Why using TTC bases ? typical beginner question

[the french guy]

Hi,


Tonight I'm in philosophical self questionning

I'm a beginner, but for now I don't see the use for the TTC bases I use some of them, but I never turn the dials... if fact, since I don't have any good carrying case for now (see the other topic ) when I move my team I often disturb the dial direction, causing problems on field...

For speed, I've got good results with standard miggle bases, and even better with diamond fast bases. For strenght, I 've got a couple of DDB (dialed but as you know you can't turn the dial) bases wich are as stronger as my dialed miggle bases, and I heard that proline (strong and rookie) bases were good.


So what is the use of TTC bases ? I see a lot of great coaches and tweakers using it. SO I believe there is a good reason for that. But for an average joe like me, who will probably never make any big competition or tournament, can I forget TTC and use only rookies bases ? Or should I keep TTC bases for a special purpose, perhaps with the dial glued ?


thanks


dimitri

[eflfanatic]

Typically the TTC Base is used for strength on linemen and to give them direction for blocking. For myself, I have found that by turning the base backwards (so that the dial is on the back of the base) and curling the prongs back so that the base runs forward, it seems to give my line more balance and control. It also puts the back edge of the base towards the front of the figure and makes it more difficult for defenders to fight off the block because the front edge is now straight. Of course you can counter this by putting bases with a more rounder front on your defensive linemen.

[the french guy]

thanks


@elffanatic :

Personaly, when I turn the dials of my TTC bases, it seems that I loose strenght the best strenght I have is with the dial straight.

WHat you say join what K-lo said to me : use the dial for linemen moves. So I can keep a clean and readable LOS with straight bases, but keeping strategic possibilities...

So if I understand correctly, TTC bases are especially necessary for the line ?


@Joel :

I know it takes alot of practice and patience to make these work

You get it : what I like in that hobby is the modelling side and the game itself. Tweaking is interesting, but take a lot of time...too much time. And since I can't afford pro tweaked bases, I have to do on my own.

I know how to tweak ttc bases for strenght (even if, as I said, when I turn the dial the strenght is weaker), but tweak it for speed or (miracle) mixed speed and strenght is a way harder.

In the other side, tweaking a DDB or diamond fast base is easy and fast.

I heard that proline strong rookie bases were quite the same sort of stuff, and the fast rookies were quite good too. So perhaps I will never become a great tweaker...but with decent bases I make decent enough tweaking to play games.


another cool thing about proline bases : the rounded bases : usefull for runners and defense line, no ? the square bases sounds good for O linemen too...




Well...Still confused I'll go to sleep and come back tomorrow

[joel_p1]

I for one when I started back in this hobby thought the same thing. What good are the TTC bases. I could not tweak them that well and thought they were a waste of money being put in the packs with the rookie bases.
Now I think the other way , why are rookie bases included in with the TTC bases. TTC bases are the best. They can be tweaked to do so many different things. The speed is unbelievable when you finally learn how to tweak them. Excellent running back, receivers,tight ends, Linebackers, loopers, blitzers, safties because they can spin to stay in zone converage, then straighten the dial to make a tackle on the receiver.
I know it takes alot of practice and patience to make these work. Just dont overtweak the front prongs. Light to medium squeeze and keep the figure's weight to the back of the base and you will see results.
I hardly use anything else on my teams now. But if you are not going to play in a league or you are happy with what you have , then keep doing what you do.
I for one will hardly use anything else, unless its some proline rookie bases.
But as far as the regular miggle rookie bases I very seldom use any.
Some may disagree with me here but this is what Ive found to suit my team.

Joel

[detroitchild]

I agree with Joel and Chris on this one. Since you are new to the hobby and will be playing mostly solitaire or just against your brother, the advantages of the TTC may not be that obvious. In time as you learn the details and fine points of the the game (in particular the game with in a game like one on one match ups) you will find the TTC invaluable. You can use them on both the offensive line to create holes and on defense to disguise the types of formations to use, examples like blitzing, filling running lanes and using linebackers to do their many jobs.

Keep all of your TTC bases and practice your tweaking on them and as you learn the game a little better I guarantee that you will understand the advantages of using them.

[sweetka]

For about 25 years we played with rookie bases only.

TTC's bring control. Set them to run straight then place a mark on them that only you can read. You will then be able to keep them straight. Once you play around with a bit you should be able to make them dance if you'd like.

TTC's with Proline dials are a potent combination. You can get them to run almost as fast as a rookie base or as strong as a proline. The key is the tweaking and how much you are committed to performance. There are many tips for tweaking these bases on the tips section. Good Question, and good luck.

[RavennaAl]

Dimitri, here is my perspective on TTC vs. rookie bases. Generally speaking, TTC's are better for strength and rookies are better for speed. Keep in mind that TTC's weigh more than rookies, too, which probably accounts for their better strength. If you want to compete in tournaments against other people, you will want to have TTC's on your line. If you are playing solitaire, or in your case against others who have limited knowledge of the game, then you could use all rookie bases and play just as well.

I use all rookies on my teams, with the exception of one team which has some TTC's on it. My teams are all pretty much competitive with each other and the game play is just as good as anyone elses. TTC's are ok, but as you already stated, it is easy to accidentally move the dial and mess up a play. Since you will most likely never play against most of us over here, you could use nothing but rookie bases and have just as much fun, perhaps even more fun because you won't have bases turning the wrong way from the dials being turned.

Also, since you are isolated from us over here, you could play with minimal tweaking for strength and have your teams on equal footing. This will make it more fun for your friends who don't know how to tweak because they will be able to play with some equality to you. If your team is a lot stronger than your friends, they may become discouraged and not want to play. Something to keep in mind...

[styx]

if you dont want the dials to move ,cut a small piece of double sided scotch tape to put under the dial to keep it going straight, the dial can still be turned ,but at a much stiffer rate.