I've discussed this with a buddy of mine and got some good feedback. But I enjoy playing with Rebel Troopers, but is this even a comparison? Are Stormies that much better?

Nevermind. They're the same cost (don't know how to edit the post). Was still wondering as to why people prefer them over rebels?

Because you actually get some in the Core box.

+2 dmg in stormie is always better than pierce 2 in RT

The bonus from Rebel Troopers requires that you don't move

You can now play command cards for spies on those stormies

btw just pointing out that e.storm+CrossT is 10 points rather than 11

Elite Stormtroopers without attchment vs Elite Rebel Troopers:

Squad Training is better than Aim. A green die is better than a yellow die on one of these troopers. SURGE: +2 Damage is better than SURGE: Pierce 2. SURGE: +3 Accuracy is better than SURGE: +2 Accuracy. A black die is more reliable than a white die on one of these troopers. A Stormtrooper can kill a Rebel Trooper in one shot, vice versa this is impossible (without Focus or command cards). Stormtroopers have Last Stand on top. You can't use Get Into Position, if the opponent presses fast forward.

The Empire has Officers and other options to support these troopers, that Rebels don't have.

But you can give your opponent a hard game:

2 elite Rebel Troopers

2 elite Sabs

Gideon

C-3PO

1st turn Gideon and C-3PO focus one unit of Sabs, all troopers get into position. 2nd turn Gideon and C-3PO focus the other unit of Sabs, then you start your offense. This is great. But on some missions, your opponent already has a certain advantage at that point. E.G.: Deception Game works well this way, Reprogrammed not so much.

I think it's very faction Specific, so you can't judge them one-to-one.

The Rebels need more Luck with the dice (White die vs. Black die, Rebel Troopers having a chance to do 0 Damage because of the combination of dice.

Imperials have more powerful rank-and-file units, but don't have access to the synergetic hero arsenal that Rebels have:

- Luke gives dice reroll

- Gideon and C3-PO give Focus

- Gideon gives Movement

- Han Solo and C3-PO give Surge Cancel

- Chewbacca gives +1 Defense

- Fenn gives +1 Attack

(Now Han Solo and Chewbacca are not that competitive, but the game design is visible )

Even then, Elite Rebel Troopers can Focus themselves, which is arguably one of the more powerful abilities to have in IA, and are not dependent to stay together for their ability. Elite Rebel Troopers are played in highly competitive Lists for a reason. Stormtroopers are more flexible and always a good choice, for the Rebel Troopers, you might have to look at the current Map Rotation.

Imperials have more powerful rank-and-file units, but don't have access to the powerful hero arsenal that Rebels have.

Those 0 damage rolls with the Rebel Troopers are so annoying. Also takes more work to turn on their abilities than the stormtroopers do.

Search the forums. This topic has been discussed to death.
Stormies are better than Rebel Troopers in most situations. They do more damage, are more consistent and are much easier to use.

With cross training they get even better. Better survivability and flexibility and the ability to take spy cards.

And it's 10pts for Cross Training Stormies not 11.