Equipment Classifications

[HardstyleFlavor]

So I've googled a bit and read a couple forum threads but can't find a definite answer or guide to the equipment/weapon classification system. I've always thought that the "lower" the letter grade ('A' as opposed to 'B' or 'C', etc.) the better the equipment is. But for example in my Cobra I keep finding Shield Generators that have a "lower" letter grade but seem to be worse than my currently equipped Shield Gen.

Does equipment get better with higher numbers and lower letters? Higher numbers and higher letters? I.e. is a C3 Shield Gen. better than an E4? Is A2 better than C4?

This whole classification system is pretty screwy and my small brain can't seem to understand it. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Arktac13]

I've seen afew threads and alittle bit of research. Its not 100% on any of the info and I'm sorry I don't have the info with me on hand because it wasn't much at a time.
What I can remember is this
E (Standard)
- 100% sheild, normal recharge
C (Above Average)
- 120%, Above average recharge
D (Light & Good)
- 110% Shield, Normal Recharge
B (Heavy & Strong)
- 160% shield, slower recharge
A (Excellent & Balanced)
- 140% shield, recharges very fast

 

[Kitiara]

Equipment

All equipment has a class and a size.

The class rates from A to I and the size from 1 to 8.

Sizes are simple, the higher the number, the more capable the equipment and the bigger the fitting requirements.
Eg. a size 2 power plant produces more power than a size 1 and weighs more, while producing less and weighing less than a size 3.
Each mounting point in a ship has a maximum size it will accept - eg. A cobra will accept a size 4 frame shift drive, but a sidewinder is limited to a size 1.

Classes are a little more complex.

Classes F-I are reserved for items where there is no variation, like the armour plating on your hull, cargo holds and the like

Class E is the standard default for equipment supplied as standard on a ship. It has base stats and moderate fitting requirements.
Class D is a low fitting requirements version of the Class E. It may have slightly better performance too, but it will be the lightest or least power drawing version.
Class C is an upgrade to classes E and D in performance, but has the same fitting requirements (or a little higher requirement) than the E
Class B is a usually a sizeable upgrade to a class C, but comes at the cost of greatly increased fitting requirements.
Class A has the best performance, and typically similar fitting requirements to the C and E (kill warrant scanners are a notable exception).

Generally when designing a ship you are seeking to keep it as light as possible. That means D grade equipment except where the added performance is more valuable than the fitting - so on my exploration ship I have a grade D life support as there is no possibility of getting safe, however good a module I have. But on my combat viper, I have an A, to give me 25 minutes to get safe if I lose the canopy.

 

[babelfisch]

The numbers are the size of your equipment. For example an D4 power plant generates more power than an C2. The letters indicate the quality/efficiency. An A4 power plant generates more power than an B4 and weights less.

 

[HardstyleFlavor]

Ah ok, that makes sense then. Numbers are the size of the module and the letters designate the efficiency of the module.

Thanks everyone.

 

[TeeWee]

It would be nice to have this information just out in the world, for example in the sale screens or the manual. I know there is a pattern to be discovered once you start to pay close attention to the details, but it would be really nice to have this just out there instead of having to deduce it. It serves no real purpose not to give me this information, it doesn't make the game more challenging, just a bit more frustrating and more prone to badly informed decisions.