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.

Thinking about starting one of five Space Marine chapters, Salamanders, White Scars, Iron Hands, Red Scorpions and Imperial Fists (think they are re-roll ones for bolters).

Which books do I need for which chapter and how competitive is each chapter?

Thanks in advance

All have rules support within the main Space Marine Codex.

Iron Hands and Imperial Fists also have a supplement with the Sentinels of Terra (IF) being the stronger of the two.

Salamanders are very good if you wish to play a Drop Pod focused list.

White Scars Bikes or Tactical Spam is very powerful as they get very good buffs to bikes and Hit and Run adds a crazy amount of mobility while making it tough to pin you down.

Iron Hands really only benefit your characters and vehicles but if you were keen to use a ton of armor they are very good.

I like the Sentinels of Terra using maxed out Scouts with Heavy Bolters to take advantage of their twin-linked at half range rules for bolt weapons.

The Forge World Chapter Tactics have some intriguing options and only require the main codex as well.
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Downloads/Product/PDF/B/FWchaptertactics-v2.pdf

Well with Iron Hands you can build the cheesiest Chapter Master in history if you want to run a bike squad.

Otherwise though White Scars Bike Spam with weapons like metlaguns are invaluable for dealing with units like Knights or heavy vehicles, although it also depends on your meta.

I have codex space marines and sentinels of terra supplement, honestly all you need is codex SM the supplement is nice if you're building 3rd company, which i am, but I don't see any major must haves about it. just my opinion.