Ship Builds & Load Outs FDL question

[Synther]

Is it better to have a build that has A5 Shields + 4 A class boosters with the SCB in 2nd priority, or having a build with less shields and the SCB in 1st so I can use it in combat?

I've noticed the "shield potions" are only ~161 per pop, and losing 860 shields in a single battle over time seems silly, but I'd like to think of emergencies. What do you think?

 

[-SOVEREIGN-]

Example: If you have only 700MJ instead of 860MJ shields but can use 4*160MJ SCB you end up with 1500MJ effective shield strength assuming you don't let your shield drop and don't waste any MJ by using them too early.

 

[Draxxen]

Thinking back to when I was flying FDL, I was never worried about my shields; they seemed to hold quite nicely. I used boosters with different priority settings, with SCB unpowered to replace a couple boosters if needed.
My issue was how to effectively use that huge hardpoint. And since I was unsuccessful, the remaining 4 mediums just didn't cut it well enough.

 

[Synther]

Ok. Thanks.

I appeared to have lucked out with the huge hardpoint of the FDL. It's most likely because I spent a long time with class 2 gimbal cannons with a viper, and the FDL is very similar in that regard.