9 replies to this topic

[Jamjor]

My friend wants to get a better engine for his Shadowhawk 2H. He is interested in a triple AC2 build, as well as probably something similar to the trial (2 ac5, 1 ppc).

I told him to save for the XL280. Is that the best choice?

[Dagon Zur]

You did good..

I think XL280 (~90kph when tweaked) is ideal for most SHD builds, followed by XL300 (~97kph) , X255 (~80kph) , XL265 (~85kph).

For that ballistic heavy builds he might go XL255 or XL265 for more ammo (stripping arms of everything helps freeing space too).

I got my 1st XL280 when i bought a CTF-3D on sale... it is the best way to grab a "cheap" XL.

Edited by Dagon Zur, 22 September 2014 - 11:36 PM.

[Thorqemada]

You could go with a STD-270 for ~87kph (Speedtweak], FF, ENDO, 2JJs and 2x UAC5 with 6t Ammo - if you do not like to JJ you have 1t for additional Ammo - the whole right side + LA of the Mech is stripped from most Armor.

3x AC2 weights the same taking less crispace.

With a STD-250 (2t less than a 270) you go ~81kph (Speedtweak] though i really feel the Mech to clumsy but for a long range harasser mobility isnt that big thing - now you can add a LRM5 or SRM4 to the Head or put even more Ammo into it...

Edited by Thorqemada, 23 September 2014 - 01:08 AM.

[Darwins Dog]

An alternative suggestion: the SHD-5M comes with an XL 275. If your friend needs another mech for mastery, this is a good choice since it also comes with DHS and Endo-Steel.

However, if he is buying an engine, then the XL 280 is the better choice (same weight, but faster).

[TercieI]

The XL255, XL280 and XL300 are all good choices for the SHD. Additionally, they're all widely useful and even if you don't find them perfect on the SHD, you'll be glad you have them in the long term.

Like DD said, the XL275 is a reasonable sub for the 280 if you want the 5M anyway.

[T0rmented]

Never buy an XL275 though, revcieve free ones pre built into mechs sure, but never buy one yourself the xl280 weighs exactly the same

[TercieI]

T0rmented, on 23 September 2014 - 05:39 AM, said:

Never buy an XL275 though, revcieve free ones pre built into mechs sure, but never buy one yourself the xl280 weighs exactly the same

100 times this. Between 55-tonners and the Heavy Metal, I've ended up with...too many. Sold all but one (it is max engine size for a few chassis, though few are XL-friendly).

Also, If you have the 2H, the 5M is pretty similar. For more variety, I'd recommend either 2D or 2D2 and the 2K.

[Hospy]

As mentioned above, the Cataphract-3D has a 280xl that comes with it and is a great 'mech to try out as well.

Might be more expensive in the short term but if you are ever interested in the chassis, there's another reason to pick one up.

[Marvyn Dodgers]

And since it has been forgotten so far, check out

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/

for a design playground, good hunting!

[Scandinavian Jawbreaker]

Jamjor, on 22 September 2014 - 11:19 PM, said:

My friend wants to get a better engine for his Shadowhawk 2H. He is interested in a triple AC2 build, as well as probably something similar to the trial (2 ac5, 1 ppc). I told him to save for the XL280. Is that the best choice?

XL280 really is the best choice. That engine can also be used in (what comes to my mind atm) Jenner D, Raven 3L ER LL sniper, Cataphract 3D dual gauss sniper and of course various other Shadow Hawk builds.

Instead of triple AC2 build, I recommend your friend tries and uses this one instead with 2 AC5 and AC2:
Shadow Hawk 2H

Edited by ugrakarma, 23 September 2014 - 04:37 PM.