14 replies to this topic

[NightmareOmega]

I can't seem to decide between using a Hunchback or a Jenner for my next Mech.

My plan is to run with relatively long range energy weapons and some streak SRM's for more close range defense but I'm not sure if I should go for the quicker and less armored Jenner to utilize the SRM's or use the Hunch as a more laid back style of play.

Either one would work just fine for my play style and I will be getting both but I just need help picking which to get first as grabbing them up with C-Bills takes a little bit ~.^

thanks for any input in advance.

[Zygwen]

You can set your jenner up to have cheaper repear cost. Might not get as many kills though depends how good a light mech pilot you are.

[p00k]

both are excellent mechs, you've narrowed it down to a solid two. you say you want to run relatively long range energy weapons though, which somewhat locks you in to the hunchy.

personally though i think the jenner is loads more fun. fast, jumpjets, no collisions in the current game version, etc. not to mention the obscene lag shield lights have right now

one downside though is that jenners, to really shine, need a lot of expensive stuff. xl engines are several mil, and the upgrades aren't cheap either. while the hunchy can be viable with little more than the right set of weapons, a jenner you can easily spend 6-7m on top of its purchase cost to get it maxed out

[Telthalion]

I vote Hunchback, because Jenners make my backside hurt.

[Krivvan]

Jenners are harder for a newer player to use well and without relying on just running into everything (I don't know what your experience is). Bad habits now will translate into you tripping over everything in the future. Either way they both don't cost too much so a mistake isn't too costly.

[Zphyr]

Well, technically you will earn more c-bills in a jenner, specially if you help out spotting targets. Am not an experienced jenner pilot, but some say that you may need an XL to fully bring out its brilliance in battle... if so, you will have to grind some more millions. Anyway, the hunchie-4SP is quite good as a 1st mech. It's pretty versatile and don't need to tailor it expensively to make it useful. By the way, don't think you can suit that many long range energy weapons (PPC and LL?) and missiles in a light.

[Lord Cochrane]

For the Jenner to shine it needs to run 130kph+ which means a large XL engine - just under 5 million c-bills.
Also the Jenner runs on the hot side with medium lasers, which means small lasers and more close range fighting.
On the plus side jump jets and well I do like to go fast.

So giving the play style you said you like I think you would prefer the Hunchie.

Whichever way you go they are both good chassis.

edit - Just adding that a Jenner that doesn't go fast is a very easy target and won't survive long.

Edited by Lord Cochrane, 04 November 2012 - 12:28 AM.

[ArkS]

If your goal is to grind c-bills, go for jenner. But if you feel comfortable to play with medium and short distance weapons you can go for Hunchbacks. Choose according your playstyle.

[NightmareOmega]

Holy crap you guys are fast +respect for community

anyway....I was running with a Cicada-3C set up like a light (which was fun as all get out) so I don't think converting to a Jenner would be too bad. I'm just worried I'll melt to fast but I suppose that's just the difference between a good pilot and a bad one

I was thinking about taking the Hunch because I heard the max torso turn angle is higher than most 'mechs and figured that would help counter any lights I ran into. Is there any truth to that? (not accounting for pilot lab perks)

I know I should build to defend against back attacks normally but I feel like if I ran the Hunch I might stick back by the boats.



As for the weapon loadout I was thinking an ER large Laser and 2 streaks (at least) which, assuming I did my research right, would run about 10T meaning I could fit it even on the Jenner. I prefer to use a few weapons well as opposed to having tunz o' gunz and (by a loose definition) spamming.




EDIT: I realize the ER LL runs quite hot but I guess saying "I'm willing to try to get used to that" would be the best way to describe my feelings on that note

Edited by NightmareOmega, 04 November 2012 - 12:29 AM.

[Telthalion]

NightmareOmega, on 04 November 2012 - 12:27 AM, said:

...
As for the weapon loadout I was thinking an ER large Laser and 2 streaks (at least) which, assuming I did my research right, would run about 10T meaning I could fit it even on the Jenner. I prefer to use a few weapons well as opposed to having tunz o' gunz and (by a loose definition) spamming.

EDIT: I realize the ER LL runs quite hot but I guess saying "I'm willing to try to get used to that" would be the best way to describe my feelings on that note

Aye. I run a LLas (sometimes ER), a TAG and a pair of SSRM2s on my Raven in its target-spotting configuration. So they'll fit on a Jenner as well.

Though that build uses a RVN-3L's stock XL210 engine, so you'll only be cruising at about 98kph. A bigger engine would cut into your loadout.

Edited by Telthalion, 04 November 2012 - 12:35 AM.

[Adridos]

NightmareOmega, on 04 November 2012 - 12:27 AM, said:

I'm just worried I'll melt to fast but I suppose that's just the difference between a good pilot and a bad one

I was thinking about taking the Hunch because I heard the max torso turn angle is higher than most 'mechs and figured that would help counter any lights I ran into. Is there any truth to that? (not accounting for pilot lab perks)

EDIT: I realize the ER LL runs quite hot but I guess saying "I'm willing to try to get used to that" would be the best way to describe my feelings on that note

Unless you wither: stop, face an SRM user, or run in straight lines, there is 0 chance you're gonna get hit. Adn actually, Jenner has better and wider twist angle.

lastly, just use the normal LL. The added heat for that small range increase is not worth it,

[Lawler]

Light mechs are actually easier to survive in for longer periods than assaults unless you overheat and shut down, stop moving for some reason, or get caught out in the rain. They're extremely hard to target and seem to get the most benefit from doubled armor because of it. Streaks will make you rage flip tables until the targeting change.

That said, mediums with burly engines can do quite well, too. Added armor protection with limited but better mobility than most lets them move around the battle relatively well. Add to this an improved weapons payload and you can get kills in short order. I actually prefer centurions, but loaded with endo steel, an XL engine and your choice of shooty death, anything can shine if you put soe love into it.

[Cybermech]

both hunch and jenner are close range combat tbh.
cause of the hunchbacks big torso even the 4sp at range is an easy hit.
Lights and mediums really need speed to survive, you would find it easier to make them into lrm boats then using long range energy weapons effectively.

not saying it can't be done at all, just your choice on hunchback will force you to go for closer setups as you will notice the increase in kills.
I would recommend going for a cat for long range fighting, got the space and wieght for the weapons and heat sinks to function.

[Krivvan]

Zphyr, on 04 November 2012 - 12:10 AM, said:

Well, technically you will earn more c-bills in a jenner, specially if you help out spotting targets. Am not an experienced jenner pilot, but some say that you may need an XL to fully bring out its brilliance in battle... if so, you will have to grind some more millions. Anyway, the hunchie-4SP is quite good as a 1st mech. It's pretty versatile and don't need to tailor it expensively to make it useful. By the way, don't think you can suit that many long range energy weapons (PPC and LL?) and missiles in a light.

You don't need the XL. Before I got my XL I was using my Standard 245 to pretty much the same effect.

[NightmareOmega]

Cybermech, on 04 November 2012 - 12:34 AM, said:

both hunch and jenner are close range combat tbh.
cause of the hunchbacks big torso even the 4sp at range is an easy hit.
Lights and mediums really need speed to survive, you would find it easier to make them into lrm boats then using long range energy weapons effectively.

not saying it can't be done at all, just your choice on hunchback will force you to go for closer setups as you will notice the increase in kills.
I would recommend going for a cat for long range fighting, got the space and wieght for the weapons and heat sinks to function.

That does make sense when you put things that way I agree. It would feel like I'm always taking hits in a bigger 'mech. For me to feel safe in my Cicada I needed to be at least at 100 KPH and a hunch could only push 84.2 with a 260 inside. So I know I wouldn't be running circles around enemies. I wanted to try it because with the loadout I've chosen would allow for about 16.5 tons of armor for the hunch with the standard engine I have (250) and standard structure. Do you think that would be strong enough to get into the thick of things and stand a chance?

Edited by NightmareOmega, 04 November 2012 - 12:50 AM.