I am looking to play some swarm, but I don't want to buy two more Crackshots. 3 Academies + Howl and 3 Black Squadrons with Crackshot looks like it can be better when you capitalize on the blocking powers of the PS1s.
Is that worth it or am I just gimping myself?
If you have the skill and judgement to make reasonably reliable blocks then I would say that is better than a few extra crackshots. A lot of strong lists rely on actions and action economy (ordnance, arc-dodgers, Kanan etc). If you can deny these lists their actions then you can neuter them before you even start shooting.
Still on page 1:
https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/230142-is-the-tie-swarm-viable/
Short answer, yes. One crackshot will likely not matter much, as long as you have "enough" guns on target. They do help (a lot) against Soontir/Defenders however.
The 7/4 Crack swarm won the biggest X-wing tournament of all time (Yavin Open in Britain, 400+ people).
frankly, i'd say you were gimping yourself if you DIDN'T include the 3 AP's
i might be a little biased though.
7 ships and a few academy pilots give you boards control that 6 crackshot ties won't. I much, much prefer the 7 tie variant.
MOAR TIE!!!!!!
Never underestimate control via blocking.
I am looking to play some swarm, but I don't want to buy two more Crackshots. 3 Academies + Howl and 3 Black Squadrons with Crackshot looks like it can be better when you capitalize on the blocking powers of the PS1s.
Is that worth it or am I just gimping myself?
This exact list just recently went 6-0 and took first in Swiss at Nova
I have played that list and like it a lot. The blocking power of academy pilots is amazing.
The 7/4 Crack swarm won the biggest X-wing tournament of all time (Yavin Open in Britain, 400+ people).
Yeah but that data is strange. European players LOVE triple Jumpmasters, so 7 TIEs would be an advantage over them.
I think you mean that the US data is strange. There are fewer jumps over there.