I have a $50 gift card lying around that I’ll never use, so I’ll probably use it to get a product kit when I rank to First Lieutenant. Which kit that unlocks at 1LT is the best/most fun? My options are Hyacinth (Magnum/Mammoth), Excalibur (Magnum/Viking), Annihilator (Thunder/Viking), Glaze (Hammer/Viking), Minotaur (Twins/Viking), and Fortress (Thunder/Mammoth). I’ve heard Magnum is strong at M2, and I don’t have an M2 heavy hull, so I think Hyacinth makes the most sense. But Minotaur, Annihilator, and Excalibur are also tempting.

Is Magnum M2 a worthwhile upgrade from M1? How does it compare to other M2 turrets?

Probably wisest in the long run to save for M3 kits, but ultimately it's your choice. I've found M2 Striker is really fun, and the firebird alt would be a good choice. Don't spend your crystals on useless paints though, and name change is too expensive IMO.

Yep, thanks to Tankers' day sales :) The alteration really makes a huge difference. If you get it, play in NS battles where people can't use repair kits. My afterburn begins at 190, and even if someone uses a repair kit they will keep burning starting at 70 or so. My firebird actually just finished upgrading to 9/10—can't wait to have some barbecued enemies for dinner :)

I have M2 Firebird at 8/10 with Compact Tanks—the burn damage is simply sublime. Just torch someone for 2 seconds and run away...they will sustain 1900 total damage just from burning. 190+180+170+160....etc. That alone will take 80% of an M2 medium hull's health. Couple insane burn damage with Firebird's awesome DPS, and you have a monster.

Is Striker M2 any good at around Captain? I know almost no one in mid ranks has striker protection.. Also how is firebird m2 w/ compact tanks?

Just ranked to WO5. Boar kit (+M1 Rico alt?) or Tornado? edit: I plan to MU whichever kit I get to M3.

I will rank up to WO5 fairly soon, and I'll be looking to buy one of these M2 kits: Voltage, Boar, Tornado, or Anaconda (I already have Isida M2, so Stinger is out). Please answer both questions if possible: 1. Which of these four kits would overall be the best choice, in terms of power and longevity when facing higher ranks? (Note: I generally play all types of battles). I'm kinda leaning toward Tornado but I'm really torn. 2. If I choose to just wait and not buy a new kit when I rank up, will my current turrets hold up in the Lieutenant ranks? My most advanced turrets are Shaft M1 (7/10), Isida M2 (2/10), Firebird M1 (6/10), and Smoky M1 (4/10). With a few more MUs, my Firebird, Shaft, or Smoky could essentially have the power of an M2. My current plan is to buy an early M2 kit (one of the four I mentioned) and then focus on MUs. 3. Does this seem like a solid plan? What would you change?