1942 Upgrades- opinions?

[predavolk]

So I'm looking at a few potential upgrades for my IXB in mid-1942. They include:

Anti-sonar coating - got it, but does it do much? (at 1000 renown, it wasn't cheap)
Sonar - looks promising for stormy weather attacks
Radar - same as above, but less flexible?
Decoys - probably handy when attacking convoys
Better batteries - same as the Type XXI? how much extra range? they're a hefty 1500
New conning tower- gives two light flak guns, gives up the heavy flak gun (which I like to use to finish off smaller ships)

Any thoughts and experiences with these new upgrades? I understand new torps should be available soon too. I currently have upgraded hydrophones and I think, a while ago, I upgraded the engines too, although maybe they came that way? I've got 25K+ renown, so I think I'm good to reach my ultimate goal of the Type XXI if I manage things wisely.

[danurve]

Well, those IX's are sonar magnets so any help for them is a plus. :-j

Seriously about the radar, I forget when the next upgrade is available but the FumO 29 = junk.

[FIREWALL]

I didn't see radar warning on your shopping list.

Most say it's a gotta have to warn of pesky aircraft.

[Ivan Putski]

I opted for the battery upgrade, get radar warning when available, it will warn you of a/c, and close in ships searching with their radar. The extra flak mounts, I could do without, never use mine myself, always prefer to crash dive, and go deep. The anti-sonar coating, I`m not sure about, I`ve never used it myself. Wish we had thermal layers realistically portrayed in the sim. I usually get an engine upgrade somewhere along the line when available. Puts

[papa_smurf]

Definatley get radar, but don't bother with Fumo-29, get Fumo-30 instead. I always do get radar as soon as I can, as its saved me on numerous occasions. And don't forget radar warning too.

[Brag]

The anti sonar coating reduces your detectability by 10% . Every little bit helps

[UnderseaLcpl]

Seriously about the radar, I forget when the next upgrade is available but the FumO 29 = junk.

Oh, I don't know, it has helped me quite a bit tailing lone merchants in poor visibility weather. It's only 500, right?

[Jimbuna]

Radar warning is a 'must have' when available http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[Sailor Steve]

If you're using GWX there are no more engine upgrades; which is accurate because every boat before the type VIIB came without superchargers and they weren't an option, and starting with the VIIB they all had them. Also, top speeds in the game without them are the top speeds the boats actually made with them.