Python sucks for combat.

[Feldspar]

The Python's turn rate really benefits from being in the blue zone, I remember feeling exactly the same way when I got mine. The truth is, the Vulture has spoiled you, the Python needs a different approach and it can take a long time (and those A-grade thrusters) to get comfortable with it.

[TorTorden]

Second the blue zone thing, it's important in the larger ships and the python is a big ship in the hull of a medium one, heck, when utilized well it would out turn the pre-buff FDL with ease, also don't move your nose to where the ship is, but point it towards where it's going, doing this is the difference between "why can'tI get on this thing?" and"I am the harbinger of death, and I choose you!"

I'm getting into the habit of memorizing exactly what manner of FA off turn I need to do put my nose on a given radar blip, sure that's taken a while, maybe an 800-900 hours of flight thing, quite possibly only possible due to having a great HOTAS...

That said I too had my ass handed to me in my first python by a clipper, when I bought it I had, maybe 60 mil total to spend.
It was not enough by a long shot but my current 160 mil python, well that kills anything including up to wings of three, it's actual fire power with 3 pulses and two medium multi's is quite close to the actual damage of an anaconda, so pretty much anything goes bye bye real quick

And not every ship is for everyone, I don't like the clipper for combat but that doesn't make it bad

[JohnLuke]

JL, I appreciate the advise of my seniors (and I mean more experienced), in a way this post is a shout for help.

Fair enough. In the future, maybe word your subject line and initial message text to reflect that more clearly.

I remember when my Python was D and C rated. It sucked, becase I was coming from a vulture just like you are and the Python felt like a pig. I know that you aren't using it for combat yet, which is smart. Get some practice with FA off and work your mining runs for cash to buy upgrades. As Xebeth mentioned, the Python is a hell of a trade ship too. I made tons of money trading in mine. Don't forget that it can land at outposts, which can be a huge financial advantage over some 'trade' ships.

When you are mining, keep an eye on your sensors. If you see a ship, watch him closely. If he's wanted and approaching you, and it's a larger ship (the Federal ships are all tough customers) it may be better to give up your limpets that are working, close your cargo door, and jump out of the ring for a minute. I always say.... better to be safe and poor, than dead. You want to get used to a little combat in the Python. Maybe take it into a low intensity RES or NAV beacon and practice killing a few small ships just to get used to it. Then you will be more confident taking on *SOME* ships in the ring when you are mining.

I think there is an art to using FA off .... and I'm no artist. I use it fair enough to help me out, but I can't claim that I am good at it. Hopefully others will chime in with some tips.

[charlie2alpha]

Appreciate your tips and advise JL. I'm just not sure how to use FA off effectively just yet, my short practise session apparently didn't help, perhaps there's something in YouTube to help me, I'll try searching there.

[ries]

I can't afford to lose the ship. I'm not that rich yet!

then you bought the ship too soon. step back to cheaper ship like the asp explorer or type7.

[Roger Wilco Jr]

Funny thing, I was in a random spot! Still, NPCs spawned. Must be my good luck today

Well, I can agree with you about that. FD still sucks ass when it comes to NPC pirates. They are omnipresent and psychos - every one of them.

[Falcon_D]

Hello there,

I love my Python. She's pretty much 'A' graded now.
I got her way to early and couldn't afford to outfit her properly. Had her blown out from under me at least twice.
Now she's got 2 C3T Bursts, 1 C3G Burst and 2 C2 Multis. She pretty much takes on anything, while mining (I replaced the C3G Burst with a mining laser), exploring, CZ or bounty hunting.

Lately, she's been getting beaten up in CZs, by Asps packing Cannons and PACs and the FAS. Probably due to my own lack of piloting skills. Although she wins the battles, I keep coming back with armour damage (Mil grade).
But I'll never give her up for anything. Just have to learn new strategies.

Try 'A' thrusters and also 4 pips in Eng. I tend to do the pip dance in combat when I find that she's turning too slow.

Have fun, fly safe. o7

[Cmdr Kharma]

They are omnipresent and psychos - every one of them.

Sounds like my wingmen.....

[pargyrak]

I am running missions on an A rated Python with Military armor for quite some time now and it seems that the turn rate has been nerfed a bit after the last update. Python does not suck but it is not what it was a week ago.

[AndyFM]

tip for mining, you don't actually have to go into the extraction sites. i usually go somewhere around the ring that's a bit away from any RES's. 99% of the time when doing this i don't see another ship. If you do, just jump out straight away, move round the ring a bit, and drop back in.