I just got a Defender, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming title! Until then, what do you think of this list using Defender with Ion Cannon:

TIE Advanced (29), TIE/x1 (0), Predator (3), Advanced Targeting Computer (5)

Soontir Fel (32)
TIE Interceptor (27), Push the Limit (3), Autothrusters (2)

Onyx Squadron Pilot (35)
TIE Defender (32), Ion Cannon (3)

Right now, I feel like an Ion Cannon on a defender is kind of hard to justify. With the title, it'll be amazing, but right now that's 35 points for a 6 health, 3 PS ship that has to choose between damage and support. That won't really be pulling its weight.

Yeah, ion cannon defenders struggle to dish out good damage currently. I've given up on them until the title comes out. TIE/D is a whole different story, because you are only gaining damage rather than losing out...

Either proxy the titles now (if your friends are cool with that) or run a named Defender. Either Vessery or Brath are still pretty good, although not with ion cannon (at least until TIE/D is available)

I have been flying Ion Defenders (Delta Squadron) quite a bit recently, and have actually been having success with them. In my last game, I walked a fully upgraded Kavil off the map. The trick is knowing when to use the Ion and when to fire your primary.

I prefer to run Vadar with Engine Upgrade, and Sontir with Stealth Device. They are a little slim for my taste in this list. Unfortunately, there are not enough points to fit them in the list. So for that reason, I would advise against the Defender.

I have been flying Ion Defenders (Delta Squadron) quite a bit recently, and have actually been having success with them. In my last game, I walked a fully upgraded Kavil off the map. The trick is knowing when to use the Ion and when to fire your primary.

well of course you did. AGI 1 targets are easy pickings for an ion cannon. And its not a question of 'knowing the trick' for the ion cannon. Its the fact that you have spent 33 points to get the ion cannon. Triple Deltas with ion cannon has seen enough table time by a wide range of players (good and bad) so that it is pretty safe to conclude that it is not very good for the points. FFG apparently agrees because they've spoiled the TIE/D title. That doesn't mean its 'ineffective' or some how won't work. It just won't win any tournaments.

If you already go that way and want to play the Defender, i suggest just taking Vessery.

You have to give up Predator on Vador for a 1 point talent, unless you fly Vess totally naked, but here is what i would suggest. The good thing about it is that Vader wants a TL anyways and also wants to keep it. So if Vess shoots the same target he gets his free TL.

After the fix you would just go back to Predator on vader or redistribute the points elsewhere.

Pre Defender Fix:

Darth Vader (29)
Crack Shot (1)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
TIE/x1 (0)

Soontir Fel (27)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)

Colonel Vessery (35)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Post Defender Fix:

Darth Vader (29)
Lone Wolf (2)
Advanced Targeting Computer (1)
TIE/x1 (0)

Soontir Fel (27)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)

Colonel Vessery (35)
Juke (2)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)

Total: 100

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I like to play with the cards I have, so I wouldn't proxy the Defender titles.

And sadly, I have neither Crack Shot or Lone Wolf, which is why I had Predator on Vader.

Maybe Ill just give the Defender a rest until the title comes out.

I like to play with the cards I have, so I wouldn't proxy the Defender titles.

And sadly, I have neither Crack Shot or Lone Wolf, which is why I had Predator on Vader.

Maybe Ill just give the Defender a rest until the title comes out.

As I mentioned, the named Defenders are still pretty good.

Vessery pairs well with Vader or any other ship with target lock ability:

Vader w/ predator, x-1, ATC & engine = 37

Vessery w/ veteran instincts, HLC & hull = 46

Zeta squad pilot = 16

99

Brath is more independent, because he doesn't need anyone grabbing target locks for him:

Rexler w/ predator, HLC & hull = 50

The remaining 50 points can be whatever you like. A trio of zeta squad pilots, 4 academy pilots, Vader shuttle + 2 academy pilots, etc...

Definitely see that Vessery is nice, but currently have to put so many points into the ship!

I ended up playing the list tonight twice anyway for league night. The defender did all right drawing fire away from the aces. The ion cannon was quite underwhelming though, and I think I'd skip it before skipping the defender.

The problem I see with defenders and they are much like the E-Wings for rebles, they have great stats, but are so over costed at the moment. I own 1, the ship looks amazing. And obviously when they release Imperial Veterans expansion pack, they will get some sort of fixes like the A-wing and B-wing got. With the titles and modifications either costing 0 or -pts. And like the E-Wing, it screams "IM SO SCARRY GOOD, SHOT ME NOW!"