So I've recently started playing and have used the Lambda shuttle a bit and was looking for my next big ship. I'm looking at the Decimator as I have a friend that I can borrow the Firespray from if need be.

What are some good builds for the Decimator?

It has a lot of upgrade options and was looking for some insight as to wicked combos and maybe things that are traps and should never be taken.

Decimator + Phantom was a popular standby until the errata. Not sure now.

Decimator + Howlrunner / mini-swarm is a strong build as well.

There are a few things you can do with the decimator.

A cheap (relatively) 'decivader' is not a bad idea: Patrol Leader w/ Vader crew = 43 pts.

Chiraneau is by far the most effective pilot probably. The two most interesting ways I've seen him are:

Chiraneau w/ Expose, Ysanne Isaard, Rebel Captive & Experimental Interface = 60 pts.

This build deals great damage, especially at range 1 or 2 due to his ability, but it is not easy to keep the decimator alive, so it probably works best with support having high firepower to get early kills. The thing to remember is that Ysanne Isaard provides a free action at the start of the combat phase. Use this to activate Experimental Interface to get Expose rather than during your regular activation sequence (once her conditions are met).

Chiraneau w/ Ysanne Isaard, Rebel Captive & Engine Upgrade = 56 pts

This is not a complete build, because it usually includes an EPT and possibly another crew as well. Options include Veteran Instincts for PS10, Predator + Gunner or Push the Limit. Remember that you can push the limit for an engine boost off of Ysanne Isaard's free evade action at the start of combat when here ability is available.

Other useful cards include Moff Jerjarrod for keeping the decimator alive, and Mara Jade is only worth considering if you plan on staying close to the enemy (Oicunn is a good candidate). Gunner is always useful if you can spare the points and intelligence agent, navigator and fleet officer can all be useful depending on what you're looking to get and the rest of your squad...

2 Patrol Leaders, 2 Engine Upgrades, 6 Tacticians.

2 time World Champion Paul Heaver's wave5 list:

Oicunn Predator Gunner

Omicron Vader

Obisidian

Obsidian

Four Os.

Also has a shuttle for you. =)

I have just started playing my Decimators again after a few months off from them. I believe that EU is an auto-include as much as Ysanne is. Here is my list that I have been playing for a few days now.

Oicunn

Determination

Mara Jade

Ysanne Isard

EU

Dauntless title

Col Vessery

VI

HLC

I think part of what makes this list good is that my opponent has to determine which target is priority. I also usually play Oicunn to ram. I try to set up a green maneuver ram so I dont take stress, do a damage and still get an action (TL for Vessery). If my opponent moves to avoid contact all the better since I may be able to have room to boost out of arc. I try not to joust but to set up in such a way to not start in all of my enemys firing arcs.

I used to run Navigator on the Decimator when I ran a phantom and it really allowed you to be able to dodge arcs effectively. I stopped playing my Deci/Phantom builds a few months ago because I am very good with Echo and it sometims felt lilke cheating (same reason I dont run Fat Han) to me and I was wanting to win with lesser builds (I am a Defender addict now).

I have been playing the Tie X/1 with AC or ATC and pairing two of them with a Deci. It is supper effective as well. I run an EU/Navigator Deci in that build and I love it.

I will state the obvious here and say that if you just joust with your Deci without some sort of real plan for it you are going to lose no matter what the build is. I was in a Store Tourney and my Decimator was dead on the third turn of play at the end of the second combat round. My opponent put 14 or a possible 15 damage on my Deci in the first combat round lol. Needless to say I learned a lot from that experience, mostly that you have to learn to fly your ships. I also learned that asteroid placement can make or break your list before you even set the first dial.

I like Kenkirk with Determination, Isard, Moff J, a throwaway crew of choice, and additional upgrades based on the rest of the squad. I usually fly that ship as outside security. Use the turret to full effect, try to stay outside of the thick of things.

Kenkirk with Moff, Ysanne and Lone Wolf is super tanky, albeit lacking a little in the damage department.

If you play on a timer though.

I play oicunn with expose, bounty hunter on the firespray and the shuttle. Send oicunn in fast to jam up the flight lanes bringing the other two up as fast as the shuttle can (silly shuttle is sooo slow). I do my best not to let oicunn get further than range two from the other ships so that when he makes contact the other two have a shot as well. Focus fire on one energy at a time and you shouldn't have a problem popping one ship a turn, even big ship's don't hold up very long once you get all three at range one. That's 3 attacks with 4 dice and the whole list has a whopping 36 health points you will be have ships long after everyone else is dead. People see decimator and start sitting him almost exclusively and seem to forget the other large ships right behind him. Its a lot of fun to fly. The other great thing about this list is depending on what upgrades you want to run you just pick a different decimator. You can actually use any of the decimator pilots on this list if you want to mix it up. Chiraneau doesn't leave any room for upgrades while the patrol leader leaves you with 6 points which is fun cuz then you can throw Vader or whatever your feeling

Rear Admiral Chiraneau with Soontir Fel, deck em' both out, make sure RAC has Engine Upgrade... the result is nothing short of terrifying, and one of the more popular builds I'm starting to see for good reason.