Like this build more as a closer range brawler type, has a nice dps output, and spreads the weapons out more, plus with the standard engine its pretty solid, everyone here seems to love XL's but Ive won the last 4 1v1's with Heavy Metals by taking out their side torsos. Their fault for getting so close I suppose though. The single jump jet isn't for popping, all it does is allow me to turn on the spot, this with the LPL's has scared off more than a few lights. I've taken down a lot of big mechs with this, just drill through a location of your choosing then pop the SRM's in there to crit it off. Ive not seen many similar builds to this, if anyone else gives something similar a go then let me know how you get on.
My current iteration of the HM is exactly the same weapon-wise. I still use the XL325 I bought especially for this mech, a tad more armor and am also running 3 JJ as the LPL + Gauss combo enables some nice poptarting when in close range. Never tried a STD engine in the HGNs, but the survivability using the XL doesn't seem to be significantly lower as people seem to aim for the CT anyway.
30 should be sufficient in most cases. You can do some risky shots at long range or in an infight in the midst of buildings as well, but as soon as you get the hang of the slug's speed you'll hit your shots and usually won't run out before the end of the round. In those rare occasions where you completely run out of ammunition there are still those 2 LPL and most of the remaining opponents should be severly damaged anyway. EDIT: If you're still scared about insufficient ammunition, you can exchange one of the Heatsinks for either an additional ton or add a ML in the remaining energy hardpoint. ML and LPL are comparable regarding their range so you can group them together easily.
No rear armor on the CT? EDIT AFTER FIRST MATCH: This build is BOSS! I got 3 kills and 1 Assist. Knocked a couple of Atlas's and one pesky little Jenner. The heat is not an issues. Great build! A big HOWEVER! though. Having no armor on the rear CT has done me in fast a couple of times. It is not ideal to be able to be aware of what is behind with you with all the ECM on the battlefield. So I would suggest adjusting some armor to the rear, maybe at the expense of one heat sink?
I gave up a heat sink for a Medium Pulse Laser. I don't find it much worse on heat, but I do chain my lasers normally. So that may be play-style. This thing totally rocks for the first time. I actually get music playing on a regular basis now! Thanks
I agree with wc5b. At 47% heat efficiency, you can afford to ditch a HS or two and get more boom-boom.
