Cpl Punnishment
Caldari
Steel Fleet
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Posted - 2009.06.07 19:16:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Cpl Punnishment on 07/06/2009 19:20:12
Like others have posted, I would have to say that I like flying the Cerb as DPS support. When comparing the various race HACs, it is important to understand that the various races HACs shine in what they are designed for. That being said, some have more flexibility than others in supporting more useful roles, (ie. Tackle, DPS, Range, Tank, Solo) And a few sips have a broad enough blend to be able to stand on their own. If you look at a SAC for example, It is a platform that offers a decent blend of enough things to be able to stand on its own for solo PVP. Does it have Zealot DPS? No.. But if you get tackled.. and you have a set of light drones on you, what would you rather be in? The important thing is to try to realize what play style you prefer. This might help you decide what to focus on.
I started flying the Cerb as my first HAC. I used it as support DPS for small to medium gangs. I liked the ROF for pumping Heavies into your target. I didn't try setting up at max range for these these fleets. I guess mostly I used it in camping situations. I used on Sensor Booster usually fit with Scan Res script. I would be about 40k off target or so to try to quickly get a lock and DPS on the target. From there you are aligned, and can decide if you want to put more range between you and the target, or if you wish to close distance to take travel time off missile flight time between launch and impacts. But you are correct to realize that the benefit of the Cerb's range are not always on your side. It can also be used as an amazing anti-frig platform using AML. Interceptors and AFs will hate you. But again.. this is a bit of a small roll to play. Feels grate when you get to use your ship they way you have it fitted out, but dumb when you find yourself in a situation where you are not in the right fit for the ship. And as for as the no drones go.. well, it is what it is. I tried to look on the bright side of having one less thing to worry about. LOL. Just make sure that if it the situation looks to be going south, that you are aligned and ready to gtfo. Tank is not the Cerbs strength. And you don't want to find yourself in a bubble, sling or otherwise. But who does?
I got a bit tired of being a one trick pony in gangs with the Cerb. So I decided to train up for the Sac. The Sac it designed to be used up close. It is all that the Cerb is not. It doesn't have awesome DPS, but it can solo, and offer great Heavy Tackle support with Point and Web. So the Cerb and Sac work at opposite ends of the spectrum. If you jump into a fight, you want to quickly get up close and personal with your target. Your target needs to be in HAM range.
Like previous posters have stated, the HAM drake is an excellent option. I love drakes. Many times in PVP they are not taken seriously. When fitted for damage, HAMS, Point, and Web, they can be a nasty surprise. I know that you want to get into a HAC, but this is a great way to practice your SAC skills in a less expensive platform. Yeah, its not as flashy as a HAC, but it won't make your wallet flash quite as much when it is time to replace it either.
I can only comment on what I fly, but I like them all for different rolls. I already had the missile skills, so the Caldari came first. But if you want to be more involved, then consider using a HAM Drake while you skill up for the Amar Sac. When you are comfortable with your skills and tactics of being up-close take the SAC out for a spin. If the odds look bad, know that you can jump into the HAM Drake and not have much to lose, while raining some bad news on your targets..
Have fun
Cpl Punnishment
PS Battle Clinic offers good cookie cutter load outs for Dual MAR Sac and Ham Drakes. Need anything else, I would be happy to help. |