Seems pretty damned good for 18 points. Considering how useful the Crack Squadron or Crackshot Omega is, the few extra points for Mauler seems worth it.

In fact, I may amend my 3x Crack Squadron, 3x TIE/FO Crack list to sub in Mauler with Crackshot and potentially also Howlrunner with Crackshot.

Also, why not Mauler in general? Is it because Backstabber is thought to have the better ability? The awkwardness of having to fit 17 points into a build, the one point away from Howlrunner? His EPT slot not really being needed and EPTs just making him too expensive for a TIE Fighter?

Well with Crackshot, now that EPT slot is valuable. And at only a point it's not going to make him too expensive.

He's also decent with Whisper and Soontir if he has VI. Triple 9 PS.

He's good, but you have to ask, what is he bringing to my list that makes him worth it?

Why not Mauler in general? Because he's kinda a worse Backstabber. Not strictly worse -- he has the PS and EPT going for him -- but Range 1 shots are generally trickier to get (consistently) than out-of-arc shots.

But with Crackshot . . . I could see that being good. Solid offensive output in a small package.

He's good, but you have to ask, what is he bringing to my list that makes him worth it?

4 attack dice at range 1 for 17 pts!

If I'm not going to put an EPT on him, I'll save a point and bring Backstabber instead. I like both of them but I find Backstabber's ability to be more flexible and easier to trigger.

If I'm running whisper I'm usually looking to squeeze in mauler with vi as well, rebel captive is so brutal to phantoms that another ps9 goes a long way

If I'm running whisper I'm usually looking to squeeze in mauler with vi as well, rebel captive is so brutal to phantoms that another ps9 goes a long way

You can always have a VI Chiraneau boosting around, spreading chaos and carnage for you

I think Scourge is going to be the better buy when he's available, but Crackshot at PS7 with the potential for a bonus attack die is pretty solid.

If I'm not going to put an EPT on him, I'll save a point and bring Backstabber instead. I like both of them but I find Backstabber's ability to be more flexible and easier to trigger.

I agree that Backstabber's ability is better and generally easier to trigger, but not by much. If you're flying a blob of 6 TIEs at your enemy, good chance you're going to get range 1's with Mauler about the same as you'll get outmaneuver shots with Backstabber.

Mauler with Crackshot is a great idea!

Backstabber was previously run more due to increased likelihood of his ability being used, I think, and the mind games of a cheap flanker reeking havoc (though he seldom succeeded for me). Range 1 can be tough to maintain, and many times Mauler would die in the attempt.

Crackshot seems a great way to actually kill that range 1 target and live to tell the tale.

Basically, Mauler becomes a cheap Proton Rocket toting A Wing (4 Reds + -1 Green). Sounds neat to me.

I think it just takes the right list, in the midst of a swarm seems perfect.

Mauler with Crackshot is a great idea!

Backstabber was previously run more due to increased likelihood of his ability being used, I think, and the mind games of a cheap flanker reeking havoc (though he seldom succeeded for me). Range 1 can be tough to maintain, and many times Mauler would die in the attempt.

Crackshot seems a great way to actually kill that range 1 target and live to tell the tale.

Basically, Mauler becomes a cheap Proton Rocket toting A Wing (4 Reds + -1 Green). Sounds neat to me.

I think it just takes the right list, in the midst of a swarm seems perfect.

I think if you run this you're obligated to trash talk. When you kill something, make a loud, "WOOO!" and throw your arms up in the air. Or whenever you get a lucky evade roll say, "WOOOO! Bet you wish you could dice your way through situations you didn't deserve to survive."

Worth it for Crackshot.

I always hope that my opponent, with a 1 hp ship, forgets that I have Crackshot. Then, maybe something like this happens:

Attack roll Hit Blank

Defense roll Evade Focus

Defender doesn't spend focus token.

Attacker uses Crackshot.

Then look at your opponent's face as he feels cheated by a Scummy upgrade card, but knows everything went exactly by the rules. That possibility alone makes Crackshot the coolest upgrade card.