I don't understand why everyone likes degreaser, backburner is all the rage these days.

That's an ok loadout that has nice item synergy, but with the nerf the old puff and sting isn't so good anymore (and that tactic was only ever really a pub thing I think, which doesn't mean it's useless but something to consider).

The new (or one could argue it was always) melee for serious pyros is the powerjack. Doesn't seem that incredible the first time you see it, but the movement bonus ability gives the pyro a tool to do what he's best at - flanking and getting up close before opponents notice. If the situation is right, and you can pick off say an unsuspecting solo sniper with the powerjack, the kill will give you overheal just in time for when you charge into the back of the rest of the opponent's team. Obviously in situations like this the Backburner then becomes lethal, but I could see why people would want something a bit more efficient at deflection blasts and/or has other benefits. I used to also normal shotgun or reserve shooter it (when I got it), but have really recently got into the flaregun and its auto crits (90 damage + afterburn per) of already flaming opponents. Gives the pyro a bit of long range pot shot ability too, which he lacks with other loadouts.

EDIT: Shout out to the garden rake (back rake?) as well. That's a decent melee for pubs in small maps. Obviously despite how good it looks as a melee, you have a flamethrower for close range stuff, but the benefit of more heal from health packs is very handy. The negative in reduced rate of medic healing isn't that bad in pubs given the general lack of medics and co-ordination in general.

but a better question would be: what is the best tf2 server? i haven't played for a long time and it seems like there are only free to play people around who have no idea how to play... does anyone know a good server with skilled players?

+1

Flying Guillotine + Sandman the bane of all Heavies.

+1

Yeah i'm sure they didn't add both to have synergy or anything

However, this combination works horribly on indoors maps like ctf_turbine and cp_junction.

oh and BTW most of melee weaps dont matter. They all do the job. Only a little few have significant effects like a Demo one that explode and stuff like that

This. The stock weapons are actually pretty great. Just experiment with other weapons and stuff as you play and you'll see what fits you best.

I'm a fan of this too, though sometimes switch out Conch for Buff Banner (will definitely do this in mvm for example). I don't have no strange pan, so I use the Ham shank I crafted instead haha!