Johann Callasan
Caldari
   |
Posted - 2009.07.05 09:36:00 -
[1]
 Originally by: Baelwuff
Hello again everyone!
I've got a Caldari alt that I plan to use for some level 1 mission running. My basic question is whether to stick with Merlin you get from the rookie missions or to switch to a Kestrel. I've seen enough on my other toons to know that missiles seem to provide the best frigate damage choice (for those just starting out at least).
The Merlin has better power/CPU, better shields and armor as well as an additional mid-slot, while the Kestrel has the distinction of 4 launcher (for ultimate missile love) and large cargohold, but in other aspsects seems inferior. Is there a prevailing opinion?
Also, I have at least some level of salvage trained (lvl 3 I believe). Is it worth bothering to salvage the frigate and smaller pirates you run into for level 1 missions? Bear in mind I'm fairly poor, so any cash flow is fairly good at this point!!
Wuff
Well, here's some other opinions for you...
1) I used a Merlin for l1 missioning, before I got into a dessie for easystreet missioning. Kestrels are fine as they are - I didn't like 'em though. Perhaps it was for the simple reason that when I got one (as part of the "Cash Flow for Capsuleers" mission chain), I had minimal fitting skills and could only fit Rockets on it - which, given the Kessie's lack of tank, wasn't real optimal at the time. Kessies can be VERY potent mission ships - if you have the skills to be able to fit 4 light launchers on the thing, so your weapons can outrange the rats - Kessies don't do well in slugfests, Merlins do better.
2) I used 2 light launchers/2 rails on my Merlin setup - worked pretty well, even through things like Worlds Collide. You DEFINITELY learn to kite in a Merlin in those kind of missions  Other than that, the main limitation of a Merlin (indeed, of all really potent Caldari ships) is lack of speed, meaning that if you can fit a AB without compromising anything, do it. Some will call the split weapons design a limitation - I didn't, as I could then specialize half the weapons if I needed to - which happened less and less as I learned the game.
Hope that helps you out, and good luck to you!
|