FDL or Python for combat?

[Kingston@#]

i have both the FDL and python. for combat the FDL is more maneuverable, faster turn rate. but cant take much punishment.
the python is slower in maneuvers and turn rate. but can take a lot of punishment. python is still my go to combat ship.
pilots choice. others will prob prefer the FDL.

 

[Bigmaec]

People keep saying the FdL can't take much punishment. My 2682 mj of shields tend to disagree :S

 

[lenna]

People keep saying the FdL can't take much punishment. My 2682 mj of shields tend to disagree :S

Hull wise the Python is about 15% stronger (LW v LW), shield wise the FDL is about 18.75% stronger (6C BW+1 0A SB v. 5C BW+1 0A SB).

On balance the FDL may be slightly tougher with comparable builds but it may feel less resilient due to other factors.

 

[Philip Coutts]

FDL for pure combat for me. The Python is excellent as an all rounder, mission runner even trader but purely for combat it's the FDL for me.

 

[ArchEmperor]

Enough talk.

Post duel videos: Python vs Fer-De-Lance.

 

[znôrt]

People keep saying the FdL can't take much punishment. My 2682 mj of shields tend to disagree :S

op was about a non-engineered build. still the fdl has great shields but caps at 1200, and that's with a prismatic/full booster face-tank build ... which isn't at all what the fdl is about. if it's about numbers, a python can have more than 5 times that with scbs

plus the fact that engineers buff all shields to ridiculous levels doesn't say much about any ship in particular.

 

[znôrt]

Enough talk.

Post duel videos: Python vs Fer-De-Lance.

unengineered.
i'm in!

(but someone else records)

 

[the source 0179]

I've been getting into engineering with my python because since my initial engineering stint when it first released i haven't done much and now have quite a few mats and data.

What is the new g5 shields like for the python?
I only had a average g3 roll on the old system.

 

[Jmanis]

Python here. I don't do zippy agile combat, I do facetanking.

 

[Redomus]

As much as I hate the FDL, if you want to fly around in bubblewrap insulated by several metres of cotton wool then use that ship. Its really like a security blanket and pacifier.

For my own manly reasons I prefer the python. But real space heroes use hybrid & hull tanks.

But if you want an easy mode win go FDL. Python vs FDL, I call FDL because its very "balanced".

 

[Bortas]

Which one is better for combat FDL or Python

It's not as clear as some players here are claiming... Personally I've won most 1v1 vs FdLs in my Python. It's usually only problematic when they are using feedback rails, because the Python heavily relies on SCBs. If you mod your shields for high resistances and are able to get most of your SCBs through, the Python has higher total shield strength than an FdL.

It has a few other advantages apart from that:

1. More firepower. 3l, 2m with a C7 PD are simply superior to 1h, 4m with a C6.
2. It's much more flexible... you can add a cargo rack and a limpet controller to scoop up all the mats, without hurting your overall survivability too much, for example.
3. Getting around is much more comfortable in a Python. It has reasonable jumprange, a huge tank and can fit a fuel scoop without any problems. The FdL is by far the worst of all ships to move around in. Never used an FdL because I just can't stand this crappy combination of bad jumprange, tiny fuel tank and no room to fit a scoop without crippling its combat capabilities. Definetely something to take into consideration.
4. Last but not least: It has a higher mass lock factor, so if anything goes wrong you can low wake almost instantly.

 

[Bryan K]

Look at it this way: the FdL is like an F-22 Raptor in combat, whereas the Python is more like an MH-53 Pave Low. Different tools for different jobs.

I tried combat in my Python a couple of times, and didn’t enjoy it. Unless you load it down with SCBs, the shields are pretty horrible. Plus, it can’t dance like the FdL.

 

[XW_Ziggy]

After full engineering my FDL the thing that stands out is that it can boost to 565m/s.

Controlling the engagement distance is critical to PVP, and certainly not useless in PVE either. Whether you're boosting to close a gap, create a gap, or strafe out of the way, speed is probably the second most decisive factor in combat after firepower. I think it's even more important than how tough your ship is, as long as your ship isn't so weak it can't take a few shots from unavoidable hitscan weapons.

Now, 565m/s is impressive for even a small ship but on something that has as much firepower and shielding as an FdL it's almost unfair.