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Pathfinders are a favorite unit of mine. But, I typically don't run them, because they're rather worthless.

They're great at taking out a MC, but that's about it.

Pinning is simply too worthless to even consider. Once you remove fearless units and units with a high enough Ld to pass most tests, you're not left with much that can be reasonably pinned.

The enhanced cover save is really cool, but then they get a flamer tossed at them, or they get charged and you're done.

They're certainly a fun unit, but not a competitive one.

A Squad of guardians CAN kill more than 1 or 2 models per turn.
Support platforms CAN kill more than 1 or 2 models per turn.
And i would rather take either of those units over rangers, they're good at what they do, but they're damage output is awful for the points you pay.

5 rangers - 95
10 guardians w/h EML - 100, sits on objective in cover at the back hittng vehicles, 5 more wounds and a missile launcher for an extra 5 points)

5 pathfinders - 120
3 vibro cannons - 120, Auto glance vehicles, pinning + D6 wounds, can't hold objectives however

10 rangers - 190
10 DA w/h exarch dual shuricata bladestorm - 152, scoring anti infantry, weight of fire can put down the same number of 3+,2+ Sv units, 38 points cheaper

10 pathfinders - 240
5 DA in a falcon w/h EML HF - 230, 2 AP2 shots(S8) 1 AP3(S8) and it can hold objectives, 10 points cheaper

I personally find these better choices than rangers, as with all things however YMMV and if you have fun playing them then do so

...Vibro cannons..?

Rangers are awesome objective holders, second only to bikes in the Eldar list. As Pathfinders they have an insane save and super maneuverability. Just holding a unit of Avengers in a Falcon or Serpent on an objective is a waste of that units firepower and ability to grab other objectives. I would always way rather have a small squad that seems like the smallest threat being ignored and winning the game.

They are the grots of the Eldar army! Everyone ignores them and they win games.

Walls wrote:Just holding a unit of Avengers in a Falcon or Serpent on an objective is a waste

Of course it is, and only an idiot would do that. You can't claim any objectives until the last turn. At that point, a Falcon or Wave Serpent with Avengers can claim any single objective within 24" of them.

Pathfinders have to sit on theirs. So, logically, they're the stupid ones to claim objectives.

Walls wrote:Rangers are awesome objective holders, second only to bikes in the Eldar list. As Pathfinders they have an insane save and super maneuverability. Just holding a unit of Avengers in a Falcon or Serpent on an objective is a waste of that units firepower and ability to grab other objectives. I would always way rather have a small squad that seems like the smallest threat being ignored and winning the game.

They are the grots of the Eldar army! Everyone ignores them and they win games.

3 S8 shots is a waste of fire power it's a 5 man squad, it's not wasted it's keeping them safe, safer than a 2+ cover save will, also i believe rangers lack 'the ability to grab other objectives' more so than a falcon
Another point, i don't personally consider a 6" move 'super maneuverability' even with infiltrate, infiltrating onto objectives might be closer to flame templates, their goes that insane save. I just think that there are better choices out there than rangers, as for being compared to 'grots' i disagree, as they're 19 points!!!

loota boy wrote:...Vibro cannons..?

I know they're terrible but IMO i think that they could do more than 5 pathfinders, especially against vehicles

loota boy wrote:...Vibro cannons..?

vibro cannon
heavy support choice Which you will never see. I much prefer the other two SWB options (although the night-spinner has made these a little redundant).

I am not sure how relevant they are to this discussion anyway.

mal wrote:

loota boy wrote:...Vibro cannons..?

vibro cannon
heavy support choice Which you will never see. I much prefer the other two SWB options (although the night-spinner has made these a little redundant).

I am not sure how relevant they are to this discussion anyway.

I know what they are, I was just questioning the fact that someone recommended them.