What do you guys think is the best/ most viable source of ion for an imperial? Is it best with a cheap dedicated carrier, or put on more expensive ships as part of a toolkit?

The two options that I am looking at are:

Nu Squadron Pilot — Alpha-class Star Wing: Ion Cannon, XG-1 Assault Configuration (22)
Sienar Specialist — TIE Aggressor: Ion Cannon Turret (22)

Cheap and effective, but I am open to better suggestions!

A TIE/D Delta Defender with an Ion Cannon is a pretty good way of spending 33 points. :-)

•"Deathfire" (26) - TIE Bomber
Ion Pulse Missiles (3), Conner Net (4), Extra Munitions (2), Guidance Chips (0)

This little guy is really good for 26 points.

Nu with Ion Pulse and ASLAM.

4 minutes ago, SabineKey said:

•"Deathfire" (26) - TIE Bomber
Ion Pulse Missiles (3), Conner Net (4), Extra Munitions (2), Guidance Chips (0)

This little guy is really good for 26 points.

I like it. You could even go down to 24 with ion bombs if you want to limit yourself to use the bomb as second ion. For example, first shoot the rocket. Then you'll know exactly where that ship ends up and can drop an ion bomb close enough.

Conner net leaves more options though, so it's the better choice for 2 more points.

Most Reliable:

Colonel Vessery
- TIE/D
- Ion Cannon
- Expertise

Plus a named TIE/sf with FCS to serve as a spotter.

If you absolutely, positively want to hit your target, he's the best* option. You're looking at 2-3 hit results on every attack.

*Offer null and void if he gets blown up by a pair of Harpoons before he gets the chance to shoot.

If I am running cheap, its the Seinar Spec with the ICT and LWF. I like to have this in a squad that includes General Hux for Fanatical Devotion if possible. Otherwise, I most often run Lt. Kestal with ICT, LWF, and Intensity, but that is a significant investment.

Edit: Oh, on occasion I have put an Ion Cannon on a OGP carrying Hux to take advantage of FanDev, its ok but not my favorite since the TIE/ag came out.

5 minutes ago, GreenDragoon said:

I like it. You could even go down to 24 with ion bombs if you want to limit yourself to use the bomb as second ion. For example, first shoot the rocket. Then you'll know exactly where that ship ends up and can drop an ion bomb close enough.

Conner net leaves more options though, so it's the better choice for 2 more points.

I've flown it a couple of times and though it's not my style, Deathfire does have an appeal. If you see it across the table, you can't ignore it, even if you are a big base. And having the opponent first worry about your small 26 point guy and leaving your bigger guns alone to pummel face is nice.

Well TIE-D will have more damage with Ion cannons. After all what better control is there other than jamming something.

I think for ion options the gunboat OS may have some better ones with the Ion Pulse missile being able to immediately ion larger ships. You can also put EM on it or double up so that you can continue to fire ion pulse missiles. However then it goes on to the other question is it worth it ? Will it be as good as the squadron points you spent on it to be able to ion any ship that is sent your way before it gets overwhelmed and destroyed?

52 minutes ago, Jarval said:

A TIE/D Delta Defender with an Ion Cannon is a pretty good way of spending 33 points. :-)

I've had a lot of luck getting ion hits with a pair of TIE/Ds and Ion Cannons. Especially when paired with a gunboat firing Ion Torpedoes or Ion Pulse missiles.

52 minutes ago, Jarval said:

A TIE/D Delta Defender with an Ion Cannon is a pretty good way of spending 33 points. :-)

I flew a triple TIE/D list yesterday afternoon in casual play, but against some heavy-hitting lists (Nymranda pre-FAQ, 3x Rage Wookiees). One each Ion, Flechette, Tractor Beam, all with TIE Mk.II. It was a lot of fun.

I bet 24 point LWF/ICT Aggressors could be fun. Pair with a loaded Kylo? Upgrade also to PS 5 Ions?

Just now, PhantomFO said:

Most Reliable:

Colonel Vessery
- TIE/D
- Ion Cannon
- Expertise

I have been using Rexlar Brath in my last couple of games with the same set up (plus Twin Ion Engines Mk.II). Vessery is better if another ship is supplying a target lock (like Quickdraw), but Rexlar does at least move and attack at higher PS so can barrel roll into better positions more often and maybe take the enemy out first, especially if you can get his pilot ability to work.

I've been pairing him up with Kath Scarlet with Ion Pulse Missiles, Guidance chips, Extra Munitions and Ion Bombs (amongst other upgrades). With a bit of luck you can stress and ionise a target in the same turn which can really mess up some ships (Dash hates it).

I've been flying the nu squadron pilot you've mentioned with long-range scanners and linked battery for 24pts. Long range scanners is really handy - you will never want to TL if you are in close, you'll either be focussing for a shot or slamming to bump or flee. Linked battery isn't fully necessary, but it's more than proved its worth for me.

Another interesting ion option is Lt. Kestal with expertise, although that's a bit more expensive. Useful against poe though.

1 hour ago, JudgeDeath said:

I have been using Rexlar Brath in my last couple of games with the same set up (plus Twin Ion Engines Mk.II). Vessery is better if another ship is supplying a target lock (like Quickdraw), but Rexlar does at least move and attack at higher PS so can barrel roll into better positions more often and maybe take the enemy out first, especially if you can get his pilot ability to work.

I've been pairing him up with Kath Scarlet with Ion Pulse Missiles, Guidance chips, Extra Munitions and Ion Bombs (amongst other upgrades). With a bit of luck you can stress and ionise a target in the same turn which can really mess up some ships (Dash hates it).

Why not both?

you can both with Expertise, Cruise, Ion, and TIE MKII for ~98 points (I'm too lazy to remember). come up the board edge at them, and either let them joust, or when they try to flank, ion them off the board.

22 minutes ago, Do I need a Username said:

Why not both?

you can both with Expertise, Cruise, Ion, and TIE MKII for ~98 points (I'm too lazy to remember). come up the board edge at them, and either let them joust, or when they try to flank, ion them off the board.

Both Rexlar and Vessery? To be honest, I hadn't considered it because I've been trying out different ships to go with Kath (of which Rexlar looks the most promising) rather than finding ships to go with Rexlar. I'm basically running a stress-list that also puts out a lot Ion tokens so I'm trying out similar ideas from a slightly different perspective.