Lasers vs Pulse Lasers vs X Pulse Lasers

[Mr_Puddins]

I find myself using Pulse lasers the least. In my experience, good ole fashioned Medium Lasers are a sure bet. I've actually really been impressed with Small X Pulse, particularly when they're paired with MG. And I really like the Large X Pulse paired with Rac5 as they have comparable range.

I do use Pulse Lasers on some dive bombing builds. I had been testing them on the Crimson Reaper II some but found I actually like the additional poke of Medium Lasers. The extra bit of range with Mediums is actually quite substantial vs any Small Laser type.

Large and ER Large are kinda meh for me. I'd rather use a PPC type (generally light or er). I've seen alot of folks do well with say 2 ER Large on a Light mech, doing some laser sniper play but I personally just can't pump out much match damage using that kinda build.

Binary Lasers are pretty cool on the right mech. I've had success with a Roughneck that uses 2 Binaries with 4 HvyMGs. And I really like 2 Binaries on my Black Knight that features reduced Laser duration.

As far as Heavy Lasers I've found Heavy Mediums to be the least useful for me more often than not. I'll use Hvy Smalls to ward off Light Mechs when I run AC on my Clan Assaults. And a Heavy Large Laser is a good addition for a bit of extra poke.

Most of my builds are AC based using lasers to supplement. I don't use Lasers as main weapons on too many mechs. Now I will say I absolutely love the laser vomit on my Piranha. Though, with the Crusaders I lean more towards the Crael than the one with laser vomit.

In your experiences, which laser(s) do you prefer and why?

[SharkPlush]

Yeah I don't like 2LL light sniping because it's inadequate for close range conflicts with other lights. Plus I feel like the longer peek time makes it really obvious what you are doing. It can be very difficult to tell where a PPC that came from 1000m away came from.

[Nero]

XPulse Lasers are kinda awful and I see why you pair them with the RAC. You have to stare at your opponent for a long time, while he can torso twist. At least the RAC will shake his screen so that he can't fire back well. Still when you fight more than 1 mech at once, XPulse put you at a disadvantage.

XPulse on a fast light mech however paired with MGs could really work well.

ER Large is great when the mech has strong quirks for it. And you can fire up to 3 of them.
Same goes for the normal LL.

BLC are just awesome and almost a cheat. Freeing up Energy hardpoints and inflicting massive damage

Large Pulse Lasers are king in the damage department, if you are in range that is. They are probably the best, apart from BLC. The low facetime and maximum damage is great. Their low duration means you don't spread your damage all over the place like when firing on a light mech. On Clan they go well with UAC20 on IS they go well with all missiles.

Heavy lasers I do not use. They are too hot for their own good.

PPC require good aim or you waste your entire shot.

Mediums are great when you can bring many of them. Same for Small lasers.

[Thundercracker]

really, it depends on the mech. what hardpoints i have available, how much free tonnage and slots for heatsinks, and of course if there are quirks for specific lasers.

for example, i have a wolfhound grineer i've boated MXPL on, because they work really well with the playstyle i use with that mech of skirmishing and backstabbing. meanwhile i have a commando i've boated regular SLs on, because of the quirks.

i'm not really a fan of LXPL at all. they dont often seem to me worth the cost in heat, tonnage, and slots for the damage they do. i've tried them in several configurations and roles, and i always end up finding something that works better for me.

i hadent really considered mixing them with RACs, but that's because i dont have the weight to spare for them on my specific RAC mechs. they use UACs as their backup weapons. like my 2x RAC5 marauder 2, it has 2x UAC2 for secondary weapons.