Email in: BA list opinions

"Hey Kirbs,

So I have been playing an all BA jump pack list and have had pretty good results:

Librarian
Jump pack
Unleash Rage
Blood Lance

Librarian
Jump pack
Unleash Rage
Blood Lance

Assault Marines (10)
Jump packs
2 meltaguns
power fist

Honor Guard
Jump packs
3 lightning claws
3 storm shields
Thunder hammer

Honor Guard
Jump packs
3 lightning claws
3 storm shields
Thunder hammer

Assault Marines (10)
Jump packs
2 meltaguns
power fist

Assault Marines (10)
Jump packs
2 meltaguns
power fist

Sanguinary Priests (2)
Jump Pack
Power Weapon
Hand Flamer

Vanguard Veterans
Jump packs
4 power weapons
Power fist

Vanguard Veterans
Jump packs
4 power weapons
Power fist

So I like it a lot, but I am highly considering making the following changes:

Honor Guard
Jump Packs
3 meltaguns
Flamer

Honor Guard
Jump Packs
3 meltaguns
Flamer

Vanguard Veterans
4 Lightning Claws
Thunder Hammer
5 Storm Shields

Vanguard Veterans
4 Lightning Claws
Thunder Hammer
5 Storm Shields

I lose a flurry of close combat attacks (-6 power weapons, -2 power fists, +2 lightning claws), but I greatly increase my bust-a-tank dropping skills (+2 meltaunits @3 meltaguns).

I'd love to hear what you think and what changes you would make!

-paul"

What points is this? I add them up to around 2230-2245 each so are you playing 2250? If so I'd squeeze some of the upgrades for a 3rd VV squad and go with the first set-up by dropping the LClaws on the Honor Guard. You've then get 3 VV squads with some Power Weapons and the HG are your anti-hammer unit with the SS. Once you've got your core setup for a BA Jumpers list (i.e. 3x ASM, 2x HG, 2x VV, 2x Libby, 2x Priests) it just becomes a matter of upgrading guys who can take punishment in combat with SS and some other guys to dish it out. The core of 3x ASM, 2x HG, 3x VV, 2x Libby, 2x Priest I think will serve you best at 2250 and add another ASM at 2500. If you're dropping down to 2000 I'd shave some upgrades off the VV and HG squads.