Can someone explain the equipment ranking?

[Brakespear]

So... whut? I don't get it. I've been playing for quite a while now, and I come from an Eve background, and I still don't get it. There doesn't seem to be any clear pattern to the equipment progression - what exactly do the letter and number combinations mean, and which way do they go? Is higher number supposed to be better? Is A supposed to be better than D?

I mean, yes, sure. Looking at the stats, I can see what I want from any given module (though a vague arrow pointing up or down is a bit rubbish - would be nice to see the old stat vs new stat), but if I'm going by the stats, what's the point in the rating? Every time I think I've figured it out, I see a component with a seemingly low rank that beats a higher rank in stats.

If someone could give me some sort of overview, or a link to such information, that'd be great.

 

[Hyena]

The letter denotes quality, A being the highest.

The number is the size of the fitting. For example a Viper would be looking for Size 3 upgrades, with A grade being the best in slot.

When you look at 'Outfitting', where it has the name of it in the lighter brown like 'Power Coupling' it has the size number next to it, that's the number you want to buy.

 

[Brakespear]

Ah, that makes a bit more sense. Sort of. My eagle has an odd mix of 2s and 3s though, so I'm not sure what the rules are there.

 

[Hyena]

Here:

I've highlighted the box I mean, that means I can have a Size 3 Sensor suite.

Although I have a B for power reasons, but in theory the best would be an A.

As for rules, you should only be able to buy things that will fit in that slot, the rest should either be unviewable or redded out.

 

[Brakespear]

Ah, that clarifies things.

To be honest, I hadn't really spent much time on that screen - I've just been looking at the actual list of alternative modules.

Thanks.

 

[ChubbyBunneh]

It's a little bit more complicated than A > B > C > D > E.

The D grade component always weighs the least, the B grade component always weighs the most. So for some things like Life Support or Sensors the D grade actually makes the most sense. But for Shield Cell Banks, the B has the most charges because it weighs the most.

 

[andy_3_913]

I was baffled by it all, as well....
this

[video=youtube;3p4qcKCXWJc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p4qcKCXWJc[/video]

on youtube helped a bit.

 

[Hyena]

It's a little bit more complicated than A > B > C > D > E.

The D grade component always weighs the least, the B grade component always weighs the most. So for some things like Life Support or Sensors the D grade actually makes the most sense. But for Shield Cell Banks, the B has the most charges because it weighs the most.

Oh god I thought I understood it!

Mind, blown.