Ok, so I'm pretty much decided on the core of my list, but can't decide which ace to take alongside for the ride. The list so far is;

Omega leader w/ juke, comma relay

Epsilon ace w/ comms relay

Academy tie

That leaves 42 points which gives me the options for;

Vess

HLC

(I've flown VI Vess HLC for over a year now but I am finding vi redundant vs most lists in the current meta as its 8 plus bid - 11 everywhere)

Or

Whisper w/ vi, ACD, sensor jammer, agent Kallus

(To fit this in I have to drop comma relay of epsilon ace and either int bid 2 points or up the academy to wampa)

Or

Echo w/ decoy, ACD,sensor jammer, agent Kallus

(Platt eating has shown its relatively easy to keep epsilon leader in range 2 of echo and having omega aces 8 to fall back on is also useful after you've eliminated there primary ace)

All lists seem to perform ok vs TLT although the defender seems to struggle the most in this matchup where as the phantoms (particularly echo) seem to be doing better vs the dual aces builds and swarms.

The only other thing I've been considering is switching the comms relay on epsilon ace for a wealth device on omega leader in the defender list, but it worries me putting omega leader up to 29 points.

Any thoughts and comments welcome

I would go with Whisper.

Instead of your build though, I would prefer this:

VI, FCS, ACD & rebel captive = 42 (which just fits!)

The reason: sensor jammer is great, particularly against twin laser turrets, but ultimately, you are taking Whisper to kill stuff and you want her to do it quickly. FCS is a must on her, imho. Besides, you have Omega Leader to fall back on if whisper happens to go down. Keep in mind though, that she is unlikely to draw a lot of aggro because of Rebel Captive. No one likes stressing themselves (except unhinged y-wings---they don't care much about that one stress, but with careful positioning, you can outfly them with whisper, and FCS allows her to kill them fast)

Yeah, that would be my standard pick whisper too. The only issue I have is vessery deals practically the same amount of damage on a sturdier platform which is less susceptible to being out ps bid, particularly with no bid.

I do see your point tho and have noticed the damage drop off from losing FCS on the phantom.

Yeah, that would be my standard pick whisper too. The only issue I have is vessery deals practically the same amount of damage on a sturdier platform which is less susceptible to being out ps bid, particularly with no bid.

I do see your point tho and have noticed the damage drop off from losing FCS on the phantom.

Yeah Vessery is sturdier, but at 42 points, not ideal (I mean, it would be nice to stick an EPT on him). Although, when imperial vets is out, 42 will be a great spot for Vess: TIE/D, tracter beam, ruthlessness & hull upgrade.

Here's something I haven't run yet, but was considering for a tourney in two weeks:

Vessery w/ HLC, crack shot & TIE mk 2 = 44

Omega Leader w/ juke & comm relay = 26

2 epsilon pilots = 15 x 2

100

Eppys are for blocking. Vessery is so scary, he will be targeted first, so Omega Leader can grab a TL for him fairly safely. Eppys can also get TLs once stuff crashes into them or passes by. As long as Vessery kills the scariest stuff in the opponent's list, hopefully Omega with the blockers can clean up whatever is left...

I find Vessery and Whisper deal similar amounts of damage, cost close to the same, and both have excellent 'time on target' (being able to shoot turn after turn). Whisper has more weaknesses but better damage mitigation against lower PS and a slightly higher PS overall. They seem pretty close in parity. Unfortunately, I worry Imperial Vets is going to change that, making Vessery obviously superior, but on the other hand, I am excited for that expansion...

Yeah, Vets is going to be awesome. Beasty gets better and ch super. What's not to like!!