7 replies to this topic

[Valrock]

So I've changed up pace a little, and am running a surprise LRM rig out of a HBK-4SP. It sounds weird, I know, but the speed and manoeuvrability of a brawler mech like the 4SP allows me to place very effective LRM salvos from a mere 250-350 meters, staying out of the major fray and still coming out of most matches with 450-500 damage. Not huge numbers, but big enough for what I'm doing.
Basic setup is:

STD 250 engine
4 Small lasers, 2 in each arm
LRM 10
LRM 15
4 ton ammo
AMS w/ 1 ton ammo

Endo and DHS, altho i dont have a single DHS equipped, only what's built into my engine. Heat is 0 problem for me, thanks to the fact that I never can truly alpha, due to weapon range limitations.

The big question here is in Beagle Active Probe. Since most of my LRM bombing is relatively short range, are there any real advantages to dropping AMS to pick up BAP? I've got plenty of crit slots available, its really just weight that's limiting me right now.

Ideally I'd like to find a way to drop 3 ton, upgrade the LRM 10 I have for a 15, and throw on an extra ton of ammo, but that's a topic for a different time

Cheers

Val

[ElcomeSoft]

I tend to use BAP on my longer range builds (Gauss, Large Lasers, PPC's etc) to help me pick up targets earlier, get me the information quicker and it does a decent job of raking in an extra bit of experience through 'spotting'.

As for use with LRM's, I'm not entirely sure it'll be all that great. That said, you should be able to get longer range locks by yourself, without the outside influence of having scouts/brawlers doing the locking for you.

IF you are typically direct fire LRM'ing from sub-500m ranges, you may benefit the most from Artemis (lock time, spread improvements but expensive and weighty considering your mech size) or dropping 2 SL's for a TAG Laser which should also decrease lock times. On a side note, your SL's won't be doing much damage in your typical engagement ranges so I would honestly suggest swapping them out for Medium Lasers.

If I was running the build like you were (and really, I can't see myself being any good at it because it doesn't quite suit me) then I'd drop the 4 Small Lasers for 1 TAG laser and 1 Medium Laser. This will give you a direct energy punch out to around the 450-500m range as well as speed up the lock time of your LRM's, without adding excessive costs or adding any additional heat concerns.

[SixstringSamurai]

Artemis would be a bigger cost for you. It increases the slots and tonnage of each launcher by 1 so you would gain 2 tons. BAP is 1.5 the exact weight of AMS + 1 ton ammo. Both will increase your lock speed. Ammo for Artemis costs more as well so you'll have the cost to swap over and an increased re-arm cost. If your at max weight right now you will have to make changes to your engine to keep the same load out. BAP would only require dropping the AMS and it increases your sensor range.

For what your trying to do with your mech it's not really necessary. It's more for long range and streaks.

Honestly I would just save your money for an XL engine. That should give you the tonnage for 2 LRM15s and some more ammo.

Edited by SixStringSamurai, 02 December 2012 - 03:28 AM.

[Valrock]

I hadn't considered going to XL engine, just because all the HBK crowd kept saying they were suicidal for the brawler mech, but I hardly count as that any more. Down side, 3.5-4 million cbills. I can buy my second HBK variant for that much. Ouch. But, i suppose if I want to chase this dream any further, its worth it.

As for the small lasers, they're mostly just for trying to drive off harassing light's, and 4 smalls are more effective over the short time that you can line up a mech than 2 mediums are (see: http://mwomercs.com/...-melt-properly/ )

Will definitely look into dropping some weight for a TAG system tho, considering losing the AMS + ammo and picking up tag and half a ton of armor that I dropped earlier in the build.


Thanks for the tips

[ElcomeSoft]

Hopefully something helps improve your mech in a way that keeps it fun

I didn't suggest the XL Engine for the same main reason I shied away from recommending Artemis, the money required initially and the maintenance costs. It's quite possible that an XL engine would improve your combat performance but there's a heavy price and as always, a very personal choice.

Good luck with your tweaking and I hope you'll come back to us, outlining what you've tried, what works and what doesn't, and what you've finally settled on.

[MadPanda]

It's not worth it. Only mech its worth is streak cat because it speeds up the time you get a lock on enemy. If you want the censor increase then get the module instead, it doesn't take any crit slots or tonnage.

[Stingz]

BAP is really good for LRM boats. You don't have to count on teammates to lock, and you get +25% radar range(1 km). LRM max range is conveniently BAP radar range too.

Edited by Stingz, 02 December 2012 - 07:33 AM.

[Lege]

It's good on larger LRM boats. It doesn't seem worth it on small LRM boats, you give up too much firepower for it.