Are there any specific advantages for exploration between these 2 ships? Heat issues, module capacity, range? I did Distant Worlds 2 last year in the Asp Explorer but before I spend credits, mats, and time to equip a Krait Phantom for exploration I wanted to ask CMDRs with more experience about their preferences between these 2 ships. Thanks
Asp Explorer versus the Krait Phantom
- Thread starter Kort
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Most people will tell you the Krait is better - but it's a close call. Hands down I prefer my AspX. Yes, the Krait gets an extra slot, but I don't lack slots on my AspX. The Krait will get very marginally better jump range, but my AspX will do just about 70LY on a full tank - and if I'm flying for range alone I'd choose the 'conda anyway. Not sure about heat issues - I don't recall having heat issues in either, actually. The deciding factor for me is that the AspX handles better in supercruise.
I do swap between the 2 frequently though - but I'm always happier returning to the AspX. You'll find most of your modules are the same size across both ships though, so it won't take too much effort to try them out in a Krait and see how you get on. You won't need a whole new FSD, for example.
I do swap between the 2 frequently though - but I'm always happier returning to the AspX. You'll find most of your modules are the same size across both ships though, so it won't take too much effort to try them out in a Krait and see how you get on. You won't need a whole new FSD, for example.
There's another thing rarely mentioned that's worth noting: the Asp Explorer's (but not the Scout's!) shields are quite terrible, while the Krait Phantom's are average. The Phantom having two more class 5 internals also help with getting even better shield strength; on an Asp, you're limited to a class 3 shield if you want to maximise the FSD booster or fuel scooping. The typical exploration builds on an AspX won't reach even 100 MJ, so a light scrape with a station entrance will likely drop them.
But then, the above only really come into play in planetary flight - and if you're spending plenty of time down there, there are other ships which perform much better than either of these two, while still being pretty good at exploration.
But then, the above only really come into play in planetary flight - and if you're spending plenty of time down there, there are other ships which perform much better than either of these two, while still being pretty good at exploration.
Good point. If you're playing Odyssey and your exploring will include scanning plants, that great cockpit view will help you spot them.
Stats say Phantom, heart says AspX. So I went to Beagle in the Phantom and now I like that ship quite as much 
Really, it makes no real difference in the end. For the Beagle trip (solo and 100% VR), I had 2 AFMUs and hardly needed one. Would have come back without both of them. Before the Phantom, I used the oil tanker, but the downward view was just too bad in the end. DBX would be my choice today regardless of the slow scoop. YMMV.
O7,
Really, it makes no real difference in the end. For the Beagle trip (solo and 100% VR), I had 2 AFMUs and hardly needed one. Would have come back without both of them. Before the Phantom, I used the oil tanker, but the downward view was just too bad in the end. DBX would be my choice today regardless of the slow scoop. YMMV.
O7,
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This is a very important observation.
If you are into exobiology, hiking, or general on foot exploration of various terrains, the smaller the ship, the better for landings.
The Phantom is a nightmare in that regard, and even with the AspX I've had my issues.
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Where the AFMUs (or 1 at least) are really necessary is if you're doing neutron boosts as your FSD will need constant repairing.I had 2 AFMUs and hardly needed one. Would have come back without both of them. Before the Phantom, I used the oil tanker, but the downward view was just too bad in the end. DBX would be my choice today regardless of the slow scoop. YMMV.
O7,
Yes, that's true. Neutrons are always so-so, for if you fall out, you got a problem, but I used them quite a lot. Beyond the Core, you can really gain some ground until the stars thin out. Neutron master would be the Conda, sure as in sunrise, while DBX...hm.
O7,
However, now that I go exploring with my Fleet Carrier, I don't need AFMUs as my FC has a repair service. I can choose between my AspX, DBX, or Anaconda depending on ehat I want to do (I don't have a Krait Phantom). I use the Cutter for carrier refueling.Yes, that's true. Neutrons are always so-so, for if you fall out, you got a problem, but I used them quite a lot. Beyond the Core, you can really gain some ground until the stars thin out. Neutron master would be the Conda, sure as in sunrise, while DBX...hm.
O7,
