Next Ship - can't decide

[FANTA5M1C]

I've found that an adequately fitted ship is more important than a more expensive one (given the same roles), so I'd say get a FDL. Even if that weren't the case I'd still recommend that you go with the FDL because, as you said, you don't have the funds to outfit a python for anything fun. Fun is what we're playing Elite for, so if you don't enjoy trading don't make the next few weeks a chore by forcing yourself into a trade exclusive python. So yeah. Either go with the FDL, or keep saving in something you enjoy until you can afford to get an acceptable loadout on a python.

Personally, I like the python a metric fuckton and will probably skip the FDL until after I'm comfortably cruising around in a conda/corvette, but then gunboats put a huge smile on my face. If fighters like the vulture do it for you, but you're after an all-around upgrade, then get yourself a FDL.

[Xorog]

What to do? What to do?

I faced the same question earlier this week and I bought the Python. My reason was: I wanted a jack-of-all-trades. Some might complete the sentence by telling "master of none". Sadly, thats true. Why? Its slower then the FDL and the FDL feels more agile to me, even if the stats from edshipyard tell me similar values in terms of agility. FDL may be faster and may be able to carry a huge plasma accelerator, but I like the three large hardpoints on my Python. I can land on outposts with it - cargo carriers like the Clipper or T7 can't. I don't have ANY powermanagement issues (like I had in a Viper or a Vulture). According to reports of other players, FDL has them. Main drawback of a Python is: its way more expensive to upgrade compared to a FDL. But overall you get a more versatile ship when buying a Python.

Just my 2 cents: I have a Vulture for fighting. Does the job its pretty well - for way less money then the FDL!

Please tell me your decision - I am intrested

Fly safe!

Xorog

[Grifs]

On a PvE perspective, I prefer the Python over the FDL. Outfitting the Python may be more expensive because it has bigger modules to fit in; the FDL doesn't, giving it some power output problems due to having a smaller power plant in a frame with a lot more utilities to fit in. I also prefer where the Python's hardpoints are placed at.

I was having power issues with the FDL, mostly because I wanted to fit in about 4-5 A shield boosters at minimum, and this kind of cripples the ship to use weapons with high energy drain. It also has a very small jump range and fuel tank for its size, so you'll probably have to settle in a system with RES and CZs. It seemed a lot more maneuverable and is a lot faster than the Python though - something I would strongly prefer in PvP situations, but you won't be able to also haul somewhere around 200T of cargo as an outpost-compatible combat vessel.

It's more of a niche kind of craft I think, kind of like how some people would prefer the Type 6 over the Asp as an exploration vessel.

[Loriath]

It's all a matter of preference and having the right tool for the job you want to do.

You don't use a hammer to put in screws. And even if your hammering nails, sometimes a carpenters hammer is better than a 8lb. Sledge. Sure, you put roofing nails in with the sledge, but why?

I have a vulture for RES and CZ's. I have not tried the FDL yet, but I imagine from all accounts that its ability is similar in those roles. The Python is a multi-role. A sort of Swiss Army knife if you will. So it all depends on the job.

People have had much success as a BH with Cobras and Vipers. The FDL and Python can do that as well. Even a range inhibited Vulture can do the job. But the Python can BH then haul a T7's load without changing. As can a Clipper.

I think if you want to specialise so that your chances of success are better in the world of Pew, then the FDL is a better choice.

Also depends on how the ship makes you feel. The Clipper didn't feel right for me. I sold it in less than 4 days.

So go with what your gut tells you but make sure you are not short changing yourself by not putting the money into good upgrades to do what you want.