So the two imperial light cruisers. Both have a similar role of being fast patrol ships. Both can carrier around 5 fighters for Recon duty. Both can hit hard for their size. Which do you prefer and why?

I prefer the Arquitens because it exists in Armada.

Despite some of the problems with the ontological argument , I find it in general a fairly convincing point that existing in the physical world is superior to not existing when we're discussing something purely from the point of view of organic physical beings.

I don't really care for either, but I think I have a greater distaste for the carrack . It's ugly and boring looking. The arquitens falls into the "everything must be triangles or TIEs" mentality that I don't really care for either, but I like it a heck of a lot more than the carrack .

Carrack-Class here. More guns than the Arquetins.

Arquitens. Carrack is OK because it's a classic, but utterly boring in a design sense.

Arquitens is a space triangle but it's a fairly new design in star wars lore, introduced in clone wars.

I'll say I really like the look and function of the Imperial Light Cruiser/Arquiten. Thanks to Rebels, its aesthetic has really grown on me. The traditional Carrack is just too bland (as Norsehound just said), and I'm just a little particular. There's an X-wing alliance version with a narrower front bridge screen that looks good, but otherwise, the carrack looks too much like a space Winnebago.

It's still no IR-3F light frigate in either case

I find the forked prow and extended engine bank of the Arq really give it enough flavor to differentiate as its own ship separate from standard SDs. Personally it's one of my favorite looking capital ships in SW at this point.

Historically I was a fan of the carrack cruiser, having a preference for maneuverable cruisers with plenty of laser output, but the arq has definitely taken a top seat (not looking like a shoebox rather helps that)

Definitely Arquitens. Loved the design of it since The Clone Wars. The Carrack looks like a space turd

The Carrack looks like a... ahem...

Arq. Never a fan of the Carrack design.

A: it's another Space brick, of which way to many came out of the WEG days.

B: the giant window in front really throws off scale, making it look more a shuttle than a cruiser

C: I prefer visible weapons batteries; something WEG designs often lacked.

Arq is actually a good design, which is kinda rare from the newer stuff.

Arquitens looks way better. Even though I love EU stuff (still waiting for a Dreadnought!) the Carrack was never my favorite and the Arquitens strikes a great balance between Star Destroyer and blockade runner.

Definitely the Arq. I, also, never cared for the Carrack. I found the look to be rather weak.

12 hours ago, Vykes said:

... the carrack looks too much like a space Winnebago.

May the Schwartz be with you!

Why not both?

Actually I do dig the Arq. I just do have a strong run of nostalgia for the units in a bunch of the old games.

The Arq. Ive always hated the design of the Carrack. The Lancer was ugly but at least with its bent prow felt unique and appropriately ugly for its purpose. The Carrack though is a terrible design.

The Arquitens fits the Imperial look perfectly while still standingas a totally unique and fascinating design.

11 hours ago, ceejlekabeejle said:

The Carrack looks like a... ahem...

Everyone was avoiding going in that direction, and then,here you are...

lol

Arquitens. No question, It actually looks like an Imperial ship.

2 hours ago, RedPriest said:

Everyone was avoiding going in that direction, and then,here you are...

lol

"Ah, our newest light cruiser has been completed. It's rugged, it's fast, it packs a punch. I couldn't be prouder! Corporal, enter it into the fleet register: it shall be called the Martial Prowess !"

-2 Weeks later-

"The newest reserves were called up."

"Uh, cap'n? What's that thing?"

"According to the fleet register, it's a Carrack Light Cruiser, the Marital Prowess ..."

"So, do we present it to Lord Vader or not?"

"..."

It's a "pleasure barge".