Python Beam vs Pulse

Ichijo

I
I have 7A Power Distributor.
Using 3 Large Gimballed Beam, I can fire for 10 seconds before running out of energy.

Using 3 Large Gimballed Pulse, I can fire for over 20 seconds.

While in a RES fighting large ships (e.g Python/Anaconda/Clipper/Dropship), which weapon will take down shields and power plant fastest with energy drain in consideration?

Will beam laser kill faster even though you have down time or will pulse be better since it fires for nearly the whole time?
 
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Mnemoch

M
As far as I can tell in PvE pulse is better. When I run pulse lasers on my Python I have an easier time of it in a CZ; I kill faster with no overheating and or long pauses. I do keep two medium fixed beams though to help strip shields. Once the shields drop I use my 3 large pulses on the power plant. Its more fun with 2 large plus a PA but for pure efficiency 3 large pulse, in my opinion, cannot be beat. And no ammo! If you are careful with your shield cells you can stay out for hours.
 

Zenwolf

Zenwolf
I use 3 large Burst lasers and a pair of gimballed cannons. Find the burst are much more accurate at taking out sub systems. personal preforance.
 

fergal

fergal
Test how long you can fire only 2 of the beams for.
2 beams with a 7A power distributor probably shoot for longer than 30 secs.

Pulse lasers do better damage to hulls, I've got 5 fixes pulse lasers on my python right now, the damage they do is ridiculous, and I've only for a 7D power distributor.
 

Nonya

Banned
Nonya
Zenwolf said:
I use 3 large Burst lasers and a pair of gimballed cannons. Find the burst are much more accurate at taking out sub systems. personal preforance.
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Thanks for the info on your experience with burst lasers. I've been looking at burst lasers to replace my beams.
 

Steve72

S
Tried pulse beam and burst. Gone back to pulse. Beams took shields down quick but awful against modules. Burst seem to run the capacitor down nearly as quick as beams but with no real benefits.

Bonus cheaper rebuy with pulses.

So sticking with 3 pulse and playing with different class two weapons.
 

IceFire122

IceFire122
Beams are better for smaller/nimble NPCs, as you can punch harder in small windows of opportunity.
Pulses are better for larger NPCs, were continuous damage is more important. The Pulses have a better efficiency and can deliver more damage per available energy.
As conflict zone targets are usually heavily armored, all around pulses proved more effective on the Python.

BTW: I did not notice any significant damage drop off for beams towards subsystems or hull.
 

Kernyx

Kernyx
If you run lasers with different energy consumption and you keep firing when the condensator is empty, only the lasers with lower energy consumption will fire, which is usually the weaker ones.
That's why I use multiguns, they don't consume (much) energy and while they are firing without the lasers, the condensator recharges.
Also you can fire them at the same time with the same firing duration, yet more dps.
 

IceFire122

IceFire122
If I plan to stay in a conflict zone for 1 hour or more, I do not take ammo based guns. The only thing forcing me to leave, is running out of shield cell charges and canopy glass (which happens quickly on the Python).

To compensate for priority conflicts with an empty capacitor, I use a fire group for the heavy hitters. This is also useful for Python/Anaconda NPCs, as the medium guns are less effective against their hull. I start will full guns and switch to large guns, once the capacitor gets below 40-50%.

Edit: Full energy setup is only, until I have reached Elite in combat to get the most kills out of the available play time. Afterwards, I might switch back to 3 large pulses+2 medium cannons.
 
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Quineloe

Quineloe
I have three fixed Beam lasers on the large hardpoints, which destroy even Anaconda shields before Cap is dry.

Given how frequent Chaff is on conflict zone NPCs, I would not take Gimbals.
 

Egg90

E
I use two C3 Gimballed Beams, two C2 Fixed Pulse and a C3 Fixed Cannon.

I have a B7 distributor, the C2 Fixed Pulse can be fired continuously with 3pips and the caps even recharge at a decent rate at the same time. The long range accuracy for negative power drain is great for engaging large or small ships at distance, or keeping fire on smaller ships while the C3 Beams recharge or they release Chaff.
For large ships up close I switch to C3 Beams with C3 Cannon, the cannon is great fun, relatively cheap to rearm and satisfying as it takes a bit of skill to land shots.
 
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Derath

D
Gimballed pulse will kill the subsystems faster, but 3x C3 beams perfectly shield strip condas for one full capacitor charge, which means realistically you should pair them with a kinetic subsystem weapon like C2 or C3 gimballed cannons. For speed i'd go

2xC2 beams, 1xC3 beam, 2xC3 cannons > 3xC3 beams, 2xC2 cannons > 3xC3 pulses + whatever > 5x lasers of any variety (this is for large targets, if small you'd need a different setup)

As people have mentioned bursts are extremely efficient also and have great pen, prior to 1.2 I used 3x c3 burst 2x c2 cannons as my RES speedrun weps so thats certainly viable too.
 
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Beardless

Beardless
Anything with ammo can not be considered for a speed run.
Pulse lasers all round..class 2's on a separate fire group. I don't bother targeting power plants unless it's a conda everything else does to easy ;-)
 

Derath

D
Beardless said:
Anything with ammo can not be considered for a speed run.
Pulse lasers all round..class 2's on a separate fire group. I don't bother targeting power plants unless it's a conda everything else does to easy ;-)
Click to expand...

cannons last an hour, that's a speed run imo - If your going for endurance that'd be 5x gimballed pulses everytime
 

Thalios Abraxas

Thalios Abraxas
Having tried 3xC3 gimballed pulse + 2xC2 gimballed mc's and 3xC3 gimballed beams + 2xC2 gimballed cannons I can say without doubt that i much prefer the beams and cannons combo.

The pulse lasers allow you to keep on the pressure for much longer but even in that time they do a lot less damage than the beam lasers... Also, the mc's have a great hit rate but have poor armor penetration. So, for me, it's beams and cannons all the way, even if I have to deal with over-heating issues and lack of ammo.
 

Beardless

Beardless
If you do target power plants, you can kill most ships without losing capacitor charge with pulses, I get lazy and don't end up targeting sub systems most of the time. That is where pulses excel and vs beams with recharge time is much faster

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Derath said:
cannons last an hour, that's a speed run imo - If your going for endurance that'd be 5x gimballed pulses everytime
Click to expand...
May be I'm to trigger happy with the canons :)
 
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