I think the Blade Maelstrom is better because it doesn't cost much more than the Ring of Fire and each blade has infinite popping power(for example:2000 Black bloons can be popped with it)
I think the Blade Maelstrom is better because it doesn't cost much more than the Ring of Fire and each blade has infinite popping power(for example:2000 Black bloons can be popped with it)
True, but Blade Maelstrom is an ability, while a well-placed Ring of Fire can pop infinite zebras or leads. No other Tack Shooter upgrade can pop leads.
Personally, I'm a fan of the Ring of Fire upgrade because when there's 2 or 3 combined, it's absolutely insane. It's also a great value, being one of the cheapest Tier-4 upgrades there is. However, two or three Blade Maelstroms are very useful in later levels, specifically for Hard Difficulty.
Ring of Fire by two long shots and a half. Ring of Fire can dreal with most non-MOAB bloons, while one Lead can destroy a Blade Maelstrom.
I prefer Ring of Fire for Rainbow Bloons and below, but Blade Maelstrom for Ceramics and up. The ability recharges quickly and with a couple of Maelstrom abilities constantly rotating, it could do significant damage to MOABs and Ceramics, tearing rushes apart easily.
RoF for mid-game (rounds 30-60), Blade Maelstrom for late game (rounds 50+). Also, blade maelstrom is useful in an emergency (think BTD Battles regrow rainbow rush). One ability will obliterate a mass regrow rainbow rush, 2 or 3 can do the same to regrow ceramics. Lots will kill mass MOABs and possibly BFBs.