The Merlin is the most powerful combat frigate of the Caldari. Its role has evolved through the years, and while its defenses have always remained exceptionally strong for a Caldari vessel, its offensive capabilities have evolved from versatile, jack-of-all-trades attack patterns into focused and deadly gunfire tactics. The Merlin's primary aim is to have its turrets punch holes in opponents' hulls.

The Merlin is the best all-round PvP frigate for Caldari and may even challenge the Rifter for fleet effectiveness. Your first priority in this ship is to tackle a valuable enemy ship and maintain your tackle. Also be aware that it is entirely possible to get the pod kill in this thing, so have the web and warp scrambler ready to lock it when it appears on the overview. Then pod his ass. A versatile ship, the Merlin boasts a 3/4/3 slot layout. Offering the highest mid slot count of any t1 frigate along with a shield resist bonus, the Merlin is a natural shield tanker, with a Medium Shield Extender being the common choice of tank. Thanks to its 4 mid slots, the Merlin is the only t1 frigate capable of fitting a shield tank while still sporting the combination of Propulsion Mod, Warp Scrambler and Stasis Webifier.

The fourth mid-slot also opens up a number of unorthodox fitting options such as dual propulsion, or opting for an armor tank and using the extra mid-slot for either electronic warfare or an additional web for ultimate range control.

The Merlin after the Inferno update has almost no downside. It is fast, tough, and can carry a decent weapons package. Fitted with small blasters, the Merlin can gain an even larger DPS level.

Caldari Frigate bonuses (per skill level):

• 10% bonus to Small Hybrid Turret damage
• 5% bonus to all shield resistances

• Caldari Frigate I
  • Spaceship Command I

[Merlin, merlin test_free]

Damage Control I
Magnetic Field Stabilizer I
Micro Auxiliary Power Core I

5MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Shield Extender I
Warp Scrambler I
Stasis Webifier I

Light Electron Blaster I
Light Electron Blaster I
Light Electron Blaster I

Small EM Shield Reinforcer I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I

[Merlin, High Skill Tackle Merlin]

Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core I

Medium F-S9 Regolith Compact Shield Extender
5MN Cold-Gas Enduring Microwarpdrive
J5 Prototype Warp Disruptor I
Stasis Webifier II

125mm Railgun II, Antimatter Charge S
125mm Railgun II, Antimatter Charge S
125mm Railgun II, Antimatter Charge S

Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small EM Shield Reinforcer I

~6700 EHP makes this Merlin a highly durable tackle with a long point. Can fit a scram if the situation dictates.

[Merlin, The Italian Troll]

Damage Control II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II

1MN Monopropellant Enduring Afterburner
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I
Stasis Webifier II
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster, Cap Booster 50

Light Neutron Blaster II, Void S
Light Neutron Blaster II, Void S
Light Neutron Blaster II, Void S

Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small EM Shield Reinforcer I
Small Thermal Shield Reinforcer I

• ~3600 EHP plus the Medium Ancillary who can refill the entire shield with one cycle
• ~440 Alpha Strike
• ~196 DPS @ 1.7km Optimal + 1.6Km Falloff with Void S
• ~1090 m/s
• Cap Stable

• 'Squire' EG-601 or EG-602 depending from the skills

This can be the frigates' nightmare, especially if they have an MWD on.

That's not a fast tackler, this fit was made for who's thinking that you can be an easy kill or for low-sec brawling.

“Do not underestimate the power of the Troll Side”