Comments:
CPLT-C1: I enjoy piloting this 'mech. Most of that's sentimental. Because of the jump jets, it's capable of doing fairly well in many cases. It isn't going to outperform the K2, on average, but I regularly bring out the C1 when the K2 seems like overkill. Heat's the largest downside, but it isn't as bad as the Blackjack 1 or the Jenner F. Once you're out of ammo, it functions as a reasonably effective tank for its weight, as long as you can keep your legs out of harm's way and remember to use your back armor. The missile boxes are difficult for the enemy
not to hit, which is great once you're out of ammo.
CPLT-C4: I don't own one, but it seems more generally capable than the C1. The two smalls make it look undergunned, but SL are the most efficient Inner Sphere energy weapon at close range -- the best damage per heat. You will be in less of a bind when someone is inside your LRM minumum range than the C1 is. Even with two tons of ammo per LRM launcher, however, you've got to be careful with the salvos -- you only have eighteen. Choose the C4 over the C1 if you prefer sustainability (in terms of both heat & ammo) to raw firepower and versatility.
CN9-A: the armor on this variant is dangerously low, particularly worrisome for the right shoulder with the ammo. I would recommend the CN9-AL instead -- better armor, similar amount of firepower. However, that doesn't mean that the CN9-A is a
bad choice; it looks capable enough, if a bit inferior to other options for the same weight.
BJ-1: unbearably hot, so little ammo that the AC2s are best saved for close-range emergencies (e.g. he's cored and you're too hot to use the lasers). Does have jump jets, but this makes the heat problem even worse. I own & pilot one, but I only recommend it for masochists. The BJ-1X is a better option -- even without the jump jets & AC2s, the better speed & heatsinks allow it to perform better in general, as long as one uses the MLs as the primary weapon system.
GRF-1N: I love these. Or, rather, my Raven 4X does; she eats them. TBH, you wouldn't catch me piloting one of these if it were the last 'mech in the Sphere; I hate being entirely defenseless once someone gets close to me.
Your results may differ. : )
Recommendation:
Consider a Raven 4X. This lovely little brawler is everything a stock T1 light ought to be, and it's refreshing to see this former underdog shine at last. Despite being slow for a light 'mech, this isn't among her few flaws; the firepower & jump jets make up for it. The only real drawback is the vulnerable legs -- a good gunner in a Hunchback 4G can leg you in four seconds and finish you in another eight, if you aren't careful to protect your legs by attacking with popup maneuvers.
Do not pilot this Raven like a light 'mech; treat her like a medium 'mech with weak legs, and you'll do fine.
Edited by Carl Avery, 12 August 2014 - 11:11 AM.
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Malleus011, on 12 August 2014 - 09:36 AM, said:
