SQUADRON LEADER: BARON FEL OR WEDGE ANTILLES

[IAMJEDI]

This is perhaps the hardest case I've had to debate thus far in the forum topic series. Baron Fel and Wedge Antilles are perhaps the most skilled non-Jedi pilots in the Star Wars universe. Fel being the Imperial Tie Fighter pilot without equal while Antilles is the X-Wimg pilot capable of achieving virtually anything. Both men were seemingly the most feared and valuable pilots in any squadron they flew with. Any fan of Star Wars and its literature should understand the difficulty and complexities involved in such a debate.

When considering any Imperial Tie Fighter pilot one must first be impressed by the simple fact that Baron Fel survived so many missions with the Empire. As any Star Wars fan knows, the Tie Fighters improved maneuverability and speed were a result of little or no shielding. Whereas other ships often were designed with a heavier or bulkier frame developed with hyper drive or proper shielding in mind. These Imperial ships may have been quick to deliver a punch and fly in and out of heavy space lanes but gave up proper shielding as a result. This offensive minded Empire often meant that Tie pilots were expendable pawns in the war against the Alliance. Thus, Baron Fel's ability to not only survive, but thrive, in this Imperial environment is a testament to his value on any and every mission that he flew. Fel's impact was one of the few felt on both sides of the war against tyranny when he chose to become a member of the X-Wing Rogue Squadron. But one must admit that, in the grand scheme of things, it's hard to place value on any Imperial fighter pilot when their faces are always covered with those emotionless helmets. Yet, Fel's value was so great that the Alliance not only knew of this man's skill but feared that skill as well. That fear was to the extent that when Fel switched sides, every member of any X-Wing squadron felt a great relief. Why? Because every mission an X-Wing fighter pilot flew in against Baron Fel meant it could very well be his or her last! Enough said!

Wedge Antilles is the man I consider to be the baby face version of Boba Fett. Meaning so little screen time was given to eitehr man and yet so much literature and honor has been bestowed to them since their 5 minutes of fame. Thank goodness it has because there have been some really great stories. Wedge went from being a simple wing leader to being a man bestowed with virtually every rank one can possibly hold...Captain, General, Admiral, you name it and Wedge has been there and done that! The real winner in the case of Wedge being the better pilot may be the fact that an entire series of Star Wars novels was dedicated to Wedge and his Rogue Squadron. Whereas, Luke Skywalker will forever be associated with the New Jedi Order, it is Wedge Antilles who will forever be associated with the Rogue Squadron.

But, in the end, let's be honest with ourselves...it's hard to overlook all the novels and graphic novels featuring Wedge and his Rogue Squadron. I mean, at one point, it was Wedge who was leading the entire Alliance (Dark Empire I and II). Sure, he may be semi-retired with his wife back on Corellia now, but there was a time when he was at the rtop of the food chain! Oh, and let me make one last point before we conclude. Wedge Antilles is not only the baby faced Boba Fett, but he is also the Star Wars version of McGyver! You put a med kit, a round of ammunition, and some wire in a prison cell and Wedge is likely to find a way to break out of the cell!

Both fighter pilots are as dangerous as any Jedi when you put them in a cockpit but only one man takes the final prize in this debate...Wedge Antilles.

Squadron Leader:
Wedge Antilles[b][/b]

Oh, and I should know,
Because,
IAMJEDI

[RC-1701]

While I give Fel props for doing so well in a Tie, I agree, Wedge wins hands down. I will admit I'm biased though, he's one of my favorite non-Jedi characters (I do love the the Mandos and RC's, but Wedge rocks). Another thing of interest for both men, they have kids that are excellent pilots.

RC-1701

[jzane fett]

I'm going to have to go with Wedge due to sheer AWESOMENESS. Fel, while deserving mad props for his mad skills, he simply pales in comparison.