Balloons IMO just cost to much elixir to use at lower lvls and weak until max. Cost + ineffectiveness right now = better to wait.
Printable View
I honestly don' think balloons are efficient for farming until you can push yourself to Champs or High masters. Try waiting until you max your loons and minions for Th9.
I started using loonions with level 5 balloons and level 3 minions at Town Hall 8.
16 level 5 loons and 60 level 3 minions should do the job.
When I attack a base, I try those with one level lower air defense than my balloons, i.e., level 3 or 4 air defenses. I use that as a simple guide.
UnitySharp posted here in the forums a strategy that you can learn easily. Just search for it.
Hope this helps.
Loonion works as a TH 8 if you have level 5 loons. Just being rage spells and put your loons where an exposed AD is.
anybody who is writing a strategy also write what speels and CC troops to bring;)