So I've been working through some designs to improve the squadron command plate based on suggestions I heard over the last few months.

The newer design is thinner and raises the dial slot above the base material allowing for easier dial access, and every card holder has a slot for defense tokens.

But those are mostly just minor adjustments.

I'm considering developing a new version that allows you to detach the dial slots from the card holder itself, attach them together, and place them near the cluster of fighters they belong to.

The idea being, many people who didn't approve of the older version, did so because information accessibility and tracking became more difficult. With this new design, it would still alleviate the risk of unintentional bumps and movement by keeping the dials and sliders off the squadron base itself, but by placing the dials in the play area, out of the way but close to the cluster, all the information is retained.

Obviously it's just an idea at this point, but I'd be curious if this would draw in a few of the people who didn't want to lose the ability to track at a glance.

All thoughts on the matter are welcome, I'm interested in improving these.


Older version:


New idea:

So the dials can pop off the squad card holder and be placed in the mat? That's a neat idea.

I still don't like it despite it also being nifty but I don't feel I'd be comfortable objecting if someone turned up with the revised version where information could be closer to the action at a local tourney.

I also point out that all of the squadrons with defense tokens are unique. You don't need multi-squadron plates with spots for defense tokens.

7 minutes ago, Frimmel said:

I still don't like it despite it also being nifty but I don't feel I'd be comfortable objecting if someone turned up with the revised version where information could be closer to the action at a local tourney.

I also point out that all of the squadrons with defense tokens are unique. You don't need multi-squadron plates with spots for defense tokens.

Yeah, good point, I'm sure if it makes it to the model stage, that's something I'll patch. lol No point in having 'em if they can't be used lol

While innovative, that still wouldn't draw me in. It's so much easier to either A- just live with the little imperfections in moving the squadrons (which are completely allowable in the rules as long as they aren't abused) or B- just put a washer underneath the squadron base so it can be freely picked up and adjusted and put back right where it was. I think this solution is really just cluttering up the board.

I don't want to be discouraging! This just isn't for me I guess (and I wouldn't allow my opponent to use it in a tournament either)... but I like the creativity.

27 minutes ago, Ken-Obi said:

While innovative, that still wouldn't draw me in. It's so much easier to either A- just live with the little imperfections in moving the squadrons (which are completely allowable in the rules as long as they aren't abused) or B- just put a washer underneath the squadron base so it can be freely picked up and adjusted and put back right where it was. I think this solution is really just cluttering up the board.

I don't want to be discouraging! This just isn't for me I guess (and I wouldn't allow my opponent to use it in a tournament either)... but I like the creativity.

Yeah, they're not for everyone.

Washers seem like a pretty effective and simple solution.

59 minutes ago, Undeadguy said:

So the dials can pop off the squad card holder and be placed in the mat? That's a neat idea.

May not be perfect for squadron based fleets, but for people who use 3-8 squads as a screen, it could be a solution...

24 minutes ago, Darth Sanguis said:

Yeah, they're not for everyone.

My concern is that if someone brings these to a tournament it's the people that these aren't for who will have to decide whether to speak up and tell the person or people who have spent money on them, that they need to reassemble all of their squadrons prior to a match or just go along to get along and potentially put themselves at a meaningful disadvantage.

11 minutes ago, Scummy Rebel said:

My concern is that if someone brings these to a tournament it's the people that these aren't for who will have to decide whether to speak up and tell the person or people who have spent money on them, that they need to reassemble all of their squadrons prior to a match or just go along to get along and potentially put themselves at a meaningful disadvantage.

well, speaking from experience, it only takes a few seconds to switch from standard bases to Command Plates. Then again, these weren't really designed for tournament play. I would love if they were widely accepted enough to use in them, and some places with a relaxed setting may, but ultimately, I fully expected them to be used in casual matches. If someone takes them to a tournament, like any peripheral, they should be more than ready for it to be denied.

I don't play a ton of tournaments, I've only been in 2, my 3rd will be Saturday, but I've played hundreds of matches. If I was using them (which I do) they'd see plenty of use even without tournaments.

Really like your first design and would use them for friendly games for sure if I could source them locally at a good price as I hate with a passion have to keep picking up squadrons to lower there hull points, but would never consider them for a tournament as there would be someone that does not like them

4 minutes ago, Darth Sanguis said:

well, speaking from experience, it only takes a few seconds to switch from standard bases to Command Plates. Then again, these weren't really designed for tournament play. I would love if they were widely accepted enough to use in them, and some places with a relaxed setting may, but ultimately, I fully expected them to be used in casual matches. If someone takes them to a tournament, like any peripheral, they should be more than ready for it to be denied.

I don't play a ton of tournaments, I've only been in 2, my 3rd will be Saturday, but I've played hundreds of matches. If I was using them (which I do) they'd see plenty of use even without tournaments.

Yea I agree people should always, be ready. I just know it's no fun being on either side of that coin.

21 hours ago, Darth Sanguis said:

Yeah, good point, I'm sure if it makes it to the model stage, that's something I'll patch. lol No point in having 'em if they can't be used lol

I would like to counter on that point. By making one card holder model with defense tokens slots and jigsaw holes for 8 squad token holders, you can just mass-produce one model type that will work for all squadron configurations that consumers will want to make. I believing you can save costs compared to making multiple model types while consumers get the benefit of buying of fully flexible holders for any game.

9 hours ago, Muelmuel said:

I would like to counter on that point. By making one card holder model with defense tokens slots and jigsaw holes for 8 squad token holders, you can just mass-produce one model type that will work for all squadron configurations that consumers will want to make. I believing you can save costs compared to making multiple model types while consumers get the benefit of buying of fully flexible holders for any game.

This is also an excellent idea, it would also allow for players to group their aces by a single color, while still giving them an individual number.