Heavy fighters worth using?

[Novascova]

I've always wondered why when people PvP nobody uses a heavy fighter. The only thing that seems to be different from them and VHFs is the VHF have a bigger power core, better shield, and better armor. The only thing HFs get are the better agility. So are they worth using?

[Snoflek]

There's very few HFs that can outperform their VHF counterparts, but the Falcon, Paladin and Marauder I find are quite competent against VHFs

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[Inferno]

They are, but the reasoning is that most HF have less guns than thier battle-made counterparts.
In a server of Nuke Mines and shotgun-loadouts HFs don't pair up because they die quickly to these enemies.

The only HF worth using as well are far and few inbetween(although I hear the Marauders, Kingfishers, and Bayonets are deadly in duels due to small front profile.)

If you would go for HF, take into mind that there are two forms, really. 4gun/2Torp, or near-VHF 6gun loads.

[ALG Classic]

Getting instakilled is the main reason they're not popular. Unless you're an experienced pvper, you'll perform much better in a vhf because they're easier to use in general.

Edit: wrong account, Antonio here.

[nOmnomnOm]

I generally like flying HFs more than VHF, but maybe that is becasue I dont have access to the better VHFs...
That being said, I had moved back and forth from one to the other. They are a different play style, FYI.

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[Light]

It really depends on what you can maneuver and are willing to sacrifice in terms of firepower/agility.

A heavy fighter would compensate for detailed movements and armor by having a better turn speed and a lower profile.

A very heavy fighter would compensate ease of movement for more firepower/armor, however would have to have more detailed movements in order to make up for its higher profile. Certain VHF can be harder to hit can others, however.

There are some VHF out there that are directly in between, having speed AND firepower at their disposal. Odin and Wraith come to mind.

All in all it depends on the skill of the flyer, your aim, your ability to dodge, and your ability to recognize patterns and find weaknesses. (if the person always lays a mine after a joust, shoot a cruise disruptor.)

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Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

[Ramke]

HFs are just plain inferior to VHFs in most cases, unless you're an end-game pro PvPer who can make them shine and know how to avoid mines completely.

Generally, they're not worth using unless you're one of the people I mentioned. You'll just die so much more faster and that mobility boost isn't quite worth it, barring a few specific ships.

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[nOmnomnOm]

If you are good at early turning and getting behind your opponent then I would vouch for Heavy Fighters. Also Mine trapping would be nice to use with them.
Depends also if you like class 7 guns or if you prefer the class 8s. There are also HFs that use class 9s but it is rare.

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