noble sparrow
As per the title. The concept of sniping is to remain hidden and provide supporting fire. Whether to assist the front lines or help hold the flanks. Sniping is at it's best when you are off to one side and in a position the enemy don't think to check. That is now impossible because as soon as you fire one shot the whole map knows exactly where you are. While I am not a fan of scope glint as a mechanic I can at least get around scope glint by being where I am not expected to be. That is not possible with trails. This functionally makes dmrs the only option worth running and subsequently makes recon wholly pointless as beyond snipers recon offers no functionality that isn't superseded by other classes. Bolties don't 1 shot 50% of players to the head as it is due to helmets and now said player knows exactly where you are making follow up shots all but impossible. which makes dmrs all the stronger and bolties all the weaker as if it's going to take 1 head 1 body I might as well two tap with a higher rof and more ammo. Anyone capable of doing well on recon will be doing well regardless, it is undeniably the hardest class to be effective with. It requires very good consistent aim and excellent positioning to have any meaningful impact and I don't think players should be punished for being good at that. Trails also break los on long range follow-up shots. They punish you for playing angles, playing mid-close and playing extreme long range. Please, please, please remove the trails.
IF YOU MUST NERF SNIPERS: reduce the base damage and increase the headshot multiplier so they maintain lethality with accurate shots but are less impactful when hitting a players body.
winter oracle
mild axle
signal sleet