Shocklance

The Shocklance is a short-range hitscan energy weapon available to all classes in Tribes: Ascend. It can be unlocked for 420 Gold or 37500 XP.

"Almost considered a melee weapon, the Shocklance fires a short but very high damaging beam of energy. Hits to the back deal bonus damage."  In-Game Description

Operation
The Shocklance fires a hitscan beam of energy that draws on the players energy pool. Unlike other weapons (including other energy weapons), it does not require ammunition. The weapon has a very short range, just a bit more than a melee strike, and deals 700 damage. If the Shocklance hits an enemy player in the back it deals double damage, enough to kill any light or medium class in one hit.

Tactics
The Shocklance is an obvious choice for Infiltrators who prefer to backstab their enemies as it effectively doubles the melee range. It also has the double-damage benefit of the Close Combat perk built in, allowing the player to choose another perk and retain the ability to backstab.

The Shocklance can also be paired with a normal melee backstab for 2400 damage almost instantly.