Ships What does everything DO...?

[Cdr Voorheez]

Asp isn't worth it at all. It's an over priced bird to explore in now we have DBE.
Facts:
12mil for a fully equipped explorer equipped DBE. If you compare that to a 'cheap' asp equivalent it is about 16mil. The expensive asp equivalent with 6A FSD is 50mil plus. These are builds of my own preference taking into account what I look for in an explorer vessel, so it is very subjective:

Cheap explorer Asp:
http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/03A4D...32i2f.Iw18WQ==.Aw18WQ==?bn=Cheap explorer asp

Expensive explorer Asp:
http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/04A4D...f.Iw18WQ==.Aw18WQ==?bn=Expensive explorer asp

No contest at all.

A few pointers about the DBE:
DBE can equip a 5A FSD giving it the golden > 30 ly range (33.6ly range to be precise).
DBE can equip a 4A fuel scoop which can scoop very very respectably. (Ok it's not a 6A fuel scoop but come on guys 28mil for a scoop....)
DBE has a 32t fuel tank just like an asp
DBE is cheaper to explore in
DBE actually looks a lot more attractive than an asp. Even in stock YELLOW.
DBE is cheaper to insure
DBE is cheaper to buy

My DBE: http://coriolis.io/outfit/diamondba...2f2i.AwRjNcoqg===.Aw1-kA==?bn=Kon-Tiki II (EX)

If you fully submit to the fact your DBE is an EXPLORER vessel and not a multiple role vessel which the asp IS (The DBE is really pap in combat, sorry to say it but it's true) then your DBE is way more affordable and technically appropriate to explore in than the expensive and frankly unattractive asp.
My opinion of course, but it is an INFORMED opinion. Currently exploring merrily in my DBE (Kon-Tiki II) and not regretting getting an asp I would have sub optimally equipped to explore in due to its frankly ridiculously expensive modules, fuselage and insurance.
I'm no asp hater but I am a credit lover and if I can save cash and explore then the DBE as a solid explorer is a no brainer.
We don't all have shed loads of credits to throw around and if you are serious about throwing yourself into the deep black and you can save 12mil credits (achievable to be honest) then I'd suggest more diamondback love.

 

[Ray Gun Rebecca]

Well, I just started exploring a bit with my DBS, and it's doing...okay.
The jump range is about 21ly, I don't have to refuel very often. I wouldn't mind having some more speed for getting around the systems I go to, but I'm not even sure how possible that is.

And yet, I went about two episodes of "Buffy" (I put on Netflix on the secondary monitor) and still haven't come across an unexplored system. So that's a bit of a drag.
Kinna wish there were markers to say where people have already been.

Also haven't found anything very interesting yet; mostly gas giants, icy planets, and high mineral content worlds. No astral phenomena like black holes or nuffin'...and certainly no alien civilizations. Alas.

 

[Cdr Voorheez]

If you can afford it go DBE. Pm me and I'll advise on build etc. exploring in one atm

 

[WR3ND]

I'm using a Scout, since I prefer small, faster, more maneuverable type ships. Granted, it isn't the best exploration ship out there though, but it's good enough in many ways.

You should be getting around 27 or more LY jump range with the best FSD. I have maxed (best class and rating) thrusters, frame shift drive, power distributor, fuel scoop, advanced discovery scanner, and detailed surface scanner. For power plant, you want whatever one weighs the least that is able to give you enough energy. You also want nothing in your first group of items in the outfitting menu, near weapons and such, to optimize for exploration. I'm using a shield, but I'd recommend using a field maintenance unit instead. I'm using the D life support and sensors.

Even this build isn't completely optimized for jump range, but it's good enough for me and keeps the ship nice and fast for escapes, if needed. Though like I was saying, I'll probably switch out the shields with the top field kit instead next time around.

Spoiler

View attachment 52662

Really though, the Cobra and then Asp are more ideal exploration ships overall for the price. Something to keep in mind.

 

[GammaZ]

Asp isn't worth it at all. It's an over priced bird to explore in now we have DBE.
Facts:
12mil for a fully equipped explorer equipped DBE. If you compare that to a 'cheap' asp equivalent it is about 16mil. The expensive asp equivalent with 6A FSD is 50mil plus. These are builds of my own preference taking into account what I look for in an explorer vessel, so it is very subjective:

Cheap explorer Asp:
http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/03A4D...32i2f.Iw18WQ==.Aw18WQ==?bn=Cheap explorer asp

Expensive explorer Asp:
http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/04A4D...f.Iw18WQ==.Aw18WQ==?bn=Expensive explorer asp
....

It is a bit silly ASP setup. Why you will ever put downclassed scoop in class 6 compartment? It is the most silly thing you can do. Replace it with 6D and it will be better and cheaper. Then, why will you ever need 3A powerplant? To power all AFMU-s at once? You do not need it, it is the waste of money and range.
Then we just throw away 3-rd AFMU (they are not required at all, but if you want them "just to be safe" 2 are already more than enough) and get this. Already 14m and better.

 

[newman1702]

Not to mention a 6A scoop is kind of a waste too unless you got money to burn. A 6B is only a few seconds slower, about 20 mil cheaper, and will still fill you up before the star surface scan is done. Don't hate on the Asp because it gives you higher class compartments - when you go bigger, some thinking beyond "higher rating = better" is required for a good cost effective setup. Do a few jumps where you instafill without spending crazy money on a 6A, and without even getting close to a heat alarm, and you'll soon learn to appreciate the Asp. I don't get this almost iphone-android like discussion between Asp and DBE owners. Use what you prefer, both are capable explorers.

 

[Cdr Voorheez]

It is a bit silly ASP setup. Why you will ever put downclassed scoop in class 6 compartment? It is the most silly thing you can do. Replace it with 6D and it will be better and cheaper. Then, why will you ever need 3A powerplant? To power all AFMU-s at once? You do not need it, it is the waste of money and range.
Then we just throw away 3-rd AFMU (they are not required at all, but if you want them "just to be safe" 2 are already more than enough) and get this. Already 14m and better.

It is an opinion I was using to reinforce the asp "expensive" discussion which was running.
I'm new and saw that as the setup I would use with my limited experience and limited in game knowledge.
See your point however.

 

[GammaZ]

It is an opinion I was using to reinforce the asp "expensive" discussion which was running.
I'm new and saw that as the setup I would use with my limited experience and limited in game knowledge.
See your point however.

Ok, sorry if it was a bit too aggressive...
Just seemed strange to me that you did very reasonable DBE loadout, and then very unreasonable one for ASP... almost like you made it just to prove that "ASP is very expensive".
I am not a huge fan of ASP by any means, but my point is that unless you "just like" DBE you can add 1-2m (~10%) and get ASP, which is usually called "the best exploration ship", will be immediately better then DBE and will have some room for improvement.

 

[colprice2002]

I have both a DBE and an Asp fitted for exploration.
The Asp is more expensive, but not by an order of magnitude...

Of the two, the Asp spends less time fuel scooping with the 6C scoop, the DBE runs much cooler, so i can scoop longer and jump while scooping.

I fitted the Asp wiťh an extra fuel tank, just in case.

To find undiscovered systems, look at the attractive destinations, and go the other way!

You will find footprints in unlikely places - like 14000ly from Sol - but think up/down as well.

 

[Cdr Voorheez]

Ok, sorry if it was a bit too aggressive...
Just seemed strange to me that you did very reasonable DBE loadout, and then very unreasonable one for ASP... almost like you made it just to prove that "ASP is very expensive".
I am not a huge fan of ASP by any means, but my point is that unless you "just like" DBE you can add 1-2m (~10%) and get ASP, which is usually called "the best exploration ship", will be immediately better then DBE and will have some room for improvement.

Not a problem. You made a good point

 

[Thoris]

As an alternative, you could consider a Type 6 Transporter. With a fair exploration fit, it costs just under 5m: LINK. Good jump range, fuel capacity and refuel time. I took that exact ship on a tour of ~5000ly and it worked very well for me. If I was to go on a longer tour, I'd probably add a heat sink or two, and two auto repair units (you will have to toggle modules on/off to activate them, as the reactor isn't that powerful).

 

[Nerdicus]

I explore in a Scout, and it's great. Heat management is truly the most overlooked stat in this game, and it makes a huge difference in exploring. I explored for a while in a Cobra, and it just doesn't explore as well, as you'll occasionally take heat damage, and so far it's never happened to me in the Scout. Also, there are a lot of explorable systems in close, they may have been discovered before, but most of the time you can scan them and sell the information.

One other advantage the Scout brings is that it's probably the best fighter south of the Vulture. Fantastic weapon placement, good speed, and solid maneuverability. When I get bored with exploring, I'll throw some guns on her in whatever system I'm in, and do a little pew-pew action. Especially if I'm far from my Vulture. She also does a good job for the Powerplay world, as you can fight, or throw a couple of cargo holds on her, and run a 10 load incredibly quick.

just my 2 cents.

 

[Cdr Voorheez]

Got to agree with you. When I'm not long range exploring in my DBE (33.6LY range) I am bounty hunting or CZ farming in my DBS. Fantastic ship for combat and PP agree.

 

[Dr Wookie]

My DBS has about the same range fully kitted out with guns etc. as a Cobra explorer (I.e. About 24 ly) . I just tried it out in combat, and it was tremendous fun... very fast and maneuverable. Plus it's freaking adorable ! And good for sneaking.

I suggest you enjoy what you have, rather than pining for other ships.i did a 25 Mcr jaunt to Sag A* in the last couple of weeks, so that's out of my system; I explore closer to home now.

 

[Zelos1983_1]

I have both a DBE and an Asp fitted for exploration.
The Asp is more expensive, but not by an order of magnitude...

Of the two, the Asp spends less time fuel scooping with the 6C scoop, the DBE runs much cooler, so i can scoop longer and jump while scooping.

The "runs cooler" makes it easier, especially in dangerous situations. If I accidently get to close to a neutron star, I can even jump to the next system without overheating or using heat sinks in my DBE.

The ASP, configured comparably to the DBE, isn't much more expensive. But the optimal configuration, with the 6a scoop, costs >40 Million Quid list price.

Another option, for the financially better equipped, is to explore in an anaconda. It does have the longest jump range.

 

[Nerdicus]

The "runs cooler" makes it easier, especially in dangerous situations. If I accidently get to close to a neutron star, I can even jump to the next system without overheating or using heat sinks in my DBE.

The ASP, configured comparably to the DBE, isn't much more expensive. But the optimal configuration, with the 6a scoop, costs >40 Million Quid list price.

Another option, for the financially better equipped, is to explore in an anaconda. It does have the longest jump range.

THIS. Both Diamondback ships are impressive heat managers, making the Scout not only a solid explorer for the budget minded, but a darn good stealth attack fighter (maybe the best). The DBE is a bit more limited in it's loadout when compared to the ASP, but IMO, it's a superior explorer because of it's heat management capabilities, especially when compared with the cost to build.

 

[Flavio]

As an alternative, you could consider a Type 6 Transporter. With a fair exploration fit, it costs just under 5m: LINK. Good jump range, fuel capacity and refuel time. I took that exact ship on a tour of ~5000ly and it worked very well for me. If I was to go on a longer tour, I'd probably add a heat sink or two, and two auto repair units (you will have to toggle modules on/off to activate them, as the reactor isn't that powerful).

I agree that if you are short of cash but want to go exploring then the type 6 is one of the best ways to do it but I would add a field maintenance unit and a fuel tank to that set up. It wont go quite as far as the Asp or DBE or Anaconda in one jump but 25ly is an excellent range.

 

[Ryan256]

See my exploration craft comparison.

It gives you a good idea of how much jump range & total range you can get for the credits you can spend.