Power Weapon vs Lightning Claw

Wanting to know your opinions, after crunching the number it looks like a single PW and a single LC will (for S4 v T4) produce the same number of wounds on average. That said, is what is your view on the single LC? In general it's about 5-10 points more than the PW and, while you lose the bonus attack, you do get to reroll to wound. In general I think I'd go with the PW only because of the point value. If they were the same cost would that change your opinion?

A single Lightning Claw just doesn't do it for me. Where they really shine is in a unit that has a few pairs of Lightning Claws - Assault Terminators, Vanguard Veterans, or even Chaos Chosen - who get a pair for 20 points (CHEAP!). Probably the best example of a unit that would benefit from a smaller amount would be a Wolfguard joined to a unit with a Wolf Priest - they would get to re-roll to hit and to-wound.

I agree.

Powersword: keep your extra attack for weapon and pistol. No armor Save. No advantage to wounding.
One claw: Lose an attack. No armor save. Reroll to wound. About balances out w/ sword.
Powerfist: Winner unless you are going with two claws. Double str ability to instant kill enemies, ability to injure carnifexes, wraithlords and trygons. No armor Saves. Ability to wreck vehicles and drednoughts. Dont take a marine squad without one.

big_d wrote:

Probably the best example of a unit that would benefit from a smaller amount would be a Wolfguard joined to a unit with a Wolf Priest - they would get to re-roll to hit and to-wound.

For generic Space Marines: Doesn't the Terminator Chaplain do the same thing when attached to an Assault Terminator unit?

I hope so, GW website led me to believe that so I bought one.

SM Chap does allow a reroll to hit on the charge. As someone who is usually on the receiving end of such weapons, I have more concern over power fists than LC or PW. If IN isn't a factor in your decision, swing with the big stick. It increases the versatility and threat factor of your unit.