IFHE captain skill for IJN cruisers?

[krishkhavin]

I am close to getting my 4th captain point for my Aoba. I will be using this captain for the rest of the IJN line so I was wondering what t4 captain skill is best. IFHE looks like the best choice since I already have demolition expert and that 30% increased penetration would be nice. Feedback greatly appreciated!

[Pope_Shizzle]

IFHE is pretty useless for IJN cruisers above tier 4.  The benefit that 203mm guns get is minimal.  Spend that 4 points on concealment expert.

[GhostSwordsman]

IFHE has no noticeable effect on 203mm guns. All it changes is, with IFHE, 203mm HE can penetrate the decks of Iowa and Montana. That's it.

 

In technical terms, IFHE ups 203mm HE penetration to 40-something millimeters(sorry, don't recall the exact value). It's not worth it because 203mm HE already has 33mm of armor penetration before IFHE. So 203mm HE can already over-match the bow armor on most high tier BBs.

 

Go for Concealment expert. It's a much more valuable skill, and compliments IJN cruisers' low base concealment well.

[RivertheRoyal]

Take concealment expert. 

Also, IFHE is pretty useless on 203 mm guns, since they can pen most of what they hit anyway. 

[DeadManxDan]

Concealment expert.  IFHE will give you nothing on IJN 203mm guns except a lower fire chance.

[Skyfaller]

Only Mogami 155 benefits from IFHE. The IJN 203's will pen any superstructure and apply most of its damage to BB top deck armor.

 

So if you're going full to tier 10 don't bother because the skill lowers fire chance and that's really the only good thing IJN cruisers have left. The 155s in Mogami require the +fire chance skill to bring its fire chance back to spec.

[PrairiePlayer]

I have Concealment Expert on both my Aoba and Myoko captains and it is very useful for both of them. 

[krishkhavin]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will get the concealment expert. Thanks!

[Lunarrise]

I will vouch for the value of Concealment Expert also. That alone was a huge upgrade for my Aoba.

[Zim_Xero]

Concealment Expert is a must have for DDs and Cruisers.    For damage output, Adrenaline Rush gives you the most bang for your buck except for Carriers.  For anyone with guns under 131mm, Basic FIring Training gives the biggest value.  For most ships Turret Rotation gives the next best value.  DE on fast firing ships, IFHE on 128 - 200mm guns, and Survival Expert for DDs only.... these three are next in priority and are about equal in value for increased damage output per game.  Never use torpedo commander skills except in a "PURE" torpedo boat.... with the exception of RN cruisers for ther final points, its an option there.