To fist or not to fist. (Power Fist Vs Power Sword)

[sps62487]

Sorry hopefully I can get some people to read this (which is why I used that title).

Anyway I'm a Blood Angel player. I mostly use Assault Squads. I've been thinking of dropping the fist for a power sword and melta bombs. Normal loadout for me is 2melta guns and power fist. But with the attached priest a strength 5 power sword can kill marines (insert type here) except for terminator armored ones. Plus it is an extra attack. But the Power Fist (if he lives) can instant-death Paladins. And if he lives take on Nurgle Greater Demons. But the Power Weapon+Melta Bomb is cheaper. I'm just stuck on deciding I feel like Mr. Burns trying to decide on Ketchup or Catsup. Please give me some feedback to help solve my Ketchup Catsup problem..

[DrLove42]

Fist.

But ask her first :P

I think fist is still the answer. Need something that can worry 2+. Or Monstrous Creatures. And Vehicles.

And yes melta bombs can help on the last 2, but you limit the attacks significantly.

[DWest]

If you've already got 2 meltas, I'd say go sword. It's easy to challenge out Sergeants w/ Fists now.

Also, has anyone considered a Power Spear? I know it's only AP 4 in normal rounds, but +1 Str AP 3 on the charge seems really nice for a unit that you're likely to get the charge with.

[ElectricPaladin]

In my opinion, fists are better in three circumstances:

1) Extremely durable model (ie. high toughness, good armor and invulnerable saves). Terminators are a good example (though they already come with power fists, so it's not a choice). So are biker captains, who can combine 2+, 4++, T5, and FNP with a naturally high weapon skill.

2) Models that can't (or shouldn't) get a pistol, and so don't lose out from wielding a specialist weapon. Sternguard sergeants who don't want to give up their boltguns, for example.

3) Dedicated tank hunters (ie. a melta/melta tac squad, a melta/melta Blood Angels assault squad, or a sternguard squad with combi-meltas). You might lose some combat utility in melee with infantry, but you really want that fist to smash apart tanks.