FDL or Python for combat?

[theblackvegetable]

FDL. Having said that, in my experience of flying a Python, it often comes out on top in a 1v1 versus an FDL, simply because it is much more tanky, and the FDL pilot has to do some very good piloting to punish the Python's worse maneuverability.

In wing fights, however, especially anything larger than a 2v2, the Python's sluggishness means it is very easy to focus down, whereas an FDL pilot can hope to evade focus fire.

For reference, the Python I fly has bi-weave shields, 5D+4D MRP, the rest heavy duty HRPs. With 2.4 engineering, that comes down to 4200 hull (could be nudging 5000 with 3.0 rolls), and about 550MJ of shields.

 

[IndigoWyrd]

Which one is better for combat FDL or Python

Which one is better - broadsword or battle axe?

Actually, in this case, the comparison is more like Rapier or Battle Axe.

The FdL is a nimble, finesse ship.
The Python is a battle axe, well suited to ramming as much as shooting.

Which suits you better?

 

[jasonbarron]

FDL. Having said that, in my experience of flying a Python, it often comes out on top in a 1v1 versus an FDL, simply because it is much more tanky, and the FDL pilot has to do some very good piloting to punish the Python's worse maneuverability.

In wing fights, however, especially anything larger than a 2v2, the Python's sluggishness means it is very easy to focus down, whereas an FDL pilot can hope to evade focus fire.

For reference, the Python I fly has bi-weave shields, 5D+4D MRP, the rest heavy duty HRPs. With 2.4 engineering, that comes down to 4200 hull (could be nudging 5000 with 3.0 rolls), and about 550MJ of shields.

What I found was that if the FdL was equipped with feedback rails and proficient in their use, then the python was in big trouble. If the FdL didn't have feedback rails, it was a potentially different story. Dread Lord had a shield tank python that could stand up to any FdL I've seen pre 3.0 if they weren't packing feedback. Of course, thats pretty rare.

The problem with any hull tank is their vulnerability to missiles. I make sure to pack at least one point defense on my chief.

 

[theblackvegetable]

What I found was that if the FdL was equipped with feedback rails and proficient in their use, then the python was in big trouble. If the FdL didn't have feedback rails, it was a potentially different story. Dread Lord had a shield tank python that could stand up to any FdL I've seen pre 3.0 if they weren't packing feedback. Of course, thats pretty rare.

The problem with any hull tank is their vulnerability to missiles. I make sure to pack at least one point defense on my chief.

I run no banks, though (indeed, I find it hard to get them off in a Python, though it's certainly doable in 1v1). I did exaggerate a little about the hull, I see I have 4713 currently. You're right about the missiles though. If anyone brings seekers it's usually GG.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Using the new engineering, how much can the FDL's FSD range be improved? Because to me, that dismal jump range is a show stopper, and has kept me in my Python.

 

[m0rl0ck]

Using the new engineering, how much can the FDL's FSD range be improved? Because to me, that dismal jump range is a show stopper, and has kept me in my Python.

Iirc mine gets around 18 with a two module reinforcements a hull reinforcement and military grade hull.
Keep in mind tho that if you plan on taking it anywhere, its got a thimble for a fuel tank, and you will need a slot for a fuel scoop.

 

[rotwhylr]

FDL for combat. Python for being pretty good at combat, trade, lots of stuff, etc. etc.

 

[Jason Sefer]

pve or pvp?
engineered or not?
how good is your flying?

PvE, not engineered, average

 

[wakko151]

FDL

 

[Maka Gucci]

Iirc mine gets around 18 with a two module reinforcements a hull reinforcement and military grade hull.
Keep in mind tho that if you plan on taking it anywhere, its got a thimble for a fuel tank, and you will need a slot for a fuel scoop.

Also bare in mind that my PvP Python, has a jump range of 13ly.. It's so much heavier than the FDL, when fully fitted that the difference in range *can be* negligible.

 

[Starender]

For pve any would work but it would be smoother in an fdl for combat, if you like to multi role sometimes definitly use the python instead

Now for pvp i would choose the fdl if i were you, its easier to fight multiple cmds at the same time and faster when you will need to chase/flee

 

[CMDR EDGEL0RD]

Take a close and hard look on FDL's cockpit. Not gonna be a thing if you play with VR, but if you dont... Let's say it can be a deal breaker. If you wont detect any issues with it then go FDL.

 

[jasonbarron]

I run no banks, though (indeed, I find it hard to get them off in a Python, though it's certainly doable in 1v1). I did exaggerate a little about the hull, I see I have 4713 currently. You're right about the missiles though. If anyone brings seekers it's usually GG.

I've been running point defense in one slot, but still, all it does is slow down the inevitable knocking out of my hardpoints. Ditching the interdictor for an AFMU to see how that works.

 

[Spacecat]

FDL for combat, but that's ALL it's good for. Python is a multipurpose, and is extremely versatile, good but not great at combat, but for PVE, it's ok.

 

[znôrt]

PvE, not engineered, average

then, as some have pointed out, the python might be an easier start. the fdl is more a specialist, more tricky to fly, and the python is more flexible to outfit in part due to an immense powerplant. a lot more internals compensate for the fewer utilities, and anyway monster shields are not needed in regular pve. the drawback might be less speed than the fdl, which may be important when in need to bug out, and more inertia and less maneuverability but as said the fdl takes a bit to get used to and take advantage of that.

that said, two notes: one, if you aren't going to engineer you could well try both, and the fdl is a fair bit cheaper, that's what i would recommend. two, i did that and happen to like the fdl a lot better! (the python is still a very fine ship though)

 

[Laste]

FDL, not even a debate.

Oh, i think you'll find everything is up for debate in the frontier forums.

 

[Phisto Sobanii]

Oh, i think you'll find everything is up for debate in the frontier forums.

You're welcome to claim a Python outclasses a FDL in combat as long as you accept you are wrong.

 

[the source 0179]

You're welcome to claim a Python outclasses a FDL in combat as long as you accept you are wrong.

Does the python have more class than the fdl?
Yes.
Does it out perform the fdl in combat?
No

 

[lenna]

Does the python have more class than the fdl?
Yes.
Does it out perform the fdl in combat?
No

The FDL can be punishing for even the most experienced pilots due to requiring practice to make best use of it. The Python can perform very well in Combat and has enough optional internals to offset it's apparent weaknesses/deficiencies versus the FDL. The One-Trick-Pony nature of the FDL actually goes against in in some ways.

 

[znôrt]

Oh, i think you'll find everything is up for debate in the frontier forums.

which is ... good? isn't debate and questioning the source of all knowledge humanity has managed to build up?

hard and blind beliefs on the other hand ... ever just produced poor quality and embarrassing troll posts. in the best case!