Budget explorer vessel list with ranges and outfitting

[shadmar]

I have compiled a list of explorer vessels I've tried myself, and they are all in a good price range (Anaconda is not really a budget explorer and I havent tried it either)

The max range isn't really useful since you will plot and jump with a full tank anyway and probably scoop on you way so the min range is the one to use.

Price fully kitted:2.9m Range max/min:32.21/28.55 ==> Hauler: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=70V,,2-3m3m3I2C2C2C3c,mpT4zM2jw2UI
Price fully kitted:4.9m Range max/min:32.30/30.11 ==> T6: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=70W,,2-3m6u6Q3m3m3m6k,mpT50ompV2jw2UI
Price fully kitted:11.7m Range max/min:36.60/35.48 ==> DBE: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=70i,,2-3I6u7_5K2C5K6k,4_wmpU2jw2UI
Price fully kitted:15.2m Range max/min:37.77/36.54 ==> Asp: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=70g,,2-3I6u7_6u2C8S6k,52MmpW2jw2UI

The DBE/ASP gives you the best range/price and DBE is my favorite.
I also chose 16t fuel tanks for the DBE and Asp since refilling is quite often and if you're in a middle of the L-type belt, you can always go economic route to find a higher class star or just manually plot a higher class star within 120ly or so. Flyby refuelling while scanning works just fine in most cases.

I never had use for shields, weapons or heat sinks (to date)

 

[domaq]

Are these just the builds that you used or what you recommend as optimum exploration builds?
.
If it is the latter, I recommend changing the 4A scoop in the T6 for at least the 5C scoop and replace it in the Asp with at least the 6C scoop. The 5C is 2mil less for 36s scooping and the 6C is 1mil less for 25s scooping. You can also cut the Asp thrusters down to 4D which increase min jump range to 36.54Ly for a total of 15.2mil credits.

 

[shadmar]

Thank you, These were the builds I used, tanks for the tip, I think your optimizations will work great. Updated.

 

[Jesters09]

Thats not budget!

My Hauler is worth a little over 615,096 rebuy 26,322.
Currently 18,647.89LY from Sol.

Thats a "budget" explorer!

Bah, the kids today :-D

 

[Cdr Voorheez]

I flew DBE for a while, it was a good ship but it has massive limitations compared to the Asp. I admire the no shields build but its a massive risk inside the bubble with millions in cartographic data at stake. This build is also lacking an AFMU which in my opinion is an absolute necessity on long trips, and I have been on a few with an without an AFMU and I definitely can vouch for them on long trips. It's not a criticism though Cdr just an observation
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=70i,,2-3I6u7_5K2C5K6k,4_wmpU2jw2UI

Mine was 11.9 mil and gave me 33.6LY/AFMU/shields and piece of mind
http://coriolis.io/outfit/diamondba...0q432f2i.AwRjNcrZKA==.Aw1-kA==?bn=Kon-Tiki II

However when you compare my Asp build which is only 5 mil credits more (nothing in cartographic data terms, it is easily made) it is a no brainer which is the better explorer. (Before anyone criticises my build its the best I can afford at the minute and yes I actually like docking computers the Asp's generous module space gives me that luxury)

http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/02A4D...u4302242i2f.AwRjNcu5Uo==.Aw18WQ==?bn=Damocles

So I will put it like this guys, if you have 20 mil credits are you going to get:

1. A DBE with 33.6LY range, no AFMU, no shields and really limited module expansion or
2. An Asp with 35LY range, AFMU, Better fuel scoop, shields and a lot more module expansion?

DBE to me just doesn't make sense at all anymore. It is a good stop gap between Cobra and Asp and that's about it. In fact I like my Cobra that much I've kept her in onionhead livery stored for my return from exploring. I intend to hunt in her.

Each to their own though. Hell, guys are going to Saggy in Sidewinders so my Asp love is just probably wierdness

 

[shadmar]

Thanks for the tip, I dropped the AMFU on those builds, I gueess most can afford them anyway if they want them. Same for heat sinks and other utilities.
I guess everything is a risk assesment for the shields, but so far I have managed fine without. Shields are expensive and heavy, and in the void you do not need them (in my humble opinion), however I am nerveous when returning with data, I am, but so far no incidents. Just sell at first outpost/station if it looks safe, buy shields, return to the civ.