i personally prefer hardened vets because;
a) vets have 'guard infantry' rule meaning you can apply doctrines to them
b) infiltrate is included in their basic cost
c) better weapon options so you can tool a unit for assault
d) upto 3 special weapon slots (note i never recommend a heavy weapon as vets really need to stay mobile to be effective... leave the big guns for your gun line!)
e) much better equipment/wargear selection for the mandetory vet sergeant. a hidden power fist can easily be a game winner!
if you're going the 'mini marines' route with guard (ie; an all grenedier/storm trooper force) then vets really out-shine the stormies as even after you buy them carapace armour, they will have the same base pts cost as storm troopers! (and btw, the vet serg is simply 13pts, not a basic trooper + upgrade cost - so he's acctually cheaper than a storm troopers vet!)
the only thing the stormies over the vets is the hellgun (is ap5 really *that* important?!) targeters (nearly useless) and frag and krak grenades as standard... (but then, vets are much better in assaults!)
again, like most things i feel it comes down to personal choice. lots of guard player prefer the storm troopers as it's a much cheaper way to get a few 4+ saves into their force and they can deep strike without the need for the drop troops doctrine...
others like myself, prefer the better adaptablity and more numerous options of the vets!
cheers!
__________________
"Who are you to question my methods?! A 'Puritan' is simply a coward who hides behind a veil of pretended faith and denounces his loyal brother as a traitor out of simple jealousy!"
- Inquisitor Odion    |