Build Battles #3 - TDR-5SS vs HBR - Wubs

The Thunderbolt:


The Hellbringer:


In a straight up battle of Wub builds, who wins? Well, let's name out the pros and cons of each on paper first:

Thunderbolt, Pro:
-IS quirks give it +15 to RT/LT structure, 15% cooldown bonus, -15% heat gen, and 50% range for MPLs (25% for MPL specific, 25% for energy generic)
-Hard points are spread out across the body, so losing a single side torso doesn't strip all weapons.
-STD engine means it can zombie survive, though it would lose all weapons in the process.
-40% heat efficiency on Smurphy, unless I missed an update though, that doesn't account for quirks yet? (need confirmation)
-More armor allocation than the usual HBR build.
-Left arm can be used as a shield arm to ward damage.
-Faster rate of fire due to quirks.

Thunderbolt, Con:
-Even with Speed Tweak, the 5SS is slower than the HBR, capping out at 82.2 with the standard build.
-No ECM means it is easier to spot.
-No head hardpoint means it can't be a true zombie build.
-Hard point spread out on the left and right, poking out just barely from cover negates the use of 3+ MPLs unless the pilot exposes themselves fully.
-Alpha striking causes ghost heat.

Hellbringer, Pro:
-ECM! Makes the mech harder to spot at range, thus it may easily maneuver into better positions without being fired upon.
-All hardpoints are mounted on one side except for the head, with the majority enjoying high mounts. Great for peeking around corners and above hills, then vanishing behind cover.
-Right arm AND Right Torso can be used to shield damage, though losing the RT will cost some heat sinks.
-Higher damage per alpha at 48, and higher sustained DPS.
-Extended range from Clantech evens the field vs quirk range.
-No Ghost Heat on alpha
-Faster of the two mechs.

Hellbringer, Con:
-No heat quirk, so it runs hotter. Doubly so if it loses the RT DHS.
-Slower fire speed
-90% of the weapons are on the left torso or arm, so taking out the LT negates all but one laser.
-ECM does little once up close 1v1, though it could screw up target info for a bit.

Given equal skill, who would win in a duel? I certainly have my opinions, but curious to see who would agree or disagree

 

My vote is with the Thunderbolt-5SS primarily because of the STD engine and spread hardpoints. The Hellbringer might as well have an Inner Shpere XL, losing that Left Torso = Game over.

 

I can't help but think the HBR would win, mainly because it can hit the 48 alpha and fade behind a rock much easier by utilizing the ECM. I know I've had plenty of matches where I've watched mechs (once, 6 mechs total) just walk past me without noticing where I was. Suddenly, a wild Hellbringer appears with some back alphas to ruin your day! While 1v1 would make it harder to miss, it's still a powerful tool if used right...close match either way.

 

TBolt is too good at mitigating damage for that and only has to keep working that LT and goodbye ecm and half of the firepower. (Arms are worthless for peeking so really just the head laser remains).

 

In a 1on 1 you don't hide and ambush, or it would take forever to finish a match. So ecm is less useful in this situation. Ghost heat is minimal on 1 over limit.
HBR does have better strike range though, with the speed and all that.
TDR would be slightly better, mostly cause of better survival, STD engine, shield arm and all that.

 

7 only triggers on Clan Medium Pulse. Inner Sphere have no ghost heat.

 

This may not be in the same class but for me it gets me into the 700 damage range often and I am not surprised when I get 5 kills in one match with it. On the other hand, it can die VERY quickly which is not fun. Keep moving and use terrain / hills for cover as you fire over or around them.
I need to try the mechs listed above (have not bought them yet) but this guy gets the work done for me.

Edit: don't forget to consider the 110.9kph. Nothing to scoff at.

 

TDR-5SS should win this hands down. Admitted the Loki does have ecm and range on its side, but in 1v1 one should be able to force a brawl fairly easy where the TDR has the advantage.

 

Who would like to test the TDR vs HBR? I can pilot either, would like to have several volunteers and need at least one with premium time.

 

I would volunteer in the BJ-1X
I don't own the others

 

I know. Call me addicted. I'll probably not post on this thread anymore to avoid "cluttering" the conversation because like I said I don't own either... But if you want to 1v1 I would love the chance to be slaughtered. Hahaha.

 

I could pilot the HBR, naturally, but I don't have the TDR. As is known, my schedule also blows for coordinating such things

 

Pending on when, I'm in with both mechs mastered and prem time running. I will be running a marathon stream this weekend to celebrate 1000 followers so for me, this weekend is a little tight. Next week is easier.

I know a BJ-1X pilot whom I would not want to face in either of these mechs and be certain of winning against...

 

Ok. Seriously guys if this battle happens someone get me a ticket to the show (and maybe to the battlefield)

 

I don't usually disagree with you guys, but I have to chime in...

I feel that you are being pretty shortsighted here. I am not saying that BJ-1X is going to be a straight up challenge, but, depending on the pilot and strategies used, that thing can wreck and can absolutely wreck either one of your 'chosen champions' here. Forget meta, pilots are what matters.

Eni, don't want to hide and ambush? For shame, man. Anyone running straight into an open field with any mech deserves to be cored in the back and left to smolder. I would most certainly play cat and mouse and I don't care who it is or what mech it is. Would you wade straight up to a TDR with a Dire Whale? I certainly hope not. Never a good strategy in any situation. Brains > Brawn.

Anyways, if I have missed the entire point and the question was really "Standing 300m apart in an open field and disallowing movement, who would win, TDR or HBR", then I am completely out of line. If not, I think strategy and tactics need to be considered a bit more carefully before definitive statements are made such as "the blackjack would never stand a chance".

Cheers!