Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highest alpha damage of any tier 10 medium
- Accurate
- Very high DPM (due to fast reload: ~8 secs)
- Great traverse and turret traverse speed
- Very strong turret
- Excellent camouflage values (near identical the the T-62A's)
- Good sloped hull armor (similar to the T-54)
Cons:
- Poor acceleration
- Extremely poor gun depression; absolutely requires experience and skill to work with
- Sides and rear are extremely weak
- Longest aim time of the tier 10 mediums (along with the Batchat)
- Low shell velocity (leading shots is quite difficult)
Performance
The 121 is quite similar to the T-62A. It has near identical camo values, which are excellent, and similar hard stats (engine power, front turret armor). It's ideal for those who wished they had a T-62A configured for brawling. Close to mid-range is where the 121 outperforms the T-62A. In comparison, the T-62A's shell velocity is much higher (due to low caliber) and the tank is more agile. The 121's slower-moving shells, longer aim time, and non-existent gun depression make it sub-par at long-distance sniping. However, the 121's accuracy is nothing to scoff at, especially in comparison to its preceding tanks.
Boasting the highest alpha damage and second highest DPM among the tier X mediums, the 121 is well-stocked in firepower. It's widely unknown that the 121 wields the same gun as the IS-4, a tier 10 heavy tank. The Chinese version, however, is vastly improved... namely the 25% faster reload speed. This reload can be shaved down to ~8 seconds with a rammer and BIA. It's a huge advantage in brawling; the 121 can easily fire two shots before most heavies get a chance to reload, among the tier 10 heavies, only the FV215b and T110E5 can compete in reload speed.
The 121's 120mm front hull is pretty much the same that of the infamous T-54, superior to that of the T-62A. A basic corner maneuver, (see here), that takes advantage of the no-shoulders hull design almost triples the armor effectiveness, allowing the upper front plate to deflect an IS-7's gold shells (300 pen) with ease. Furthermore, when done successfully, this maneuver opens up the opportunity for the aforementioned double-tap, tricking the enemy into reloading. Head-on and not angled, the hull is effective to around 200 pen; substantial protection against lower tiers.
The 121 is not for everyone. The lack of gun depression can be a huge deterrence; skilled driving and experienced knowledge of the terrain is essential. Hull-down positions can be accomplished by using uneven terrain to take advantage of the strong turret. The 121 can be exceptionally devastating in an aggressive, yet not-reckless, playstyle. It finds itself at home alongside heavy tanks by taking advantage of reloading enemies, friendly heavy armor, and exposed flanks. Although deadly in an one-on-one brawl, the 121 still remains a medium tank. It doesn't have the hitpoints nor armor the to spare. Think like an autoloader. Keep in mind that the excellent camo values provide the 121 great flexibility on the battlefield, the maps where it can go full beast mode can be quite limited.
Players who sought a medium tank that devastates in close combat and flanking, yet offers flexibility with great camo, will find vast potential in the 121. However, the 121 can be quite difficult to master. But in the right hands, no other tank can wreck things quite like the 121 does.
Early Research
None Required.