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Ok so for those of you that don't know Sabre guns are basically forgeworld artillery that take the place of a heavy weapon squad in an infantry platoon, except with T7, scout, interceptor, twin-linked and skyfire. The only downsides were the immobility and the cost per shot (although that last one was offset by the fact that they're scoring and super durable).
So here's the conundrum:
Typically these sabres would be taken in individual squadrons, to split firepower effectively to where it's needed. However, with the fantastic new orders from the AM book, is it worth squadron-ing them to fully benefit?
Which is better, 3 separate lascannons which can split fire effectively, and one ignores cover or has tank/monster hunter, or a single unit of three, which cannot divide fire, but gains the benefits of ignores cover or tank/monster hunter?
What does Dakka think?
Thanks,
-TG

I always preferred units of three anyway, as they are more durable and give out less kill points. I also like to apply overwhelming fire power to a single target and make sure it is dead before moving on. The overkill argument never really convinced me, overkill is the best type of kill after all. You also have to consider the fact that orders numbers are limited, especially if the enemy guns for your command squad.

That "make sure it's dead" argument is a bit of a not-argument though surely? Because if you want to you can just shoot something with three separate units?

Tactical_Genius wrote:
That "make sure it's dead" argument is a bit of a not-argument though surely? Because if you want to you can just shoot something with three separate units?

Sure, but that is using up extra orders, giving out extra kill points an has less ablative wounds before you start losing guns. I suppose it is a personal preference but I prefer squads.

 Trickstick wrote:

Tactical_Genius wrote:
That "make sure it's dead" argument is a bit of a not-argument though surely? Because if you want to you can just shoot something with three separate units?

Sure, but that is using up extra orders, giving out extra kill points an has less ablative wounds before you start losing guns. I suppose it is a personal preference but I prefer squads.

Fair enough. I'll add a poll.

I take mine as 5 separate groups with only 1 group having two.

I feel they are tough enough to not offer up free kill points, plus we don't always roll for those game types anyways.

It really infuriates my opponents cause it's almost impossible to assault each one individually effectively.

Also being able to shoot them one by one is a huge benefit. Not to mention forcing 5 grounding checks on FMC. The new orders are great, so maybe a 1 squad of 3 is fine.

Might as well squadron them to maximize the effectiveness of orders and the meatshield gunners. And I wouldn't worry about overkill, lascannons aren't that effective. You're almost always going to need multiple shots to kill a target, so having to put three shots at a time into something isn't a very big drawback.

Would there be any merit to using squadrons of two?

Where can I find the rules for the Sabre platform?

 Gitsmasher wrote:
Where can I find the rules for the Sabre platform?

Looking in the wrong place(s)? Think FW .......

 Gitsmasher wrote:
Where can I find the rules for the Sabre platform?

Imperial Armour 1: 2nd Edition.

I think that provided you are not using The Vendetta mainly as a transport (and why would you be) a squadron of 3 Twin-Linked Lascannons at T7 with a 3+ armor/4+ Aegis Line (You are taking an Aegis line, right?) may rival the Vendetta for IG's premier tank-hunter/anti-air.

Vendetta:
-Hit on 6's
-Can Jink for 5+
-Can Maneouvre for better shots on AV
-Transport

Sabrex3:
-Scout move
-Can get Tank/Monster Hunter (As well as the other solid orders)
-20 Points cheaper
-9 Wound unit that can't be instakilled/exploded by non-force/D
-Benefits from Aegis Line
-Interceptor
-Shoots turn 1
-Doesn't take FOC

It seems that if all you're looking For is three twin-linked Lascannons, we have a clear winner in both staying power and damage output. Think it over, Dakka. I think this price hike will see even more Sabres in lists nowadays.