Scythe unlock questions

[Jaged]

As my skills as pilot improve, I have decided to pour some unlocks into my favorite aircraft. I have some questions about which certs are more valuable.

1. A2A rockets vs photon pods. I know most people will say photon pods, but I do love dogfighting. A2A rockets seem like they would yield a huge advantage in the air.

2. Light PPA vs Hailstorm turbolaser vs default gun. Here I am thinking of gettng the PPA because it costs less station cash than the turbo laser (10 bucks could get me that and rockets of my choice.) Is the PPA a good weapon, or are the others significantly better here.

3. How good is the Light PPA vs vehicles?

4. IR vs Thermal Optics: IR is 50 cert points, Thermal is 200. Whats the difference?

5. and of course, the all important airframe question: Which airframe is best for scythe? I want to focus on air to air combat here, but I do engage in air to ground as well. It just seems air to air would benefit from an advantage more than other modes of combat.

[Saintlycow]

As my skills as pilot improve, I have decided to pour some unlocks into my favorite aircraft. I have some questions about which certs are more valuable.

1. A2A rockets vs photon pods. I know most people will say photon pods, but I do love dogfighting. A2A rockets seem like they would yield a huge advantage in the air.

2. Light PPA vs Hailstorm turbolaser vs default gun. Here I am thinking of gettng the PPA because it costs less station cash than the turbo laser (10 bucks could get me that and rockets of my choice.) Is the PPA a good weapon, or are the others significantly better here.

3. How good is the Light PPA vs vehicles?

4. IR vs Thermal Optics: IR is 50 cert points, Thermal is 200. Whats the difference?

5. and of course, the all important airframe question: Which airframe is best for scythe? I want to focus on air to air combat here, but I do engage in air to ground as well. It just seems air to air would benefit from an advantage more than other modes of combat.

If you want to be frugal, Photon pods give you more certs for your dollar.

1000 certs vs 500 certs, all at 700 SC.

I'd also make sure to pick up flares ASAP, just because of all the heavies with aa

[Rbstr]

A2A missiles are insanely powerful against other ESFs, two missiles takes them down. Flares work on that first one, but if you keep some distance and don't lose them they can't escape. If that's what you want to do go with those.
The Rockets are good against ground but also good for Liberators and Galaxies.

The PPA is good for ground attack and Libs and Gals but not very good for ESF fights. Very slow projectiles.
The Hailstorm is superior for dogfighting with the ROF so you get more hits in...but low total ammo. If you get the jump on someone and land a whole clip it's a ton of damage. It does some A2G damage.
The base is decent generally and totaly usable if you're cheap.

IR vs. Thermal is just a color difference and you can see people in buildings with thermal.
I use IR because it's cheaper. Good on both rockets and cannons because you can see through smoke.

I've found no use for hover. Level 3 of speed can outrun SAMS and A2A missiles. Dogfighting is a big bonus if you're a gunfighter rather than a2a missiles.

I run Hailstorm, Rockets, Dogfighter and Armor. I like the versatility.