2
Let me start out by saying this is my opinion, and it does not mean that this tank is perfect. I’ve been in many battles with this tank where some Derp of some kind decides to nuke my thin armor.
Now that disclaimer is out of the way let me explain why this is my favorite tank!
1.(The obvious reason) that marvelous 105 mm gun.
A lot of people don’t like the fact that it shoots only apcr,heat, and he. But in actuality it doesn’t cost that much and actually plays into one of the benefits of the gun. It has really great penetration, and the shell velocity means you aren’t lobbing your 300+ dmg every 8.5 seconds (which mind you is the same as the Patton’s 105mm a tier higher) so slowly that by the time it reaches its destination the tank is gone. The gun can penetrate and accurately hit a moving targets weak spot from across the map. Not to mention that with the right modules the dispersion on this thing means you can reliably send snapshots,while moving, into an enemy tanks weak spot. And as stated above I’m impressed with the reload time being the same if not better than most 105mm guns a tier higher!
2. The turret and mobility of the tank
Now the turret on this tank, contrary to popular belief, has a few things going for it. The turret traverse is quite fast for whatever strat you want to use so yeah. Now the mantlet is quite large and the curves on the turret mean that if their aiming at your turret with ap it can be expected to bounce 60ish% of the time in my opinion. As for the mobility, it only gets up to around 48 on flat ground but the acceleration is what I enjoy. It can put most light tanks to shame! And it will get you out of a tight spot in a pinch, just don’t expect to zoom around the open in it and your mobility won’t be a problem.
3.(This is the controversial part) The armor.......oh boy
So this is stupid but I have to say it. Remember that this tank is based of a tier 5-6 chassis. But despite the paper thin armor getting spammed with he and heat all the time it still manages to bounce a lot! This can mostly be contributed to the trolly curves all over and the great traverse speed that lets you wiggle really well. Just don’t get the idea that you can reliably bounce! It may work in a pinch but don’t plan on it!
To finish I guess I’d leave you with this. It takes a certain amount of skill to play this well. You have to stick to close quarters combat where you can abuse your acceleration and relatively quick reload (considering caliber and damage). Never play 1st line but do play forwardish. This tank can snipe but isn’t a td. Don’t play on the line with the heavies because you’ll be vaporized but find somewhere along the enemy firing lines (to the side preferably) and start putting shots into their tds or heavies. You can do enough damage that they can’t ignore you, so while they try to take you out, use your mobility and fall back. Your team should get some nice damage out of the deal. If given the chance, get behind the enemy and give the lights some much needed fire support.
i highly recommend picking up this outstanding tank next time it’s in the shop.
