List 1

Darth Vader + TIE/x1 + Harpoon Missiles + Veteran Instincts + Engine Upgrade + Advanced Targeting Computer [39]
"Quickdraw" + Special Training Ops + Veteran Instincts + Harpoon Missiles + Fire-Control System + Lightweight Frame [38]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret [23]

List 2

"Omega Leader" + Juke + Comm Relay [26]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret + Lightweight Frame [25]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret + Lightweight Frame [25]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret [25]

Which list do you think is stronger in the current meta? What changes would you make to either of these lists?

I would remove the Harpoon missiles and boost the third ship (maybe Omega Leader with Stealth Device)

But to your question: First list fits better I guess

The first list is definitely better. Having said that, I don't believe this kind of list is the 'best' for Imperials. The main problem is Vader. If you fly Vader straight at the enemy and he gets off his harpoon and then subsequently destroyed, you are not getting a very good trade (unless you are destroying more than 39 points of enemies with those two harpoons...unlikely!)

So in order to keep Vader 'safe' you are better off flanking with him and trying to get the missile off when you can. In this role, it is much better to put lone wolf on Vader. Not only does he become more durable, but his firepower is more consistent and you are much less likely to lose him.

Also, I don't think a seinar specialist is the 'best' 3rd ship for this list. Its just not enough firepower and at too low of a pilot skill. I think Countdown is the best low 20's ship that imperials have for this sort of list (also harder to kill thanks to his ability).

The other other option is to drop engine upgrade from Vader and use him purely as a sacrificial 35 point missile delivery. But again, you may not get a good damage trade, depending on how the opening goes. At the very least though, you can use those points to put in another harpoon missile carrier (such as a deadeye Gamma Vet w/ harpoon & chips). That way, you have a much more potent alpha strike, and then the 3rd ship becomes a more enticing first target (that at least may keep Vader alive a little longer).

I second the idea of dropping the missile and including OL!

On 2017-12-03 at 1:37 PM, Gobbitas said:

List 1

Darth Vader + TIE/x1 + Harpoon Missiles + Veteran Instincts + Engine Upgrade + Advanced Targeting Computer [39]
"Quickdraw" + Special Training Ops + Veteran Instincts + Harpoon Missiles + Fire-Control System + Lightweight Frame [38]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret [23]

List 2

"Omega Leader" + Juke + Comm Relay [26]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret + Lightweight Frame [25]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret + Lightweight Frame [25]
Sienar Specialist + Twin Laser Turret [25]

Which list do you think is stronger in the current meta? What changes would you make to either of these lists?

IMO the choice really comes down to your skill lvl and the amount of playtime you have with the 1st list. In the hand of a skilled and experienced player i believe the 1st list is better. But you really have to know what you are doing.

The 2nd list is much more forgiving but still require skill to advance. An average to low skill player wont reach the top spots of a major event but his chance to win at least a match or 2 will be much higher.