Maybe the problem is in the definition of beam versus pulse? The game describes both the rifle and carbine as firing "bolts". In Striker pulse lasers are more efficient at producing damage than beams since a beam laser output is it's input divided by 4, while a pulse laser is divided only by the number of lenses. So not only would a single lens pulse laser have more penetration (and damage), it would also be lighter since the energy throughput is more efficient than a beam.
I would argue that given all that, the man portable lasers are going to be pulse lasers. Beams might work better for long range support weapons because they can always engage 2 targets at +2, while only multiple lens pulse lasers can engage multiple targets - with a corresponding drop off in damage vs energy input.
I would argue that given all that, the man portable lasers are going to be pulse lasers. Beams might work better for long range support weapons because they can always engage 2 targets at +2, while only multiple lens pulse lasers can engage multiple targets - with a corresponding drop off in damage vs energy input.
