I cannot find a similar thread, and if it exists then pretty please point me towards it.

What. ... is the best non-reward equipment for each Rebel, And Why? For bonus points, include different Tiers.

In Tier 1, it's difficult for me to justify anything but the E-11 or the Combat Coat.

Tier 2, I like the Combat Coat. The A280 or whatever, and the BD-1 Vibro. I don't actually buy anything for Gideon but armor, no weapon, his starting is fine with both Pierce 2 and Stun.

Tier 3, I only like the Laminate Armor, the Force Pike or the Pulse Cannon.

My favorite two modifications come from the Tier 1 pile, the Extended Haft and the Marksman Barrel.

When I have Jyn in the party, then include the Deathhammer.

Really, I save my credits for these.

Deathhammer for Jyn is awesome as is the 2 red dice auto 6 range for Fenn. combine that with 2 blast and the strain for extra one or stun and stormtroopers are dust

Yes, but Blast 2 and the choice between Stun and +1 is not weapon dependent, and I like the Pulse Cannon over that disruptor thing.

Hoe about the T-21 from tier2 to Fenn? You're almost guarenteed a surge for Stun would go well with suppressive fire.

DL-44 is popular with my group; if you've got a way to get free surges it's pretty powerful, though the Deathhammer is growing on them. The A-280 is a great rifle, too; 2 damage and 2 pierce surges are good, and it has 2 slots. The tier 1 items for a free surge on either a ranged or melee weapon are nuts; prioritize them over anything else, imo, as free surges is very flexible and they're both cheap and never seen past the first few missions. Combat Coat has been of dubious value since evades are generally better than blocks, and the Laminate Armor is much better at extending lifespan. Extra Ammo is a no-brainer; re-rolls are sweet. Personal Shield Generator is once-only, but if it saves you from a stun or bleed it's worth about 2 actions (1 rest from damage and 1 condition removal). The melee attachment giving the 2 damage surge and exhausting for a block is very good; if you get that, the vibro-axe, and the balanced hilt (surge item) you've got arguably the best melee setup possible.