PNT-8Z "Slingshot" (3x ERLL, 1x JJ, XL245)

Thread in 'PNT-8Z' started by Garrick Kael, Feb 4, 2016.

  1. Garrick Kael

    Garrick Kael New Member

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    I've been having a lot of fun leveling up this build. As much as I'd love to use PPCs on this mech, the current projectile velocity is too slow for me. However, this build pokes like nobody's business. I rarely do less than 400+ damage or fewer than 2-3 kills.

    Is it fragile? Is it hot? Yes to both, but when I'm in a Light I'm constantly on the move anyway so there's time to avoid return-fire and to cool down.

    Weapon groups:
    1) Chain-fire
    2) All the marbles
     
  2. epikt

    epikt Benefactor

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    Few thoughts:
    - the benefit of the XL245 seems pretty low to me, since it comes with weakly armored legs. With an XL235 you only lose 4 kph and remain full armor on vital parts
    - the mech is hot, and since the range quirk (+25%) already gives you a pretty comfortable 600 meters range with standard lasers there is on most maps no benefit of running ERs (note: laser range quirks will be changed soon, don't exactly know how)
    - another advantage of standard lasers is the very short beam duration
    - if you want PPCs, use the 9R, the 8Z is made for lasers
    - that being said, the 9R can be used for a similar build, this time with ERLLas since you don't have the range boost, but still cooler thank to heat reduction.

    Anyway, it's a good side poker.

    Demo video, from 8min to 13m25s
     
    The Verge likes this.
  3. Garrick Kael

    Garrick Kael New Member

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    You're not wrong about the small difference between the XL235 and the XL245, but this mech is slow for a Light already, so I wanted to squeeze as much speed into it as I could without paying the 'tax' for the XL250.

    I also hear what you're saying about the ERLLs, but with the 8Z'ss quirks, my optimum range extends to 840m, which is pretty spectacular on some maps. Unfortunately, according to the recent town hall it sounds like the Inner Sphere energy range quirks will be normalized down to 10%.

    P.S. Your pop-tarting skills are epic! I aspire to that level of ability.
     
  4. epikt

    epikt Benefactor

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    Indeed, but useless on most maps. Not to mention you don't have control of your team's movement, so you might not be able to use your range properly (on Tourmaline for example, this is a great ERLLas map, but if your team don't go where you want you can't properly use the angles).
    If I was sure to drop on a long range map, I would certainly take ER, but in PUG I prefer some versatility.

    As you said the ERLLas range quirks will be nerfed soon. Hopefully the standard LLas quirk will remain, the stock mech is a LLas build after all.

    Thanks.
    (not to brag but I feel a bit rusty right now, last spring when all I played was the Panther-9R my aim was much steadier. As always, practice and muscle memory makes it perfect :smug: )
     
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