-role medium that fits most niches), but there's nothing wrong with going light for sure.

PS: The Firestarters will likely one-up the Jenners when the rest of the variants come out in a few weeks as an FYI; the Jenner will still see use sometimes I think though, in particular in restricted chassis leagues. Just a heads up. In the meantime, definitely grab a Jenner and don't let the cost scare you - you can always move your XL engine around when you start working on your 2nd variant.

[Sandpit]

Victor Morson, on 10 February 2014 - 05:21 AM, said:

don't let the cost scare you - you can always move your XL engine around when you start working on your 2nd variant.

This is a very important piece of information. When you're buying and selling most will recommend that you keep your equipment and just sell the chassis. This will earn you a little less cash up fron when selling but you'll save more in the long run when you start building up the number of mechs you own. You won't have to go out and buy an expensive piece of equipment all over again.
It's an easy mistake to make for new players. If you do this you'll find you have a good stockpile of weapons, equipment, and engines in your inventory that will save you a TON of money later on.