My Mathwing is weak but it seems like ATC + 2 dice with nothing to modify the roll

But Howlrunner allows for the roll to be modified, and since with ATC you keep the target lock from turn to turn you can presumable focus (or marksmanship), so it is ATC + 2 dice focused and TLed. With the added benefit that the advanceds are dangerous enough on their own that Howlrunner might not be the #1 target.

But if she was still the primary target, Alozen with Draw Their Fire would be a pretty good buddy. I think overall the ATC Advanced with Howl aren't going to be as big a deal as the TIE swarm, because they have to TL first, and they don't have the 1-turn to knife fight. First turn in combat, you won't have the TL, so it will be a less damaging, tougher TIE swarm. You will very, very rarely have 2-3 Advanced with TL and in formation with Howlrunner.

So with ATC I'm not sure my usual Vader needs his Prockets any more. What do you guys think is the better of the two?

Vader, ATC, X1, Outmaneuver, EU

OR

Vader, ATC, X1, Predator, EU

With the bottom build I feel like I can basically use my two actions to reposition and defend/augment my defense/attack since I have predator for rerolls. The top build gets nastier when I can out arc folks...

Just wondering what you guys all think.

So with ATC I'm not sure my usual Vader needs his Prockets any more. What do you guys think is the better of the two?

Vader, ATC, X1, Outmaneuver, EU

OR

Vader, ATC, X1, Predator, EU

With the bottom build I feel like I can basically use my two actions to reposition and defend/augment my defense/attack since I have predator for rerolls. The top build gets nastier when I can out arc folks...

Just wondering what you guys all think.

Personally I think if you are going the full EU ATC route, Outmaneuver is gonna get you more mileage. Just make sure something else in your list is a big enough threat to punish them for going after Vader if they try to.

If I were gonna do predator, I'd probably do so with an intent on a cheaper Vader, and maybe skip the EU. Predator + ATC and a focus is gonna make most shots hurt bad, and you can use the second action for defense.

My Mathwing is weak but it seems like ATC + 2 dice with nothing to modify the roll

But Howlrunner allows for the roll to be modified, and since with ATC you keep the target lock from turn to turn you can presumable focus (or marksmanship), so it is ATC + 2 dice focused and TLed. With the added benefit that the advanceds are dangerous enough on their own that Howlrunner might not be the #1 target.

Unless I've got other ships (like a couple of TIEs) that will be benefiting from Howlrunner I think that I'd prefer having a better ship than Howl (since she doesn't buff herself) and not be tied into formation flying. A crit + two dice with a focus should get enough crits that there are better ways to spend 18 points.

So with ATC I'm not sure my usual Vader needs his Prockets any more. What do you guys think is the better of the two?

Vader, ATC, X1, Outmaneuver, EU

OR

Vader, ATC, X1, Predator, EU

With the bottom build I feel like I can basically use my two actions to reposition and defend/augment my defense/attack since I have predator for rerolls. The top build gets nastier when I can out arc folks...

Just wondering what you guys all think.

I like the top build better. With the popularity of Falcons with C-3PO in the meta right now having something that nullifies him is really good.