[Glyn]

SJ – The Ripper beam is smaller, cheaper and does more damage than the APB XII. It draw back is a range of 3, but by the time you have these weapons it best to fight at short range and you usually have the larger ships. Also, the Ripper beam is better balanced between the minerals and rads cost. For me, weapon load run about 30-35% of the total ship cost.

Now if your fighting organic or crystal the more expensive special weapons are needed.