Unit of the Week: Storm Speeder Hailstrike

[Jolemai]

Welcome to part two of the Blood Angels Unit of the Week Series!

Following the release of the 8^th edition Codex, there is no better time to discuss all the units we have access to. Each week a different unit will appear, with the idea being that we discuss how best to use that model on the battlefield. Where part one will focus on the unique BA units and part two will focus on BA units that are new to this edition of the Codex, part three will discuss how to get the best use the generic units from the past that are still with us (and that many of us have in our armies still), and part four will discuss the Legends units that we still own and love. Finally, part five will be dedicated to the reinforcements from Forge World.

Note, this isn't to lament any nerfs, etc, from previous editions; the rules are as they are so try to unlock its potential for those who wish to use them all the same. Similarly, this thread is only for using the option being discussed; it matters not if you feel something is a better choice as such comments aren't constructive to the topic and shall be removed.

Without further ado, here's this week's entry:

Storm Speeder Hailstrike

Storm Speeder Hailstrike

What are you thoughts here folks? How best would you use your Hailstrike?

• To compliment a list, or to build a list around? Will the beta rules affect your list(s)?
• Will you be running multiples?
• How are you buffing this unit? Will it be babysitting anything?
• Stratagem synergy of note?

Over to you.

Edited October 22, 2021 by Jolemai

[Jolemai]

Should you want your model on display here (or on another thread from the series), then submit a photo here please.

[WrathOfTheLion]

I'm not certain how great they are on the table, but I'll most certainly be painting one yellow when it comes in.

 

I think I'll only run one, as I don't remember it coming in squadrons. I'll need to go back and look at the codex, but I remember that being a pretty large limitation.

Edited January 31, 2021 by WrathOfTheLion

[WrathOfTheLion]

The Land Speeder Vengeance model has a gunner near the battery in the same way, it doesn't bother me that much.

[Karhedron]

Speeders score over other vehicles in their speed, bringing the firepower to bear on units trying to hide.

 

Most of our vehicles in 9th have taken a big hit in not being Core so they cannot be buffed. This is less of an issue for Speeders as you tend to want them operating independently and you less likely to want them hugging character auras. These are weapons for hunting.

 

It is not exactly glowing praise to say a unit is good because it is less affected by a nerf than other vehicles but it is something in their favour at least.

[Warhead01]

As far as I can tell the strength of that particular storm speeder is its movement speed and bringing 16 shots in as AP -1. (I think it's 16, have to check.) 
This meant it is fairly consistent on  it's own.  It may or may not get much use from the devastator doctrine on turn 1. 
I can imagine I would focuses on moving it toward objectives and throw shots at what ever seem like a target another unit wanted to target with ranged or close combat just to aid in softening that target up. I wouldn't expect this Speeder to intentionally wipe out most units on it's own.  I see it as a unit meant to annoy the enemy more than anything else just now and that is still dependent on the type of enemy, opposing faction. 

[Majkhel]

As far as I can tell the strength of that particular storm speeder is its movement speed and bringing 16 shots in as AP -1. (I think it's 16, have to check.) 

That's 16+2xD6

 

EDIT: Skilled Raiders strat comes to mind in terms of giving a little more survivability.

Worth noting, that this buddy has S5 so it would be wounding DG marines on 2+ when charging ;) Only 3 attacks, but gets one from the Shock Assault. 

With T6 it's better off in CC than in the open. I'd say it's a viable tactic to move, shoot and charge some chaff to keep it safe(er) during enemy turn

Edited February 1, 2021 by Majkhel

[YogiDaAngel]

I think I would run 2 of them for pressure in one flank. With 16" move they are pretty fast and can score for us relentless assault points. 16 S5 + 16 S4 + 4D6 S4 shots could potentially remove back field objective holders or screening unit. For 150 pts for one it isn't game breaking but a good option to disturb and harass enemy units.

Downside for me is degrading profile but it is what it is.