Exploration ships - Python vs clipper

[Aggie Ninepence]

Before you ask 'but why would you even???' hear me out .

I want to take something more interesting with a few more internals now I'm ratting out with me on my next big expedition (Borderlands Venture). I can't quite fit everything I want in an asp, and the supercruise handling of the anaconda makes my heart hurt when doing detailed scans of all bodies in a system, so I'm looking at these two.

So far in favor of the Clipper I have that beautiful wide cockpit view, not quite as expansive as the Asp but closer than anything else, and in favor of the Python I have one more internal space, the larger fuel tank and the ability to squeeze a bit more base range out of it before unleashing the engineers on the FSD.

Do any of you use either of these, have you taken them for long trips and (if so), what were the joys/pitfalls?

(I'd prefer to hear from people who have explored in either, not just theorycrafted)

 

[Caldeon]

Why would one do that? Because we can

I brought a Python and a Clipper to Beagle Point. The Python was a chore due to low range (23,7 LY with weapons etc) before Engineers. But now you can get 35+ LY out of both ships. I would say it depends only on your taste, which ship is better. I fell in love for the Clipper.

This loadout: https://coriolis.io/outfit/imperial...3043i4a03v40j0j2i2f.Iw19gDNJA===.IwBj4lmr1Mg=

gives you reasonable defense for returning to the bubble (T3 clean drive modded 5a thrusters still give 450 m/s, what lets you escape most ships, but also "good" shields + booster and point defense just in case) and a reasonable exploration ship.

Pros:
- T5 FSD upgrade can give range of an unmodded Asp (my Clipper has 35LY stripped down or 31,8 with the mentioned build)
- turns fast in supercruise
- more than enough internals for exploring (you dont really need cargo space out there)
- one of the fastest ships, so save for returns
- Class 7 Fuelscoop takes only a few seconds to fill your fueltanks up
- looks good and sounds amazing (same for the python)

Downsides:
- Real exploration ships can get more range
- max 3 fullrange jumps, so you have to check your route when arriving at unscoopables (you can click "M" to see the next startype on your route before jumping)

Python should be able to get higher range. i think 40LY stripped down should be possible (i wouldnt advise to fly anything stripped down anymore). Turns slower in supercruise and is slower in realspace. The C5 Fueltank allows 7 maxjumps without refueling, but i would downgrade it to C4, because you dont need so many jumps without refuel in most areas. The A6 scoop fills your fueltanks really fast.

I totally recommend to get your FSD engineered, then both ships are really fun to go out there. Choose that ship, that you enjoy more. Thats the most important

Some pics showing how they look out there

Spoiler

 

[Kenneth McGrew]

I don't know why you need more than 5 internals for exploration but if you must just pick , pick the one with the best view because you'll spend longer staring at it

s for python vs clipper, if you hate scooping for fuel the python is better, if you want speed and better sc turning take the clipper

ps I never got further than 10kly in either the clipper or python, their pitfalls of poor fuel range made it difficult for me, plotting routes had to be carefully thought out unless you're going core wards?

 

[newman1702]

Larger fuel tank is not that useful tbh. Source: 26T fuel (reduced from default 32) Anaconda to Beagle Point, beyond, and back without a single problem Large scoop and don't go through the thin central layer of brown dwarves and you're good

I'll admit to having a Clipper bias, though both ships would work - they both have more than enough internals for exploration, and then some. Clipper's just fun to fly...

 

[Aggie Ninepence]

Thank you, all, this is exactly what I was looking for .

The extra internals are because I never travel without basic ratting equipment, so I need a fuel transfer limpet controller on top of the regular supplies. For that reason, I'm currently leaning towards Python (that and I love that walnut dash )

https://coriolis.io/outfit/python/0...42i2f.AwRj4z2UbI==.Aw18eQ==?bn=Aggie's python is what I have so far, I'm thinking hit that up with level 3 drive tuning, a level five FSD mod and maybe an engine focused distributor for extra boosts?

 

[Caldeon]

Thank you, all, this is exactly what I was looking for .

The extra internals are because I never travel without basic ratting equipment, so I need a fuel transfer limpet controller on top of the regular supplies. For that reason, I'm currently leaning towards Python (that and I love that walnut dash )

https://coriolis.io/outfit/python/0...42i2f.AwRj4z2UbI==.Aw18eQ==?bn=Aggie's python is what I have so far, I'm thinking hit that up with level 3 drive tuning, a level five FSD mod and maybe an engine focused distributor for extra boosts?

Your build looks good. 2 Suggestions though. I would replace one Heatsink with a point defense and take the 5C fueltank when you are a fuelrat (i never was a fuelrat but i think fuellimpets take fuel from your fueltank?)

 

[popuptoaster]

The Clipper is marginally harder to land on high gravity or very rough planets, can't really think of any other disadvantages though, unless you happened to discover some long lost alien outpost that didn't have large pads on it I suppose.

 

[goemon]

both beautifull ships for exploring, python bit more cosy cockpit, clipper much more luxury.

i would probably ask myself: do i want to cruise above surfaces much? then i'd take a clipper (great straight line speed). do i want to land more often? do i want a bit more jumprange? than I't take a python. but i'm very happy flying my DBE, so no need for me to answer those questions

fly, what you love to fly more!

 

[Jackie Silver]

I've flown both on long trips; it's hard to choose between them. Both are stylish and versatile. The differences between the ships are mostly more important in the Bubble than outside it. The Clipper is faster, the Python is tougher and neater, the relative advantages aren't terribly important for exploration.

 

[timpelo]

I got Clipper couple weeks before CNE launched. I did couple short range exploration to try it out. I fell in love and decided to fly CNE with it. I've had completely zero problems. Handles well in SC, does not overheat and have enought internals for me. That class 7 fuel scoop also saves time. You can usually scoop full tank before your FSD recharge is ready.

Currently I have 29.77ly range. I have grade 3 FSD upgrade and some weapons. For my next trip (GNE) I will fully upgrade my FSD and do some modifications to modules. I am expecting to get a little less that 35ly. And well people did exploring great before Engineers and now Clipper can have range of good unmodded explorer. This combined with looks is what makes it THE SHIP for me

 

[Henkka77]

Yet again im here to reassure that Python is the way. I was with Python on DWE and would do it all over again.
My jump range was 26Ly and did just fine the bad spots with some jumponium.

Shes a great and underestimated explorer, if you dont mind the jump range. Internals gets you everything you need.

Oh, and she looks gorgeous also.

 

[Quantis Trap]

The Python has been my preferred exploration ship for a long time.