10 replies to this topic

[aGentleWarrior]

Dear warriors,

likely like many of you I have many different mechs in my collection. Usually I collect the ones which look in a way I like.

Some of them are specialized for some playstyles which I am not good at, but well, I try from time to time and like the variety.

Recently I thought of a fast mech packed with small lasers or small pulse lasers to add to my collection. Favorable clan...

Currently I have the Jenner IIC with 6 SPL, sometimes I have real fun and succefull games with it, sometimes ... the battles are quite short.

I think of replacing it with a Viper with slightly more firepower and armor.
(I will keep the SRM Jenner IIC in my collection)

Has anyone made experience with those two and can compare and suggest which of these two is better suited for a SL/SPL build?
Or is the Viper better suited for other build then such one?
VPR-C


Or are the arctic cheeta / firestarter so much better for that (although I don't like the look of them)?


Best regards!

[epikt]

I personnally don't like the Viper in a brawler role; I find it kinda squishy. It's maybe only a personal thing.

I find the Arctic Cheetah a great SPLas carrier. It has a small profile, ECM and good jumpjets, I find it better than the Jenner for PUG matches, even if the heat efficiency is lower (mount only 5 lasers if you find 6 to be to hot).
To be honest, the Firestarter is out of fashion, it really suffered from the rescale.

Other SPLas boats I like include the Nova and the Stormcrow.

[TercieI]

While epikt isn't really wrong, I had good success with both 6SPL and 7+ERSL VPRs. I would strongly suggest you do not mix cSPLs and cERSLs since they actually require both different positioning and firing styles. While the same mechs (ACH, JR7-IIC-A, VPR) can thrive with both, they don't really go on the same build.

[Spheroid]

I recommend not selling that Jenner and that you use your Viper-C with its stock pods and build around the machine gun quirk.

Flamers are quite bad and no Viper has the durability to use them in a knife fight.

Edited by Spheroid, 14 November 2016 - 08:36 AM.

[Osulf]

I enjoy taking out my Vipers now and again but I do find them to be very squishy and you can quickly lose arms & legs. As such I find it needs careful positioning. I often use it to try & chase down the other sides lights or protect the lrm boats or assaults from lights. Then when I see an opening such as an isolated enemy mech I strike. I do use 6 ersl on the Medusa or 4 s/pl & 4 MG on my prime (with variant pods). They are both fun builds. With those builds they are nearer to a light but because of their size they are easy to hit compared to a light.
However, if you can get to the back of any enemy mech with these builds they hit hard but 6 ersl soon overheat.
I recommend giving them a go but they will suit those who like to hit and run rather than those who brawl, in my opinion

[epikt]

TercieI, on 14 November 2016 - 06:53 AM, said:

While epikt isn't really wrong, I had good success with both 6SPL and 7+ERSL VPRs.

I have good success too, using 9 ER smalls. Not only it works (kinda), but it's also great fun to pilot. But you have to play it cagy or you won't last long.

(I agree about not mixing SPLas with ERSLas)

[TercieI]

epikt, on 14 November 2016 - 11:38 AM, said:

I have good success too, using 9 ER smalls. Not only it works (kinda), but it's also great fun to pilot. But you have to play it cagy or you won't last long.

(I agree about not mixing SPLas with ERSLas)

I know a lot of folks like 9-11, but I was happiest with just 7. I could alpha it and I wasn't tempted to stay anywhere for that second shot.

[Rintero Pryde]

HBK-4P 9 SMPL build. Standard 275 engine takes the hunchback to 95kph with speed tweak, and although a 45 alpha doesn't sound too impressive, when played with a cool down module your dps becomes insane. Smurfy rates the SUSTAINED dps of this 'mech to be 5.93, and Smurfy doesn't account for modules. Heat management is 1.3.

I use this mech for Scouting. A group of 4 can melt any mech in no time flat.

36 damage is indeed the actual number. Must learn to math gooder.

Haven't played with it yet but HBK-IIC-A could probably rock a nasty SMPL build, too. Plus the advantage of Clan xls

Edited by Rintero Pryde, 15 November 2016 - 07:06 PM.

[SlightlyMobileTurret]

9SPL are 36 damage, but I get your point

[TooDumbToQuit]

The Viper C is clearly the best IMO.

For certain things the Viper is great. No other mech can beat it from one side of any map to the other. IN HPG, I can jump on the way, run around and take their base and jump back on the wall etc.

It really needs an ECM version but.....

[Rear Admiral Tier 6]

use 9 sl in the Viper C,trim head armor to 12,otherwise full,14 dhs