BJ-1 "Top Shelf" (2x AC2, 2x MLas, JJ, XL235)

4/5,

1 rating

When I first saw the Blackjacks, I was a hater. They are now the only medium mechs I own and I can't get enough. At first, I was only using the BJ-1 to XP cap so I could Speed Tweak my 1X and get that delicious 116kph tesla coil. However, while playing around with this little guy, I was shocked at the effectiveness of a quick medium with Jump Jets and AC/2s.



Plenty of 500+ damage rounds, great survivability with it's decent speed and JJs, and 12 damage per second output really tears some bigger fellas up. They rarely focus on the smaller mech when I'm grouped with Heavies or Assualts and don't expect how quick the damage will build up. I've been averaging 2-3 kills per round. Which, for me at least, in a medium isn't half shabby.

Also, with the incline restrictions put in yesterday, this little fella can become a mighty nuisance. I'm diggin' it.

Thoughts? Considerations? Downvotes?

 

Post Script: HOLY COW THE NEW SOUND PACK! (forgot to mention)

 

mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=77&l=42273adfa00a406d4029dcabd8b3ce633f46b511

I use a similar loadout in my BJ-1, but with a pair of MLs instead of 4 smalls. I like the added range increase, but it costs a little heat.

I used to run an XL210 but I found that too slow (83 when tweaked) and replaced it with a XL235. I think a 225 is a good minimum rating for the chassis as a whole.

The Dual AC/2s aren't enough firepower for any mech above the Blackjack in tonnage (Hunchback, Centurion, Trebuchet), so I think this guy the best platform available for them. It's an effective mech overall, but you have to let your enemies engage someone else first and hope no lights sneak up on you.

 

At longer range I have hot enough weapons that I don't need to throw in MLs. I prefer the extra 2 points of damage for the same heat if I am engaged at close range. Just personal opinion.

 

I could go either way on the 4xSLAS, 2xMLas divide on this one.

 

Just started running this one a lot again. Forgot how freakin' fun it is!!!

 

Not a hugely damaging mech, but, provides great quick and precise support. (if you can aim better than me)

 

A very strong build. This mech is highly mobile, and can really chip in some DPS at considerable range, then vanish once the moment of opportunity passes. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who the 'jumping ac20' build isn't working for.

I went with an engine downgrade to fit one more ton of ammo and a DHS.

 

This is really just an upgrade to the stock. Everyone will upgrade the engine and grab DHS, but, I really feel stripping off two of the MLas is key. The DPS of AC/2s is just too phenomenal to pass up. Load up as much heat protection and ammo as you can, TFun. This build is still so much fun. Rock on!

Slight mod I was running the week before Phoenix dropped, got a smaller engine to cram in the ammo. Still only really pulling down about 500-600 damage on the best rounds. Nothing magnificent, just great, consistent direct support and suppression.

 

Played this build (2AC2, 2MLas) in my BJ1-DC while XPing spare BJs to unlock elite skill levels:

That's 414 damage per round, without the improved performance of elite skills or doubled basic skills, and without jump jets for the improved mobility/escaping.

 

How well does this thing run now, considering all the AC/2 nerfs?

Also @Cpt Chattahah: If you removed one of your DHS and used that tonnage to bump your engine up to the 225 you get 0.6 better cooling (DHS in engine are 2.0, not 1.4) and a Kph or 2 faster for same weight. A minor change, but more cooling for same weight shouldn't be ignored.

 

I don't pilot this specific build, but as an (ex?) AC/2 lover I can tell you most AC/2 based builds are no longer viable, unfortunately. No mystery why we don't see any on the field.
(the only build I can think of still being viable, actually more than before the nerf, is the 5 ACs Jaggermech)

 

Yes, they have effectively nerf-batted the AC/2 into oblivion. There are so much better ways to shake enemies out of sync, namely, SRMs and LRMs that they AC/2's piddly damage cannot make up for the shake they provide... It's still a decent support mech, however, cannot stand on it's own.

Le sigh. Maybe PGI will see the err of their ways and bump the AC/2s back to their .5 firing rate and take away a bit of heat.

 

Heat is OK (and managing hot builds always was part of the AC/2 pleasure ) but the rate of fire is a shame.

 

Well, I only mention heat to give more incentive to bring them back on the battlefield. I agree, the old penta-AC/2 Jagers and quick mediums were fun as hell, but, with the way systems are tweaked now, the DPS advantage does not justify AC/2s over HAFLD builds.

 

It would probably also do to drop a few heat sinks, as the AC2s will generate less heat now.

 

I don't know the current popularity of this build, but I'm still playing it with a few modifications. With Endosteel and FF armor, you're a bit short on loadout slots for extra DHS, but 10 seems to work well. I feel these little guys need BAP for the sensor/targeting bonuses and to help with the ECM mania.

 

The AC/2s are back! Still like the PentaJager better, but this is a nimble little sniper with the last patch!