[desirableroasted]

A fair number of threads on this out there, but it's always a good thread!

Impacts should be aimed when you have 80-100 AOB (preferably 90), or they won't have enough "bite" to detonate... they slide off the hull. If they are too deep, the same thing happens... they slip of the curvature of the hull.

As you can imagine, this limits your tactical options somewhat.

On the other hand, they are more reliable than magnetics in rough seas... if you aim it right, you get an explosion.

Magnetics rip a bigger hole if you slip them a meter or so under the keel. Basically, the explosion creates a vacuum that the ship tries to fill, thus breaking its keel (ideally). They are also more forgiving tactically... they will go off from 0 AOB to 70, though around 30-40 is best.

However, they sometimes go off prematurely in rough weather or not go off at all (apparently there is an unreliability factor modeled in GWX, though not in stock. That factor is reduced in mid 40). Also, in rough seas, the target's pitching means the magnetic may pass too far under the hull, or hit it.

Personally, I prefer the magnetic for the tactical options and the bigger bang. I can accept a few duds. Just don't use them in rough weather.

A couple of other things. If you are playing "realistically," remember that it was impossible to switch from impact to magnetic without taking the torpedo out of the tube, switching, and reloading. However, all magnetics are also set to impact, so you can use magnetics as impacts if you want.

The weather and your tactical situation should drive your decision... the class of target doesn't matter.