The JagdPanzer IV, the tank destroyer that many people strongly dislike in the line of German TDs. I found it to be weak too, but I have finally made it to the JagdPanther.
[My Credentials]: Of the 91 battles I played, I have won 52 games(62%), faced 4 draws, and lost 30 times(32%). Of those games, I survived a meager 45 games(49%). I have a Mastery Badge with 1095exp. I averaged 541xp per game, 1301 damage, and achieved a destruction ratio of 1.6 and spotting ratio of 1.3.
Summary: The JagdPanzer IV is a fairly weak tier 6 tank destroyer of the German line. The low health pool of 740 will not allow you to take many hits, and the weak hull armor of 80/40/20 does not compensate for the lack of hit points. The frontal armor is angled back, and the gun mantlet will troll bounce some shells, but the protruding part underneath just covers the transmission. As you may know, German tanks are tinderboxes when it comes to frontal engine damage and fires. However, the engine that carries over from the Pz. III A. and StuG III Ausf. G does provide a healthy 440hp, and the track traverse of 35 degrees is not too shabby, although it is much slower when compared to its parent, the StuG. The L/70 and 10,5 cm derp carry over. The top 88mm L/56 is a very controversial gun. I have never used the short 88, so I will only say that the penetration is not enough, and that the L/70 is far superior.
Research Path(s): *=modules that can already be researched through previous tanks/other lines.
Equip Maybach HL 120 TRM*(Pz. III A & StuG III) -> Equip either 7,6 cm Pak 42 L/70*(StuG III) or 10,5 cm StuH 42 L/28*(StuG III) -> Suspension -> 8,8 cm Pak L/56 -> JagdPanther
Why:
Engines:
Maybach HL 108 TR: 320 hp 450kg
Maybach HL 120 TR: 350 hp 510kg
Maybach HL 120 TRM: 440hp 510 kg
The upgraded engine is well worth it for such a light tank destroyer. If you do not already have it, I am forbidden to talk to you.
Guns:
7,5 cm Pak 39 L/48: Stock gun. Never use this gun. If I see anyone with it, feel free to call me an [edited], but you are a noob.
10,5 cm StuH 42 L/28: The derp gun. Can be effective??? (as long as you spam HEAT)
7,5 cm Pak 42 L/70: The golden gun. The best penetration(150/194/38), Rof(10.52), and accuracy(0.33). I used it for the whole grind.
8,8 cm Pak L/56: The last gun. Not the 'best' gun. It has a decent RoF(8.61) with increased alpha(220/220/270) and okay accuracy(0.35) at the cost of penetration(132/171/44).
Suspensions:
Jagdpanzer IV 0-Serie: The stock one.
Jagdpanzer IV: Upgraded suspension with a decent 35 deg/s traverse speed.
Get the last one. 35 deg/s isn't comparable to the StuG, but it's plenty to ensure you do not get circled.
Consumables:
My loadout:
Multi-Restoration Pack
Repair Kit
First Aid Kit
OR
Chocolate/Adrenaline
Ammunition:
Mine: (L/70)
45/15/2
OR
(if you are cheaper)
55/5/2
Equipment:
If you plan on keeping the tank.
Gun Rammer
Camo Net/Binocs
Vents
For more, check out my equipment guide.
http://forum.wotblitz.com/index.php?/topic/2604-the-equipment-guide/
Gameplay:
As any TD driver, a Jagdpanzer IV driver needs to find the balance between sniping and directly supporting the team. It is a very hard tank to master with its lackluster armor and small gun arc. The only real way to round corners is to sidescrape. It is easier to do when the gun is locked in place. Unless you equip the 10,5 cm or 8,8 cm, the alpha damage is pretty low. For this low firepower and minimal survivability, it isn't unusual to struggle in this tank. Try to maximize the RoF and German accuracy, and get to the JPanther as soon as possible! (It gets better)
Extra Content:
Learn how to abuse the bushes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ML4oXjG6ag
Understand armor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq5S8CrsUig