Exploration diversity - Your advices

[Morderoc]

Hi cmdrs o7

I explored a lot in an Asp Explorer, discovered several systems, planets, etc. I had a lot of fun.
I upgraded my old AspEx in an Anaconda. I'm flying it a lot since then, and made several trips to the galaxy's borders, center, etc. I really love to explore.

But here I am with my existential question: what else can I fly? I tried Asp Scout, Diamondback Explorer and Scout, and they're something like bad versions of the AspEx. I have my Anaconda, but I feel mostly harmless in many situations with my max range explorer fitting (I hate small jumps!).

What can I do to bring some diversity in my explorations? I'd love to feel less insecure in my big ship. It has no weapons, and I only fit a fighter bay my NpC crew member doesn't know to fly properly. It has no defenses since I often shut off the shields and haven't fit any structural reinforcements to save mass.

Should I fly a combat Anaconda and pretend I'm an explorer with 20ly jumps (instead of 60 ^^' ) ?
I really feel harmless when I explore.

 

[Vasea Azure]

I always use stripped down Anacond with over 60 jump range. It has lots of heat sinks SLF hangar and big fuel scoop and... thats pretty much it. I dont think you need any combat/defense modules for deep exploration to be honest, why crippling your jump range at all? Non of my exploration vessels have any guns on them.

 

[Morderoc]

I have the same Anaconda as you have.
Why would I put guns on it? Because.
Why can't an explorer have defense and still be effective? This galaxy is inhabited by aliens, and they are not our friends.

Anyway, you explore the same way I do: a harmless ship with max jump range.

Does an alternative exploration way exist?

 

[Enrogue]

Sure does. My main exploships are my main Conda, 41.6 ly range/full tank, prismatics, military bulkheads and full weaponry, fighter & SRV bay, triple fuel tank. All optional internals in use, for example limpets. Then for faster treks I have my AspE with 60+ ly max range (on fumes).

Jumped from Diaguandri to Colonia in a bit under 9 hours on the Conda I think, without boosts. There I roamed randomly a few days, now at the moment some 10-15k lys away from Beagle Point on my AspE. In comparison, the best time I did on the Asp was 3k lys/20 jumps with the new enhanced neutron boosts. I had a jumpgasm