Clipper or Python for Trading?

[fergal]

I bought a discount Python in the weekend and even though I haven't 'A' rated everything I am loving it as a trading ship.

I don't bother running away from NPC pirates as I just kill them. With player pirates I comply and give them some cargo. With killer psycho's you are most likely going to die anyway if they are in a good ship and they know how to shoot .

For RES's and CZ's I use either my Vulture or Clipper.

try your python there.
Even an all D python will smash all the npcs.

 

[Iskariot]

If I was forced to give only one reason I do prefer the Python it would be the fact that it can land at all station types currently in the game. The convenience of that should not be underestimated.

Of course the Python can also hold more cargo.

Last but not least I also love the fact that the Python can be turned into an all devouring heavy combat ship and as a heavily armed trader it has no competition. Even in RES and CZ the Python is at home like a shark is in the water.
I hope the empire will get a ship in the same niche as the Python eventually, but currently there is no such trading ship. The Python rules in that particular niche.

But of course the Python is a much, much more expensive vessel. Therefore there is no real competition between the Clipper and the Python.
When you just reached a financial level at which you can afford a Clipper you are nowhere near being able to afford a Python. And when you reach the point you can buy and outfit a trading Python, you will most likely have outgrown the Clipper.
As I said before I truly hope the Empire will get a ship in the same class.

 

[CMDR Brock Samson]

I hope the empire will get a ship in the same niche as the Python eventually, but currently there is no such trading ship. The Python rules in that particular niche.

So true.While I dearly love my Python, it doen't feel Imperial at all

 

[Coralec]

If I was forced to give only one reason I do prefer the Python it would be the fact that it can land at all station types currently in the game. The convenience of that should not be underestimated.

Of course the Python can also hold more cargo.

Last but not least I also love the fact that the Python can be turned into an all devouring heavy combat ship and as a heavily armed trader it has no competition. Even in RES and CZ the Python is at home like a shark is in the water.
I hope the empire will get a ship in the same niche as the Python eventually, but currently there is no such trading ship. The Python rules in that particular niche.

But of course the Python is a much, much more expensive vessel. Therefore there is no real competition between the Clipper and the Python.
When you just reached a financial level at which you can afford a Clipper you are nowhere near being able to afford a Python. And when you reach the point you can buy and outfit a trading Python, you will most likely have outgrown the Clipper.
As I said before I truly hope the Empire will get a ship in the same class.

Thanks for the input. Like I said I'm just about at python price range so I'll probably go ahead and upgrade. It's good to see this kind of confidence in the python, it seems that everything i have been reading about it on the forums post-nerf has been negative.

So true.While I dearly love my Python, it doen't feel Imperial at all

I concur, tbh when I switch to my python I'm contemplating whether I want to stick with the Empire or defect to the Alliance. My inner authoritarian is telling me to to stay Empire, but my inner space hippy is pulling me to go Alliance. If I had another shiny pythonesque imperial ship to look toward it would be an easy decision.

 

[Cmdr Rhott Roe]

Python. No question.

 

[Eagle Eye]

In isolation, Python is better.

However, if you goal is reaching an Anaconda (and use that for trading), then skipping the Python is a wise move. Going straight to Anaconda from Clipper is the fastest way to get it.

 

[Iskariot]

Thanks for the input. Like I said I'm just about at python price range so I'll probably go ahead and upgrade. It's good to see this kind of confidence in the python, it seems that everything i have been reading about it on the forums post-nerf has been negative.

That is understandable. People were used to a much more nimble Python and it takes time for changes to an over powered and therefore favorite machine, like the Python was, to get accepted. The Python is still a beast though. If you use roll and pull up/push down to manoeuvre the Python and use boost at the right time very few npc ships will get away. Personally I love it when an occasional Cobra is able to boost away and jump before I can close in to unleash my three C3 beam lasers.
It feels like a movie scene to me (Milenium Falcon Jumping away before the imperial Star Destroyer can get to her).

I concur, tbh when I switch to my python I'm contemplating whether I want to stick with the Empire or defect to the Alliance. My inner authoritarian is telling me to to stay Empire, but my inner space hippy is pulling me to go Alliance. If I had another shiny pythonesque imperial ship to look toward it would be an easy decision.

Currently I have no preference for any of the major factions. I do my best to stay allied to all three, because as an independent contractor I want unhampered access to all sources of money and be able to move freely through sectors of space.
The reason I think the Empire needs more love in the ship (and station) department is for atmosphere, diversity and balance of the factions. I strongly feel the empire with it's pride and particular esthetics would prefer to use it's own designs in military roles and I also would expect to see typical Imperial style space stations, especially in major system like for example Achernar. Having a distinct Imperial design for space stations would be a political statement, and for gaming reasons it would make a major difference in how the ED players experienced entering Imperial space. It would really feel different. Currently it is much too samey. I have no doubt FD will eventually introduce an imperial space station design.

 

[tarks382]

In isolation, Python is better.

However, if you goal is reaching an Anaconda (and use that for trading), then skipping the Python is a wise move. Going straight to Anaconda from Clipper is the fastest way to get it.

I don't get this reasoning, Eagle Eye. Probably me.

Anyway. I reluctantly made the move from Clipper to Python (because boy, did I feel froody in my Clipper), mainly prompted by the Python's extra cargo space and ability to land in smaller stations. Nevertheless I used it to rank up in the Federation, tooling it for combat, and it was fine. I've been using that configuration to earn some shekels bounty hunting too (though in that context it doesn't feel as conclusive as the Clipper).
Now I've reconfigured it for trading and again, it's very effective. I reckon I can make the bucks. More so than in the Clipper (hence my puzzlement at why you recommend ignoring the Python).

But do you know what? I miss my Clipper. It's just so, well... aristocratic.

 

[Eagle Eye]

I don't get this reasoning, Eagle Eye. Probably me.

Anyway. I reluctantly made the move from Clipper to Python (because boy, did I feel froody in my Clipper), mainly prompted by the Python's extra cargo space and ability to land in smaller stations. Nevertheless I used it to rank up in the Federation, tooling it for combat, and it was fine. I've been using that configuration to earn some shekels bounty hunting too (though in that context it doesn't feel as conclusive as the Clipper).
Now I've reconfigured it for trading and again, it's very effective. I reckon I can make the bucks. More so than in the Clipper (hence my puzzlement at why you recommend ignoring the Python).

But do you know what? I miss my Clipper. It's just so, well... aristocratic.

It's just from a spreadsheet I made during the time I am doing the ship climbing phase. The extra profit from using a Python is not enough to cover the expense you make for buying it, so you take less hours going to Anaconda directly from a Clipper. I personally got sick of Clipper and also bought a Python even though it is a longer route. It is just from efficiency point of view where if you just want an Anaconda as quickly as possible, it is wise to skip Python is all....

 

[Arksun]

Yes the jump range in Python does kinda suck a bit, especially in anything but an A grade FSD, but the Python makes a really good trading ship.

its more manueaverable than a T7 and Clipper, but can carry about same cargo with a powerful shield installed as a T7 without it's shield, and can land on outposts, where you often find much better prices on metals, in particular Berrylium, this can be very handy for trading CGs.

The Pythons fuel tank is big so fuel is absolutely a none issue.

 

[Coralec]

It's just from a spreadsheet I made during the time I am doing the ship climbing phase. The extra profit from using a Python is not enough to cover the expense you make for buying it, so you take less hours going to Anaconda directly from a Clipper. I personally got sick of Clipper and also bought a Python even though it is a longer route. It is just from efficiency point of view where if you just want an Anaconda as quickly as possible, it is wise to skip Python is all....

I've seen this argument and I guess it makes sense. I still think I'll upgrade to the python for the same reason you did, you got sick of the clipper. One of the first things I learned when I started out in this game is that its easy to get burnt out if you don't enjoy the view every once in a while, especially in the games current quest/"content" barren state. I spent a few weeks after launch grinding furiously to get away from my sidey and the other small ships, I ended up just learning to hate the game. Now that I'm back in this game with a new attitude (and I actually have some of the bigger ships) I'm falling in love with it.

Besides, all in all what do you lose out on by upgrading? About an hour or two's work worth of credits I'd reckon.

 

[Quineloe]

In isolation, Python is better.

However, if you goal is reaching an Anaconda (and use that for trading), then skipping the Python is a wise move. Going straight to Anaconda from Clipper is the fastest way to get it.

That's actually not correct. Trader Python is 70 million credits. Trader Anaconda is 170 million. Buying a Python sets you back 5.5 million credits

So the question is, does the Python earn 105.5 million credits faster than the Clipper earns 100 million? Nice even number, so the question is: Does one trip in a Python pay more than 105.5% of a Clipper trip?

Clipper carries 240 tons, Python 284 tons. In other words, the Python carries 118% of the cargo of the Clipper. That means the Python makes 18% more profit per trip than the Clipper.

So how much faster is the Python?

Assuming a 2500cr/t round trip, the Python earns 710k, the Clipper 600k. The Python will therefore make the 105.5m credits required to upgrade to the Anaconda in 149 round trips. The Clipper however needs 167 round trips to make the 100 million for the Anaconda.


BTW; the Jumprange on the Python is almost as good as the Clipper with equal fittings. And if you fly on half a tank of fuel, you have the same range as the clipper, and an even better jump range. This is because the frame mass of the Clipper is 400t, and the Python is only 350t, this completely offsets the extra cargo weight of 44t.

 

[Coralec]

the question is, does the Python earn 105.5 million credits faster than the Clipper earns 100 million? Nice even number, so the question is: Does one trip in a Python pay more than 105.5% of a Clipper trip?

Clipper carries 240 tons, Python 284 tons. In other words, the Python carries 118% of the cargo of the Clipper. That means the Python makes 18% more profit per trip than the Clipper.

Math is great.

 

[retslag1]

Wow. I'm glad I saw this thread. I've got almost 20m in the bank with a T6 and was planning on getting a clipper. I had thought the clipper was a better trader than the python. I also didn't realize the L pad requirement of the clipper. Although I may still get a clipper, as it has more cargo space than my T6, my goal will certainly be to get a python.

Thanks for this thread OP, as your question and the community's response has answered my questions as well! +1 rep.

 

[Quineloe]

Wow. I'm glad I saw this thread. I've got almost 20m in the bank with a T6 and was planning on getting a clipper. I had thought the clipper was a better trader than the python. I also didn't realize the L pad requirement of the clipper. Although I may still get a clipper, as it has more cargo space than my T6, my goal will certainly be to get a python.

Thanks for this thread OP, as your question and the community's response has answered my questions as well! +1 rep.

For the Clipper the very same math applies. Getting a Clipper will get you to the Python faster than staying in your Type 6.

Clipper also has the pretty real advantage of being too fast to catch. So it's definitely a ship one should own.

 

[Ydiss]

I have both. If i could only keep one of them it would be the Python. In a heartbeat, no competition.

From a trading perspective Python is superior.

This. There's no comparison. And all your concerns are trivial. The Python is more than quick and agile enough for a trade ship, it has more cargo space, is tougher, has ample jump range and is capable of using outposts, significantly increasing your options for trade routes over the Clipper.

It'll dramatically reduce the time it takes you to get to the Annie because it can carry more and will let you get access to more profitable routes.

 

[Iskariot]

Wow. I'm glad I saw this thread. I've got almost 20m in the bank with a T6 and was planning on getting a clipper. I had thought the clipper was a better trader than the python. I also didn't realize the L pad requirement of the clipper. Although I may still get a clipper, as it has more cargo space than my T6, my goal will certainly be to get a python.

Thanks for this thread OP, as your question and the community's response has answered my questions as well! +1 rep.

Buy that Clipper just for the fun of it.
It is nice to experience the different characteristics and quirks of different ships.
Personally I do not do math to get the fastest route to the next ship. I feel that this type of game play is the quickest way to a burn out.

I love the versatile Python for example and felt no need to buy the single minded T9 trader, but I still did... only because I wanted to see what it could do and how it handled. I had great fun with it and even decided to put turrets on it to do some bounty hunting in USS with it. Turned out to be a great decision, because it is counter intuitive and fun.

Now I am in a fully upgraded Vulture and having great fun experiencing that ship. My T9 is parked somewhere and I know I want to sell it and re-buy a Python eventually, but on a whim I might just as well decide to go for an Anaconda just for the heck of it. I have no idea what I will do jet.
I learned that this way of playing ED keeps me coming back to it instead of burning out while grinding.

 

[Valethar]

For the Clipper the very same math applies. Getting a Clipper will get you to the Python faster than staying in your Type 6.

Clipper also has the pretty real advantage of being too fast to catch. So it's definitely a ship one should own.

That's how I got to my Python. I never had a T6 though, I jumped from my Asp to the Clipper, then from the Clipper to the Python. I did a mix of trading and combat though, as opposed to pure trading. Really depends on how you prefer to play, both road will get you there eventually.

 

[NeoTron]

I personally earned credits through trading exclusively I did this:

• Cobra
• Type 6
• Asp (slightly more cargo, but more agile than Type 6)
• Type 7
• Imperial Clipper (slightly more cargo, much faster than Type 7)
• Python
• Type 9 (ugh)
• Python (hated Type 9, truly)
• Anaconda

The only questionable upgrade in this path is the Type 7. I don't think I had the rank to get the Clipper when I got the Type 7 though, so so worth it regardless. One thing you have to remember, seeing the math on the Python, is that you won't be doing 2400-2500 cr/t with it - you'll be doing 2700-3000 cr/t. It doesn't only make more by virtue of having larger cargo, but also by getting the often significantly better outpost routes.

 

[jmp470]

I went Clipper to Python and now in a type-9. While the Python has better stats than the Clipper, it's boring. The type-9 is more enjoyable than the Python.