Actually, HA have choice between : -Oh **** button (stock) -Oh **** button (upgraded) -Unload your clip wasn't enough I'm not here to discuss about if HA shield are OP or not, but they should have a larger choice. Ultra Shield Capacitor It work like the medic self heal but it regenerate the HA shield and isn't an AoE. The shield replenish by +~250 shield / sec. Duration and CD change with rank. Unlike the other HA shield, it won't save him from alpha strike damage, but he can fight with almost no downtime. Tower shield A large energy shield rise in front of the HA. Every projectile that hit the shield deal damage to the HA (same hitbox as a MAX) but the HA get 80% resistance from these damage. Projectile that hit directly the HA, knife and explosion aren't reduced. (if a decimator hit the shiled, it will deal [1335x0,2 + 650 damage]) The HA's can only use his sidearm while the shield is active. The HA can't use his RL during 1 sec after the end of his shield.
If you want to talk about giving a class more ability choices, I think the HA isn't the one to focus on.
and why exactly would i want to equip a shield that doubles my hitbox, but does nothing against body hits? to give infantry cover? might as well write "stickies here" on it
Because that shield give you 80% resistance to every damage that come from front direction. You take full damage only if you are flanked. About stiky nade... I just realize I had forget something.
