I am planning to finally start going to my local shop to start playing x-wing there. Here is the list I plan on starting with

Poe (33)

Push the limits (3)

BB-8 (2)

Autothrusters (2)

Sensor Cluster (2)

Rey (45)

Adaptability (0)

Smuggling Compartment (0)

Kanan Jarrus (3)

Finn (5)

Millennium Falcon (segnor's Loop) (1)

Counter-Measures (3)

Burnout SLAM (1)

I was just looking to and constructive criticism or possible improvements I could make on it. Another question how long should you fly a list before coming to the conclusions that it might not be that good. I have flown this list four times now and have had made minor changes but I am not sure what my local meta is.

I like the list, particularly your Poe build. I might favour EU over Burnout SLAM and Countermeasures but it is a close thing. Sometimes being able to Boost out of arc is better than shedding a TL but not always.

Here is a thing I have though of though. Poe pays 2 points for +1PS in this version. If you drop him to PS8, you save 2 points. One point upgrades Rey to VI (and PS10) while the other can give Poe Black One. Black One is really good on BB-8 Poe as you can shave off 2 TLs per turn meaning you don't need Countermeasures so much. That in turn lets you get EU which Rey can make even better use of at PS10.

I have a hunch that 1 PS8 pilot and 1 PS10 pilot will be better than 2 at PS9. This is because the the main Big Fish at PS9 is Dengar currently and he is usually run with a significant initiative bid. This list trumps Dengar with 1 ship effectively reducing the power of his init bid.

Food for thought.

I'm looking at running a similar list which is;

Poe (ps 8) w/ PTL, BB-8, Primed Thrusters, Autothrusters, Black One

Rey w/ Expertise, C-3PO, Kanan Jarrus, Millenium Falcon (Sloop), Engine Upgrade

Total: 100pt

From my post earlier I think most people would advise me to drop C-3PO for Finn and commit to Rey's ability. I've found however that being too tied to trying to get enemies into Arc with the Falcon makes me predictable and has caused Rey be worn down under too much heat. I've split the difference towards a tankier build with C-3PO. Expertise means I can do damage outside of arc, really make use of Rey's re-rolls and Target Lock/Boost rather than always trying to focus.

I've taken Primed Thrusters on Poe so that I can still use BB-8 while stressed and then shed the stress. Sensor Cluster may ultimately serve better to get focuses, I don't know, but PT's cheaper.

Just some alternative ideas from another rookie.

Your local meta might tolerate a PS8 Poe. PS8 in our local meta is pretty high right now due to Defenders, raging Chewbacca's, etc. You don't necessarily need to fear netlists like Dengaroo and Palp Aces right off the bat. Casual people play what they want or you might get into a league where you build fun lists that you wouldn't otherwise take to a tournament. You won't know until you get in there and play a few peeps.

Poe (31)

Predator (3)

R2D2 (4)

Integrated Astromech (0)

Pattern Analyzer (2)

Rey (45)

Expertise (4)

Finn (5)

Kanan Jarrus (3)

TFA Falcon title (1)

Smuggling Compartment (0)

Inertial Dampeners (1)

99pts (save 1 for initiative or maybe give Poe the title)

Without regen, Poe might have a hard time in attrition matches against ships that are hard to push damage through like Defenders. Predator gives him an action-less offensive die reroll (possibly 2) and Pattern Analyzer allows him to take a focus token for his pilot ability when you talon or k-turn. These are good for is combat effectiveness. Regen makes him slippery to kill and he gets the last resort button with Integrated Astromech effectively giving him another hull. At a cost yes but it might be enough to win you a match (you never know).

Rey with Expertise is amazing imo. With Finn particularly, it gives her very consistent damage output and having a focus token for defense, especially through her front arc with Finn's added blank reroll, is a boost to her defense. Dampeners on her is scary for you opponent. They won't know when you might pop it for a coup de gras shot. Imagine a k-turning Defender giving you a range 1 butt shot because you discarded Dampeners when they were expecting you to sloop. That's good stuff.

Anyway, have fun. That's the most important thing. I just started playing X-Wing at my local game store this past October. I've met some fun players and am having a great time.