Originally by: Sonderkommando

---

Edited by: Sonderkommando on 12/05/2009 08:52:54
I like both HML and HAM set ups. I would have to say something along the lines of the cookie cutter HAM is hard to beat in the "ideal" situation. Unfortunately, many times I find myself outside of the HAM drakes effective capabilities. It is sweet when you can make it work though. Many times I find myself fighting the Drake's slow align time and speed to get to my target before he has time to decide if he wants to stay or go. And I used to use Extender Rigs exclusivly, but as of late I have been using one Extender, one Thermal, and one EM Resistance. But, Its nice having all the buffer you can fit on a HAM ship.

But as for HML Drakes, I think the options open up a bit more. I have been using:

7 HML T2 with Scourge

2 Invuls T2,LSE T2, Faint Warp Disruptor,MWD T2, Sensor Booster T2 W/Scan Res

3 T2 BCUs, T2 DCU

1 Extender Rig, EM Resist Rig, Therm Resist Rig (could use all Extenders if you feel its worth it.)

Rough EFT looks like something between 73K total HP with Resist Rigs Vs. 83K with all Extender Rigs. The benifit of using the Resist Rigs would be that they are cheaper, and offer slightly better resists. But sometimes just having a few more HP can make the difference between winning the fight and podding it home. It has been my overall experience that by the time total HP begin to matter, it more often than not just means a slightly longer death. But I would be into hearing what other Drake pilots feel offers the most advantage. I noticed that a few pilots use two Thermal Resist Rigs.

Anyway.. With this fit, I filled one of the mids with a SB with Scan Res, partly due to fitting issues, (ex. faint warp disrupt) but it does allow you to target a bit faster. I feel the HML Drake with Disruptor can be useful over a broader spectrum of situations. Scrams and Webs have to be sitting on top to the target. When they work, they work great. Going HML and Disruptor, sometimes you get lucky and get the 1st point, or at least supplemental point on your target. And if this allows a faster ship to get on top of the target and Scram/Point/or Web the target.. Great. And out to 72K you are slinging HML and sending Warrior IIs to intercept.

I guess what I am trying to say is that each fit requires a slightly different tactical approach. Solo HAM Drake is cool when it works out, but a lot of times I am like, "Oh!! awwww.." as the target warps away. And the range of HML can come in handy when the fight gets spread out a bit and the distance between the Primary and Secondary are going to put your HAMS out of the fight for a bit.

---