Stormtalon v. Stormhawk

[Brother Christopher]

As someone who doesn't play that often, I've been always surprised that Stormtalons are relatively more expensive than Stormhawks. I've been even more surprised that this hasn't changed much with the new Codex. For roughly the same price, you get 3 weapons on a Stormhawk (vs. 2 on a Stormtalon) and better durability. Are the Hover Jet and Strafing Run special rules really worth the premium price?

 

If I hadn't bought 2 Stormtalons when they came out, I wouldn't have any second thoughts - I'd get the Stormhawks for the superior offensive output and clearly better durability, and better looks on top of that. However, that's me and my limited experience - please, convince me that Stormtalons are worth it and are an equally viable choice.

[Lemondish]

What chapter do you play? That might actually have an impact for you moving forward.

[Ishagu]

For Ultramarines I'd say the Stormhawk from turn 2 onwards.

 

Otherwise the Talon and Xiphon are still better for other chapters.

[Brother Christopher]

What chapter do you play? That might actually have an impact for you moving forward.

 

On principle, Black Templars. But I sometimes experiment with other rules. I haven't tried the new Codex yet, but from what I've read Salamanders seem fun. Also, Ultramarines... since I sometimes feel that my Templars should be Ultramarines in Black ;)

 

For Ultramarines I'd say the Stormhawk from turn 2 onwards.

 

Otherwise the Talon and Xiphon are still better for other chapters.

 

Could you elaborate on your stance? Especially the Talon vs. Hawk; Xiphon is an extremely cool model which I unfortunately but most probably will never get.

[zero88]

Ultramarines get Relentless while in the Tactical Doctrine, which makes the Hawk good at hitting ground targets.

 

Spending a CP a turn on Ignoring moving and fire gets the same benefits as Ultramarines, but for any chapter. So in that case a fully kitted out Hawk can be effective.

[Kallas]

I love my Stormhawks!

 

I played them a fair amount as Space Wolves, where they have a Stratagem to ignore all penalties to hit (which was amazing), but under Ultramarines/Successors, I think they'll be great too.

 

Scions letting them move and shoot at full effectiveness under Tactical Doctrine is certainly very good: when they're not getting penalised for moving they have a really solid amount of firepower; under Devastator Doctrine, their guns are plenty capable of ripping big chunks out of things, and against FLY targets they're great. Personally, I really like the the Typhoon and Stormcannon: it keeps the cost down to 171pts, which isn't too bad, and it's got good flexibility - Typhoon can Frag or Krak as need, and the Stormcannon isn't awful vs non-FLY targets (provided it's not also suffering the Heavy movement penalty).

 

Also, Ultramarines can get three(!) Hawks firing without movement penalties - while under Devastator Doctrine! That's using the Recitation of Focus Litany, Master of Strategy Warlord Trait, and the Big Guns Never Tire Stratagem; but it'll be damn effective when used, as going up to AP-2 on the Assault Cannons and Icarus Stormcannon is incredibly useful, and massively improves their effectiveness vs Save 3/4+ targets.

[Dracos]

I bought a couple Xiphons, as they are dedicated to one job. Very Primaris in Philospohy. I might have went with Stormhawk but they are ugly as sin and the Talons are only marginally better. Between the two it depends on your Meta in my opinion. If I were playing Firstborn, I'd go Talon all the way.

[Kallas]

I love the Stormhawk (the interceptors) look; the Stormtalons (flying brick) look ugly as sin!

[NovemberIX]

Could you elaborate on your stance? Especially the Talon vs. Hawk; Xiphon is an extremely cool model which I unfortunately but most probably will never get.

 

 

 

While I can't give an informed opinion of talons vs hawks, I will say a Xiphon counts-as conversion using the Nephilim/DarkTalon is pretty easy, I used the blacksword missiles and the twin-linked lascannons that came on the sprue, and replaced the heavy bolters with another pair of lascannons (I think from a storm talon kit if not cut down from Storm Raven turret lascans). That said, the actual Xiphon model is really really cool, and worth saving for in my admitted bad opinion.

[Claws and Effect]

For what it's worth, the Hover Jet ability is nice to have if you had to move your flyer somewhere to get range on a target and it would otherwise fly off the table next turn.

 

The Talon can make that move and drop into hover mode next turn. The Hawk can't move there unless you're willing to kill it to kill its target.