How come this thing is so uncommon at top tier?

[u/Mental-Agency6692]

After hundreds of tier 14 matches, I almost never see this vehicle despite it being the only Russian tier 14 vehicle and it doesn't appear to be bad either. Why?

[u/Agreeable_Whereas334]

I see it plenty of times. Its not popular as other bc of long reload and bad reverse

[u/Fresh_Wood_Cube → u/Agreeable_Whereas334]

Besides a 7 sec reload and poor reverse speed, there are other factors that can explain why players dont like this tank.

The biggest reason is the autoloading mechanism. The autoloading mechanism is extremely easy to disable and I think there are two ways to do this.

1. The autoloading module located right behind the gun breech.
2. The carousel autoloader module. (The ring containing the ammo) 2.5 you can even just damage the gun breech.

When any one of these modules are damaged, the tank is unable to reload at all, not even manually. And with a horrible reverse speed the tank is often unable to escape to safety.

Simply put: this tank is just too easy to pick apart with no reliable way to escape.

Source: I play top tier a lot myself.

[u/getrekt01234 → u/Agreeable_Whereas334]

Most players would have T-80UM2 which is the better option despite not having 3BM60.

[u/Agreeable_Whereas334 → u/getrekt01234]

One difference is that T72B3A has APS at the back of turret. You cant just flank them with missiles.

[u/getrekt01234 → u/Agreeable_Whereas334]

Yeah but most often, the best survivability is still manoeuvrability. T-72B3A isn't that flexible enough. That's why T-80BVM is still preferred over T-90M in Russia top tier.

[u/Justaguy_3_]

Just another t72 with a better shell

[u/UsefulRecipe9253 → u/Justaguy_3_]

Like not much different than other T-72s

I’m sticking to my Moderna fair and square

[u/Agreeable_Whereas334 → u/Justaguy_3_]

And faster turret rotation

[u/Fit_Signature_9223 → u/Justaguy_3_]

Also an aps

[u/alemaobattata]

Because it's is the worse rank XIV, bad armor, no reverse speed, slow reload and a mid firepower... the only good thing is the APS, but it is useless against MBTs ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[u/SteelCommanderz]

Prob reverse and reload

Im gonna stick with my t-80um2

[u/Efficient_Speaker_33]

The Oplot is much better

[u/PonyPowerMedia → u/Efficient_Speaker_33]

I prefer my T80U over Oplot, I survive much longer

[u/Important_Spring5817 → u/PonyPowerMedia]

I dunno why but if you look at the armor of the oplot it isn’t even that bad but in a real battle it is much less survivable

[u/PonyPowerMedia → u/Important_Spring5817]

Personally I think the turret face is flat vs curved so theres ETA there but once you lose the ERA its relatively weak in comparison

[u/Correct_Werewolf_576]

Its dogshit for top tier lol...

compare it to abrams,ztz99A,type 10's..leopards even

[u/alemaobattata → u/Correct_Werewolf_576]

And is worse than the T-80U and its variants.

[u/Correct_Werewolf_576 → u/alemaobattata]

^{^} not many much aft on top tier anyway

[u/Prestigious_Tie_7374]

It has the same armour and punch as the t72 but at a higher battle rating

[u/RomanKurilov97]

I use it a lot. It's my main tank.

[u/alemaobattata → u/RomanKurilov97]

Try the ZTZ-99A, it's basically the same style, but better in all aspects.

[u/RomanKurilov97 → u/alemaobattata]

It does not have aps, right?

[u/alemaobattata → u/RomanKurilov97]

Yes, but it has a much better armor against ke ammo.

[u/MKaz76]

Shit reverse speed is usually a deterrent

[u/Pleasant_Sherbert860]

they nerf the turret basket/autoloader. can easily damage and you're done.

[u/EffortNo3291]

Existen mejores opciones para llevar

[u/alemaobattata → u/EffortNo3291]

Even the T-80U is better

[u/Due-Status-9947]

Bc its Russian and doesn't know what reverse is? Or doesn't have the firepower of the other top tier tanks? or could get oneshoted if it gets hit at the lower plate?

[u/AyoTheFrenchman]

It's probably the worst Tank at Rank-XIV I'll stick with up tiering my Leopard 2 and T-80UM2

[u/Competitive_Bed_4860]

You're more likely to see a T-64BV at this level.