So I am starting a Bombing Set, and I wanted to get some pointers from other people.
I am looking at making Mad Bomber Suit and Mask, but am unsure about a shield (Currently have BTB as part of my Sword Set)
Shivermist
Ash of Agni
Venom Veiler
Those are the three bombs I have, I am trying to stay away from annoying bombs such as the Nitronome as I feel I wouldn't use it right.
Any Suggestions for bombs/armor/shields?
a good set follows this list;
1.Vaporizer
2.Blast (seeing your staying away from nitro, at least consider Dark briar)
3.Vortex
4.Radiant sun shards, a sword or a gun.
it isn't always great to have only vaporizers as enemies won't died as fast as they can with bombs, and the only tactic you would use is kiting which isn't great (it can be done) in small spaces.
the guide isn't there for nothing ;) http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Bombing_Guide#Load-outs
Straight bombers need a damage bomb as part of their arsenal - Dark Briar Barrage, Nitronome (solo only), or Radiant Sun Shards. Support bombers should focus on Vortex bombs and Vaporizer lines.
Mad Bomber set is the province of straight bombers, as the proper way to use it is to take advantage of the massive CTR/DMG boost with a damage bomb. Vortex and Vaporizer lines don't need DMG boosts, so if those are the only bombs you plan to use, you actually fall into the category of support bomber, and should use Volcanic Demo helm to boost your CTR and maybe a Bomb Focus module (Volcanic Demo suit only gives low CTR).
I would consider Ash of Agni as a damage bomb more than a support bomb. Even Voltaic Tempest can be considered as a damage bomb (if you think the damage is low, take in account multiplications ...).
Also, are you certain bomb DMG bonus don't apply on Haze bombs ? I'm not certain about this, i guess i'll have to test it myself.
Bomb damage buffs apply to status bombs, but only to the initial small-radiused explosion. The status is unaffected.
AoA and VT are damage types, yes, but they gain little from boosts to bomb DMG. Therefore I tend to class them under support for the purposes of choosing which bomb armor/trinkets to go with them. If you run only AoA and VT as your damage dealers, then it doesn't make sense to get Mad Bomber (all you get for your trouble is a bunch of negative resists).
It does make sense if you want to achieve CTR : Max without trinkets nor UV, as the Volcanic Demo Suit only have CTR low instead of medium.
And even if the starting damage of haze bombs is small and the raduis tiny, i don't consider it negligible. According wiki, it's about 100 damage on strata 4, for weak targets. Which is 2 to 4 fire damage ticks depending on the mob. So this DMG bonus is not completely lost.
Else, you have to get CTR : low on bombs to reach ultra. While that's quite easy to find some cheap ones for craftable ones, it's not that easy for VT/DBB.
I suppose, but in which case you'd run Volcanic Demo Helm and Mad Bomber Suit. No reason to subject yourself to more pain than you need. :D
That said, the hallmark of a skilled status bomber is that they maximize their damage by getting their bomb to detonate while the enemies are on top. In an arena, this can make short work of mechaknights. While the damage bonus is not completely lost, I would still prefer CTR Very High or Ultra from just Volcanic Demo to the negative resists of Mad Bomber. Getting shocked or lit up for 8+ seconds is very painful.
As for the CTR debate, I think trinkets are a fantastic investment, and the best way to go. A single Bomb Focus module will solve pretty much all of your CTR problems, bringing all fully heated bombs to an acceptable Very High, or Ultra/Maximum! if you have even one piece of good bomber gear.
To the OP (if you are still reading this thread XD), it looks like you are building a support status bomber. I therefore recommend a single Bomb Focus module and/or Volcanic Demo Helm. With both of these equipped, any fully heated bomb will be at CTR Maximum!; if you have any CTR UVs on your bombs, you could even do without one of these items and still achieve Ultra or Maximum!. You might also want to go hybrid sword or gun- after statusing enemies, switch modes and deal additional damage. If you plan to use direct damage bombs (Radiant Sun Shards, Dark Briar Barrage, Nitronome) then disregard this advice- you'll probably want that Mad Bomber!
Dark Briar Barrage - best piercing bomb in the game, and it chews up Wolvers.
Nitronome - it's extremely annoying in teams but it's a great solo bomb. Just bring it whenever you feel like playing by yourself.
Radiant Sun Shards - use this against turrets if you don't have a Polaris and aren't planning on getting one.