Ive never played tau before, only fought them.. but ive been listening to all the good (and bad) advice flying around & I thought
id (try) and lend a hand by posting up what I think would actually make a competative tau list.
HQ: Shas'
el +
TL-Missle pod
+Positional relay
+Bonding knife
+
HW-target lock = 93
Elites: 2x Crisis battlesuit
+Flamer
+
TL-fusion gun = 98
2x Crisis battlesuit
+Flamer
+
TL-fusion gun = 98
6x Stealthsuit team
+Team leader
+
HW drone controller
+Marker droner
+Bonding knife = 220
Troops: 9x Fire warrior team
+Shas'ui team leader
+markerlight = 110
6x Fire warriors =60
10x Kroot Carnivore squad
+7x Kroot hound = 112
10x Kroot Carnivore squad
+7x Kroot hound = 112
Fast Attack: 8xPathfinder Team
+EMP grenades
+Devilfish transport
+Multi-tracker
+Disruption Pod
+Fleshette Discharger = 225
Heavy Support: HammerHead Gunship
+Disruption pods
+Multi-tracker
+Gun drones
+Ion Cannon = 140
1x Broadside Battlesuit = 115
+ASS
+team leader
+
HW drone controller
+2x Shield drone
1x Broadside Battlesuit = 115
+ASS
+Team leader
+
HW drone controller
+2x Shield drone
= 1498
Okay - The stealth team would be more of a personal choice - but they put out a good amount of
str 5 firepower & are hard to get rid of (Generally snip & replace with plasma & missile pod/fusion suits). The Shas'
el commander chills with the 12man firewarrior squad (oo & now the squad can shoot at light vehicles!). He, along with the devilfish, brings in fusion suits if need be. Kroot outflank or scout as per.
I know people will naturally disagree with the Ion head but think of this - It moves 12", can fire everything (including the drones, see drone entry) and this is generally awesome. Its simply filling a different role to the Railhead.
Oh - EMP grenades, are they worth 24pts? I think so. You'll loose the ability of thier markerlights but within 12" they will outperform fusion guns on all but fast-moving vehicles; Another personal buy.
Have a read & enjoy.
Edit: Cant spell Competative it seems