Clipper or Python for Trading?

Coralec

Coralec
So I'm flying around in my shiny Imperial Clipper trading the hours away with the long term goal of being able to upgrade to a tradeconda where I will trade some more until I have enough money to stop worrying about money. I'm quickly approaching the credits needed to upgrade to a python, a ship I've wanted for a very long time. I've been doing some research on the forums however, and ever since it got hit with the nerf bat I've been reading some mixed reviews about the ship. So I'm wondering, should I stick in my clipper for the long haul or upgrade to the python? I should also say that aesthetics are not an issue, I like to look of both ships.

Here are the concerns I have with the python:

1. It's a gas guzzler: I'm not a particular fan of fuel scoops on trading runs. I guess in my opinion time is money and I would rather just buy the fuel at the station than waste time scooping it. I'm worried that fuel costs will start cutting into the extra profits I'm making off my extra cargo space.

2. It's a tad bit slow: What I mean by this is not that I might get annoyed by the ship not moving as swiftly as my clipper. My biggest concern about upgrading to a python is finding myself interdicted with my pants down. With the clipper interdictions are not a problem, I can't get mass locked and I can outrun anything. If I upgrade to the python however, I'm worried that I'll find myself forced to fight either by being mass locked or by just not being able to run fast enough.

3. The jump range: This is related to the interdiction problem in many ways. If I can't just run from my problems like I can in my clipper, then I'm gonna need to equip myself to pew-pew those problems away. The problem is that any well equipped python builds I've seen start dropping into the 14ly jump range which really starts to bite if my only real intention is to trade in it. This is not to say that the clipper's range is anything stellar, but an unarmed clipper is gonna be much better for jump ranges then a python if I'm forced to arm it.

So can anyone either confirm or debunk the problems I have with the python. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks.
 

iSteel

iSteel
I missed the Clipper discount and was saving for the normal price one when these community goals started to pour in. I gained credits with my Asp so fast I could jump over Clipper completely. Now I have trading Python instead.

I have A FSD and D everything else, 260t cargo and 16.25 laden jump range. If I compare similar setup Clipper in EDshipyard it will have 232t cargo and 16.73 laden jump range.

Some more cargo and the ability to land on outposts make Python a winner in my eyes.

1. I have not noticed the need of fuel to be too much. I can travel something like 100ly without the need of fuel scoops.

2. If you put A7 power distributor you will loose 1 ly jump range but can boost-boost-boost away from interdictors.

3. Jump range in trader setup does not differ too much from Clipper.

Please note I have no experience on Clipper as I jumped over it. My assumptions are based on EDshipyard data.
 

Iori

Iori
Python can carry more and land on outposts.

The Clipper is more fun and can outrun every other ship so it doesn't have pirate problems.
 
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Bortas

Bortas
Coralec said:
1. It's a gas guzzler: I'm not a particular fan of fuel scoops on trading runs. I guess in my opinion time is money and I would rather just buy the fuel at the station than waste time scooping it. I'm worried that fuel costs will start cutting into the extra profits I'm making off my extra cargo space.
Click to expand...

Fuel costs next to nothing, this is not an issue.

2. It's a tad bit slow: What I mean by this is not that I might get annoyed by the ship not moving as swiftly as my clipper. My biggest concern about upgrading to a python is finding myself interdicted with my pants down. With the clipper interdictions are not a problem, I can't get mass locked and I can outrun anything. If I upgrade to the python however, I'm worried that I'll find myself forced to fight either by being mass locked or by just not being able to run fast enough.

3. The jump range: This is related to the interdiction problem in many ways. If I can't just run from my problems like I can in my clipper, then I'm gonna need to equip myself to pew-pew those problems away. The problem is that any well equipped python builds I've seen start dropping into the 14ly jump range which really starts to bite if my only real intention is to trade in it. This is not to say that the clipper's range is anything stellar, but an unarmed clipper is gonna be much better for jump ranges then a python if I'm forced to arm it.
Click to expand...

You can get 526 MJ of shields and 276 tons of cargo space with a laden jump range of 16 LY out of a Python setup for trading (see http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=605,mpX0_g0_g0_g0_g,2-7_A07_6uA0A08I,0AA0AA0AA08c08c7RA05U05U03w)
Flying with 4 pips to shields, nobody will be able to drop your shields, before you can jump out.
 

Midian Cabal

Midian Cabal
If you're looking for a trading ship, I'd suggest to stay with the Clipper, skip the Python and save your earnings for the Anaconda.

I sold my Clipper to buy the Python, which I sold to buy the Annie, which earned back both the Clipper and the Python.
 

Valethar

Valethar
The crying over the 'nerf' was nothing more than exaggerated overreaction.

Fuel costs are minimal, now that they were adjusted. You won't have any trouble getting away if you need to. Despite the myths on the forums, if you target another system (as opposed to a body in the system you're in) mass lock isn't going to stop you from jumping. Jump range isn't bad for a ship of this size. I have almost everything A rated and can still jump 14LY loaded, and 19.5LY empty.

The Python makes a fairly formidable armed trader. Once you start putting money into upgrades, it's a badass machine. I have 240 tons of cargo, a scoop, both scanners, and still pack a punch with good weapons and A5 shields.

Clippers can run faster, but the weapons placement isn't particularly optimal, and you lose the ability to land on outposts. A Python is slower, but not enough to really matter much, and you have excellent weapons convergence and can land anywhere. They both have their good and their bad.

I have both ships, but tend to prefer the Python most of the time, because it's a better all around workhorse for me. I can switch between trading and combat at will without having to swap modules, and the scanners are worth more to me in the small slots than the extra 12 tons of cargo.
 

fergal

fergal
Valethar said:
The crying over the 'nerf' was nothing more than exaggerated overreaction.
Click to expand...

I never had a python pre nerf, its a beast right now.
3 large and 2 medium hardpoints, all central, with a size 7 power distributor, and enough power to put in whatever you want.

If you are doing trading that might require you to run, I'm thinking CGs, clipper is probably better, landing on a medium pad is pretty good during CGs though, the players in type 9s and Anacondas tear through the supplys in large stations.
 

Zulu Romeo

Zulu Romeo
Cawcanbawlz said:
ask yourself if spending 35ish more million credits on a python so you can land on outposts for trading worth it.
Click to expand...

Opening up availability of newer markets and services by being able to dock with providers of said services, and having the flexibility to do what you want with little to no change in loadout, is never a bad thing.
 

Spam

Spam
I traded my Clipper in for a Python as it had a good chunk more cargo space. Didn't focus on pew pew at all, just a trade spec. Used it as a stepping stone to the T9.
Now I have a T9 I can make so much cash that I've repurchased loads of other ships for giggles.
Eagle is a favourite for paperthin hoolaganism. Vulture a combat cashcow. Clipper is my CG speed machine. T9 for printing money. Just working my way towards my first Anny, but in no rush.
 

HeavyGroovez

HeavyGroovez
I have both. If i could only keep one of them it would be the Python. In a heartbeat, no competition.

From a trading perspective Python is superior.
 
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Coralec

Coralec
Thanks for the advice. I think I'm sold on the python. The only thing I'm wondering is why some people seem to prefer the clipper for CG's. I try to participate in the trade oriented CG's so I'm wondering why the clipper would be better than the python for those.
 
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LeetNoob

LeetNoob
Hmm, just bought a clipper as I got Barron rank and have kitted it out for trading, although i don't have the cash for the Python yet.
What is it with this game, you spend ages dreaming of getting into a certain ship, and as soon as I do, you want the next one. Although I still love the feel of my clipper. I'll go for a Python in 2 or 3 weeks, if I sell my Vulture I'll have enough by then.
 

Zieman

Zieman
Coralec said:
Thanks for the advice. I think I'm sold on they python. The only thing I'm wondering is why some people seem to prefer the clipper for CG's. I try to participate in the trade oriented CG's so I'm wondering why the clipper would be better than the python for those.
Click to expand...
Clipper is better at getting out of trouble. And CGs attract trouble.
 

Taimaru

Taimaru
I bought a discount Python in the weekend and even though I haven't 'A' rated everything I am loving it as a trading ship.

I don't bother running away from NPC pirates as I just kill them. With player pirates I comply and give them some cargo. With killer psycho's you are most likely going to die anyway if they are in a good ship and they know how to shoot :D.

For RES's and CZ's I use either my Vulture or Clipper.
 
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