Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hi everyone,

Like the title asks, I'd like to know what the community feels about the extra Side Sponsons that can be upgraded on a Baneblade. For those of you who haven't used one before, the upgrade is worth 100 points, which gives the Baneblade an extra side sponson on both sides, each with a Lascannon and a TL Heavy Bolter.

Four (4) weapons, two Anti-Tank, two Anti-Infantry. All for 100 points.

Worth it? Yes or No?

Thanks for replying!

I'm not sure you're reading the entry right. I was always under the impression that the extra armour upgrade gave you 14 AV, and that the extra 100 points just gave you the sponsons back.

Brunius wrote:I'm not sure you're reading the entry right. I was always under the impression that the extra armour upgrade gave you 14 AV, and that the extra 100 points just gave you the sponsons back.

With the Baneblade, you basically have 3 options:

-1 pair of sponsons, each with a HF or HB and a Lascannon.

-2 pairs of sponsons, each with a HF or HB and a Lascannon, for plus 100 points.

-No sponsons, which grants side AV 14 at no extra cost.

I've only used mine in a game once, but it seemed to me that having another pair so sponsons wouldn't be all that helpful; fire arcs can get to be a bit problematic with a tank as big as the baneblade. The base pair worked well, though.

i generally just go with the normal side sponsons....since both sides ralrey fire at the same ting, those extra few shots do little or nothing to swing the battle....and 100 points is another hev wep team, good part of tac squad etc thats more effective. not to mention the extra $$ required to outfit said model wth said upgrade....but im cheap that way

Interesting points from everyone...

Ok, so here's my personal take, for the moment...

I'm asking b/c I plan on participating in a big Apocalypse game next year, and I'm planning my list. I expect to see at least 5-10 other Super Heavies coming against my side, with the possibility of a few Gargantuan creatures as well.

For another 100 points, the two extra Lascannons could come in handy. With the TL Heavy Bolters, I'm sure I could find something to shoot at, whether it be Orks or Tyranid swarms.

And if I'm shooting at other Super Heavies, I don't think LOS would be an issue.

I'll give it some more thought... Thanks everybody!

I don't think I'd go with the extra side armor as its rarely going to get used. At range they'll be shooting at your front or they'll be assaulting your rear armor up close.

I agree with minigun762, your side armor will rarely be called into question, unless your unlucky in a crossfire, or deep strikers ect ect

And if your going against other superheavies, I personally think the sponson weaponry is well worth it, although if your expecting that much trouble, why not go for a Shadowsword?

Chaos Lord Gir wrote:I agree with minigun762, your side armor will rarely be called into question, unless your unlucky in a crossfire, or deep strikers ect ect

And if your going against other superheavies, I personally think the sponson weaponry is well worth it, although if your expecting that much trouble, why not go for a Shadowsword?

Nothing against the Shadowsword. And quite frankly, now that I look at that tank, I don't see why I'd pick a Baneblade at all over it. A Strength D weapon over the Baneblade Cannon and Demolisher Cannon isn't that bad of a trade.

I do, however, have 2 Warhound Titans that I'll be bringing as well. So, that being said, I'm definitely not short on Strength D weapons. So with the Baneblade, I'll have (in theory at least) an additional weapon, as opposed to the Shadowsword.

Thanks for the advice still!

I use the shadowsword with the extra sponsons. If you are spending that much on a centre piece you may as well go all the way and get the sponsons. I think it looks much better too. Also, don't forget that the side armour is used for any aircraft shot no matter which side its on.

I can, however, see the advantage of a baneblade. Well, a hellhammer anyway. The ability to turn your main gun independently can be invaluble. The large cover denying blast also helps.

The drawback of the Shadowsword is the small template and only 1 shot. Sure whatever you hit will die, but you're hitting A LOT less units then you would with the Baneblade.

Its better for sniping Land Raiders or other AV14 units since SD auto-pens, but against infantry, light armor or just multiple targets, the Baneblade comes out ahead.

EDIT: Its true about the side armor and and aircraft but I don't see that many flyers personally.

Flyers are rather unpopular in the Apocalypse games I've played too, for some reason. Occasionally there will be a Valkyrie here and there, but not that many. And even so, just about every IG player I know brings at least one AA tank or weapon.

I'd use the extra sponsons for 100pts. I have used something like that in my games, the extra lascannons are always a good plus when attempting to put down struct points or the occasional terminators that would definitely try to put down your own struct points, so please go ahead with the upgrade.