Bullgryn Shields

[jaxom]

Who takes what and why?

[HallofStovokor]

Go with a 50/50 split of brute shields or Slabshields.

[Ldorte]

Go with a 50/50 split of brute shields or Slabshields.

 

To expand upon this for Jaxom, this allows you to use both saves giving the unit higher survivability and splitting it 50/50 across the unit gives you the most chances to use both types of saves (obviously that does require the investment of an extra bullgryn). If it is a standard 3 "man" squad I would be tempted to go for two brute shields and one slab shield as more normal weapons that require the 2+ are likely to be low damage and strength but anything that requires the 4++ is likely to be higher damage and could have the potential to wipe the unit if it gets through (so having more chances of stopping a full wipe is useful).

Edited August 28, 2020 by Ldorte

[sairence]

The mixed shields has lot a bit of value as you now need to keep taking saves on a model until it's dead or your opponent has run out of shooting for the phase. So say someone shoots a bunch of bolters, you take your slabshield saves. Next he fires a squad of Melta-Chosen. You can't switch to the Invun until the original slabshield is dead.

 

I tend to run 1 - 2 units of 3 - 5 guys and found all slabshield pretty decent for that.

[Shamansky]

The mixed shields has lot a bit of value as you now need to keep taking saves on a model until it's dead or your opponent has run out of shooting for the phase. So say someone shoots a bunch of bolters, you take your slabshield saves. Next he fires a squad of Melta-Chosen. You can't switch to the Invun until the original slabshield is dead.

 

I tend to run 1 - 2 units of 3 - 5 guys and found all slabshield pretty decent for that.

Uncomfortable saves are really easy to lure out with the new rule of attack/wound allocation. That makes mixed saves units a kind of tricky to use

Edited August 28, 2020 by Shamansky

[Ldorte]

The mixed shields has lot a bit of value as you now need to keep taking saves on a model until it's dead or your opponent has run out of shooting for the phase. So say someone shoots a bunch of bolters, you take your slabshield saves. Next he fires a squad of Melta-Chosen. You can't switch to the Invun until the original slabshield is dead.

 

I tend to run 1 - 2 units of 3 - 5 guys and found all slabshield pretty decent for that.

 

Very well made point, as an armoured company player I had not taken into account that rules change! 

[duz_]

I've always just run the 2+ brute shields because RoC and ease of play

 

As Sairence pointed out the change in rules requiring you keep allocating wounds to the same model through out a phase means mix and matching isn't as big a benefit

[jaxom]

Thank you all for the input! I don't really like the Bullgryn kit, but they seem really fun to use. Then I saw the new Necromunda ogryn gang and ideas started flowing.

[duz_]

That new kit definitely does offer itself to a lot of potential opportunities I'm looking forward to seeing what people do with it for IG armies!

[Gothical]

I prefer the Slab Shield for a couple of reasons.

 

Firstly, if you're getting into melee then the majority of stuff you fight will have fairly basic attacks (S:User AP:0/-1) and rely more on volume than power, whilst the squad leader might be carrying something more substantial. Therefore the 2+ will be better than the 4++ as it will tank more hits. Mind you, I don't like to throw them at Terminators/Monstrous Creatures unless I really have to as those things typically have either high strength or Damage 2+ weaponry that eats through Bullgryn no matter what shield they have.

 

Secondly, the 2+ means that at range the opponent is facing a tough multi-wound model that still has Marine-equivalent armour even against AP-1 weapons. This means the unit requires something a bit heavier to really make a difference to the wall of muscle about to bully their scoring units - and by all means please shoot your Lascannons and Meltaguns at my Bullgryn instead of my Leman Russes!!

[Tyr13]

I tend to favour slab shields as well, though I do sprinkle in one or two brute shields. Just to keep my opponents on their toes, make them take tough decisions. Shoot the tanks or the bullgryns, that kinda thing. I wouldnt want to take more than 2 brutes at most though.

[GuardDaddy]

The new kit makes me want to include them too! It's stunning.

[WarriorFish]

I've always preferred taking more Slabshields, but a number of 4++ saves is always worthwhile. It's a bit less useful in 9th perhaps with the wound mechanic being an allocation for the entire phase, but practically speaking I'm not sure if this will make a huge amount of difference given the type of weapons that tend to target Bullgryns? Will be interesting to hear what is experienced in 9th :tu:

 

Don't forget it's not difficult to magnetise them, so it can easily be a purely list building question ;)