Ships Python or FDL?

Shadowjester · Jun 6, 2015

I have a love for the Python since its introduction even over the Anaconda however I have never owned either the FDL or the Python and i do not know which is worth it. I have bounced back and forth between Combat and Trading to make money and while the Combat is more fun unfortunately trading make more money faster.

I currently have a Vulture and a Type-7 and use them both for PVE.

Which would be more worth the 60 million investment, while i want the python for its versatility (especially since its a med craft with 192 possible cargo) the FDL would work better for my combat.

puca · Jun 6, 2015

It is easier to get a combat kit for the FDL for 60 million. Python has more expensive components.

Python is tankier (more SCB room), FDL is speedier and can have bigger maximum shields. FDL used to have a really good masslock, but this got fixed. Python has the biggest masslock now short of the anaconda itself.

PvPer opinion seems split.

Python versatility is not such a big draw anymore, because you will pay a 10% component price tax to retool your python from combat to trading, and back.

I would love opinions of what combat ship to commit to also (can afford both).

Fireclown · Jun 6, 2015

Python.
Even if you can't afford a full combat spec right now a trader spec is ok in combat and you can make
serious money due to no large pad limitations. Better loadout option too in my opinion.
When you get enough cash you can outfit it to be a true bruiser in combat while still retaining good
cargo space. Jump range aint that good but big fuel tank - a true go anywhere, do anything (except exploring) ship.

FDL is damn fun though but if I had to have just one of them it'd be python.

Cmdr Basskicker · Jun 6, 2015

Both are nice ships, but for now you will probably be happier with a Python. The Python has a max cargo of 284 in a trading setup with C3 shields, and can also land at outposts. Not to mention the ability to fight very effectively, if not being particularly fast. A basic combat Python is going to cost you somewhere around 80million. A trading python will cost ~65million.

The FDL is severely gimped by the fact is can only do one thing, and that is fight. It does, however, have the edge by being fast and able to escape if things get a little too dicey. The one beef I have with the FDL from a combat standpoint is the C4 hardpoint being on the bottom of the ship. A basic A rated FDL will run you around 75-80 million.

The 10% tax for components is not in effect as of yet, but will be coming down the pipeline sooner rather than later I would imagine. So keep that in mind when you make your decision. Not going to be a huge issue for the FDL, but for the Python it is something to think about very seriously.

Overall, I would advise you to get a Python, keep your Vulture if possible, and buy an FDL when you can afford it.

Zephyriel · Jun 6, 2015

Did the devs not say they won't implement the 10% tax until they find a better solution?

puca · Jun 6, 2015

10% tax appears to be live (with a 10 minute grace period).

Cmdr Basskicker · Jun 6, 2015

puca said:
10% tax appears to be live (with a 10 minute grace period).

This is the first I've seen on this. I thought DB said it would be implemented "after" the devs had an internal dialogue over how to handle it.

It wasn't in play yesterday after the patch as I had refitted my python and didn't notice millions in credits missing. I also took extra care to make sure my sell price was what I had paid for the module.

jmp470 · Jun 6, 2015

I refit my type-9 last night after the update and no 10% depreciation on the modules. After having the Python for a week, made myself keep it that long, I would suggest the FDL and keeping your type-7. After you get the FDL, only do combat missions, or BH to pay for upgrades and use the type-7 money to move up in your trading. I'm doing something similar with the type-9. I'm kitting it out exactly how I want it, then will buy another ship and only spend what that ship makes on it. With this approach when I only have a few minutes to play I can do a simple trade run. Or if I have more time go hunting.

Narase · Jun 6, 2015

I went from Vulture to FDL and instantly regret it. From the first flight it didnt convince me and the fights... well the FDL COULD be a very good ship, but the position of the Class4 is that bad, no.
I then saw a nice build for the Python for about 89kk (link below) and tried it. I love the Python and I will never give it back. Sure its a bit slower than the FDL. But the shields feel much stronger and the fire power is (even with this build) insanely increased over the FDL.
If you are good at shooting (with fixed weapons) then the FDL could be a ship for you, otherwise my advise is to farm some more credits and try the Python.

(Build was made in V1.2)
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=705,5...,2-BQ9s886uB69Y8I,0AA0AA7Uc7iM7iM4_w05U05U03w

Edit: My FDL was full A-Grade, my overly loved Python is excatly what the link says. More fire power, more shield power, more things to upgrade, just love it.

bitstorm · Jun 6, 2015

Ive not actually tried out builds due to not having cash to burn, but assuming money is no object and you're going for a min/max combat style build it looks like...

FDL wins on top speed and boost speed.
Agility is the same.
Python wins on firepower, shields, armour, reacharge speed on weapons/shield, jump range and adaptability (eg refitting for trading).

On paper it looks like Python wins hands down?

As I say though this is assuming money is no object, Python comes in around 170mil, FDL 75mil so it is over twice the cost.

sbdags · Jun 6, 2015

Narase said:
I went from Vulture to FDL and instantly regret it. From the first flight it didnt convince me and the fights... well the FDL COULD be a very good ship, but the position of the Class4 is that bad, no.
I then saw a nice build for the Python for about 89kk (link below) and tried it. I love the Python and I will never give it back. Sure its a bit slower than the FDL. But the shields feel much stronger and the fire power is (even with this build) insanely increased over the FDL.
If you are good at shooting (with fixed weapons) then the FDL could be a ship for you, otherwise my advise is to farm some more credits and try the Python.

(Build was made in V1.2)
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=705,5...,2-BQ9s886uB69Y8I,0AA0AA7Uc7iM7iM4_w05U05U03w

Edit: My FDL was full A-Grade, my overly loved Python is excatly what the link says. More fire power, more shield power, more things to upgrade, just love it.

Yes I went from Vulture to FDL and hated it too.

Now saving for a python. I am back in an ASP for the time being

Nerdicus · Jun 7, 2015

Python hands down. If you can keep the Vulture for combat (it's a fantastic in that role), grab the Python and start trading (it will replace what you're doing with your Type 7 right off). Even a D rated Python is one tough ship, and a fantastic trader. From there, take your time upgrading her. I don't have a Python yet, but my son has one, and he wouldn't give it up for any ship in game. I'm an extreme small ship guy, but I will get a Python because she's so versatile, she's the Cobra of the Cruisers.

Annath · Jun 8, 2015

I'm looking for a good trading build for my shiny new Python. I assume I just plug in the best FSD I can afford, and cram it full of cargo racks?

Are turrets a good option for self defense, or should I put gimballs on there?

AntiDisco · Jun 8, 2015

If you want a serious trading build, you'll downgrade your shield which means you don't fight, you run. So no weapons of any kind, you don't have the capacity to kill pirates anyway and they cost you jump range.
For PvE this should be enough:
http://coriolis.io/outfit/python/05A6D5A4D7D6D5C-----04040404050505040403024001
In player heavy areas you should probably upgrade to at least 4A shields. Maybe you need even more now and some shield cells, I haven't done any trading since shields persists in SC.

Kyokushin · Jun 8, 2015

Shadowjester said:
I have a love for the Python since its introduction even over the Anaconda however I have never owned either the FDL or the Python and i do not know which is worth it. I have bounced back and forth between Combat and Trading to make money and while the Combat is more fun unfortunately trading make more money faster.

I currently have a Vulture and a Type-7 and use them both for PVE.

Which would be more worth the 60 million investment, while i want the python for its versatility (especially since its a med craft with 192 possible cargo) the FDL would work better for my combat.

The question is what you like to be?
A flying armoury or fast and strong sword.

They both are good. Python is trong defensive ship, able to trade, and FDL is attack ship, unable to trade or travelling.

Shadowjester · Jun 8, 2015

No if you are going to try and just trade in a python you need to best FSD and then downgrade what you can to have least weight so you can max your jump then fuel scoop or fuel tanks to keep going from A to B depending the edshipyard.com is a great help for that.

Cool Hand Luke · Jun 8, 2015

My Python has cost me 250MCr so far and the insurance runs about 9MCR (Backer rate). I wouldn't change it for the world. Good weapons mounts, good weapon convergence... oh and D3 Beam turrets. I fly through clouds of little ships and the bounty reports just pop up on screen without me ever having seen them while I concentrate on the guy infront of me. OK, so I have a 32 tonne cargo capacity...but I only use it to pick up what the dead guys drop... and there are lots of dead guys. http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=705,4...,30B69Y7_6QB69Y8I,7jw52C7UI0Nc08c15O9rs2jw2UI

I call her 'Sherman', she doesn't mind.

puca · Jun 8, 2015

How do turrets work in 1.3?

Fireclown · Jun 8, 2015

Seems a bit wonky to me still - they said Fire at Will was fixed but I'm not sure.
Got interdicted on my Type 9 which is mostly turrets and they didn't do anything after the pirate turned red.
Had to quickly switch to Target Only and they started firing then.

jmp470 · Jun 9, 2015

Fireclown said:
Seems a bit wonky to me still - they said Fire at Will was fixed but I'm not sure.
Got interdicted on my Type 9 which is mostly turrets and they didn't do anything after the pirate turned red.
Had to quickly switch to Target Only and they started firing then.

was the pirate named Will? If not, I understand why they didn't work ;-)