FDL or Python for combat?

[Maka Gucci]

I kind of feel like the Python takes more skill to make work in combat generally, unless you are taking the full tank approach. The thing pitches like a mule, and it can feel like you're flying one of the much larger ships when tryna keep fixed weapons on a small target.

It has few utils for such a slow, large target, which in PvP can leave you chewing SCBs and often running 2 boosters, 2 heat sinks. Even dropping one heat sink you've got not much to play with in terms of PD's and lack the agility to make up for it.

Python is like old American Muscle that takes some effort to get working, but can pack a massive punch. FDL's more modern Japanese, push to start.

 

[wrmiller]

Interestingly, I can make more credits per hour in a haz res or CNB in my Python compared to my FDL. And my Python is configured as a armed trader with fuel scoop, cargo bins, etc.. The FDL is more or less a one trick pony.

But for those folks who can't fly a Python very well, a FDL makes more sense.

 

[WR3ND]

Interestingly, I can make more credits per hour in a haz res or CNB in my Python compared to my FDL. And my Python is configured as a armed trader with fuel scoop, cargo bins, etc.. The FDL is more or less a one trick pony.

But for those folks who can't fly a Python very well, a FDL makes more sense.

I don't think that's giving credit where credit is due. I'm not much of one at all for the PVP meta, but it is what it is. For PVE, I get along more or less imperviously in a Vulture against anything and everything, as long as I pay close enough attention to what's going on.*

As a player of the game in general, I prefer the Python for its capabilities and versatility, no questions asked, but I have to give it to this one trick pony for what it's worthy. Know what I mean?

*OK, to be fair, that's excluding taking on Thargoids.

 

[WR3ND]

I suppose I rephrased the question as would I rather fly a D-rated Python or D-rated FDL but yes, it depends on a lot of things At every level of upgrade until it's fully engineered, personally I'd take the Python for every task. But a fully engineered FDL is a special thing to fly that the fully engineered Python just isn't imo.

When I first reached this level of ship choice I bought the FDL and soon regretted it (this was well before engineers, probably in 1.2 or 1.3), I took the hit & traded it in for my first Python hull and never looked back. I have a PvP FDL stored somewhere, gathering dust. I own several Pythons I think, and a Python got me to Combat Elite in CZs (in 2015), but the game has changed so much since then my own experience is of limited use now.

Fair enough then, I suppose. I don't get any ship until I can at least A rate it. I've only used the Engineers so far for FSD range mods. Hoping this changes a little before too long, but I'm pretty damn lazy when it comes to them. There are other things I'd rather be doing in the game in general.

 

[Marra Morgan]

FdL for all-out combat.

Python for piracy.

 

[CMDR Redcrest]

I wish there was an alternative (I.e. a ship with very similar stats maybe two large 4 medium and the same number of utility mounts) to the FDL. I just can't get away with that ship.
The FDL is just too common a sight.

 

[Aashenfox]

I kind of feel like the Python takes more skill to make work in combat generally, unless you are taking the full tank approach. The thing pitches like a mule, and it can feel like you're flying one of the much larger ships when tryna keep fixed weapons on a small target.

It has few utils for such a slow, large target, which in PvP can leave you chewing SCBs and often running 2 boosters, 2 heat sinks. Even dropping one heat sink you've got not much to play with in terms of PD's and lack the agility to make up for it.

Python is like old American Muscle that takes some effort to get working, but can pack a massive punch. FDL's more modern Japanese, push to start.

An excellent assessment, although I really feel that the Python better suits a hybrid build (for pure combat, obviously not for multirole purposes) than shield and boosters. Mine doesn't even have reactive, just heavy duty military, and she can take A LOT of punishment. 320mj biweave shields that are back up in 30 seconds, I'm very hard to pressure in that ship, getting a big heal 30 secs after my shields go down. No need to worry until about 40% hull, so very relaxed to fight with.

@OP, the FDL is the vastly superior combat ship, no question. But the Python has that muscle car appeal and if you can make it work, she'll deliver a serious knockout punch. I've pimped this video of mine rather a lot in this forum (its not actually monetized, don't worry, lol), but I guess one more time can't hurt...

[video=youtube;Yf_zmehepJ4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf_zmehepJ4[/video]

 

[GunnerBill]

Maybe you've been doing it wrong with the FDL 2 fixed class 2 beams and gimballed multis in the other hardpoints wrecks anything for me

It was about the flight model not the firepower.

 

[JetsonRING]

Which one is better for combat FDL or Python

For my two cents, if you read the descriptions of both ships on the Wiki you will see that the Fer De Lance is a combat ship and the Python is a multi-purpose ship. The FerDL is optimized for combat while the Python is a sort of compromise between size, weight, cargo capacity, speed and firepower. The compromises affect the Python's ability to excel in combat. It is a powerful ship but, it is massive (heavy), slow in X/Y/Z performance and generally relies on its firepower rather than its CMDR's combat skills to overcome an opponent.

The FerDL on the other hand is smaller, lighter, quicker in X/Y/Z, has better turn rate performance and in air (and space) combat maneuvering: "Rate Kills". Being able to quickly bring your weapons to bear and fire on your target is often more important than having the biggest guns. Flying the FerDL in combat requires its pilot to have maneuvering and fighting skills to remain out of his or her opponent's firing arcs but the FerDL has enough speed, enough maneuverability, enough shields and enough firepower to take down even the largest and most powerful ships when flown by an experience CMDR. o7

 

[lenna]

Which one is better for combat FDL or Python

Depends on the combat environment and the pilot - FDL is probably the better one on balance.

If you are going up against Thargoids, the Python may be a better choice due to the availability of Large AX weapons. However, fit 4 Guardian Medium Plasma and a reasonable normal Huge to the FDL and you should be able to deal with any threat.

The FDL gains from 6 Utility Slots (v 4 on the Python), relative shield strength, slightly better manoeuvrability and slightly faster, but loses on jump range, PNR, and internals.

IMO the Python is a more defensible craft due to hard point positioning and general geometry, while the FDL is far more aggressive and can feel too twitchy.

 

[the source 0179]

The only thing i envy of the fdl is its shields and amount of utilities.

I bought one a long time ago and it just didn't feel right to me. My python i love. It may be sluggish but she's a great old girl.
I have to say though I've had grade 3 thrusters on her since engineers started and up till today I had always thought it made it better. Today i grandfarthered them to the new grade 3 dd with one of the special effects cant remember which, ran out of mats to finish grade 3 but god dam compared to how she was she feels like a flighter jet now. I must of had bad rolls on the old system. Cause now she boosts to close to 450 and handles great. Cant wait to see what grade 5 does to her.
Python will always be my favorite ship. And cant even imagine what she would be like if they didn't nerf the hell of the python with the engineering now.

 

[XW_Ziggy]

I went back to my Python after updating my Corvette, DBX, FdL and Chieftain to G5 3.0 engineering and my nostalgia must be playing tricks on me because I couldn't believe how awful it is to fly. It's a sluggish, drifty heap of crap that absolutely NEEDS to be kept in the blue zone. Even in the blue zone it's nothing special and the FdL easily out-turns it.

More importantly for combat though, the FDL can fit a C4 multicannon. Those things are the single best weapon in the game, IMO. The FdL is also faster, has better shields, and more utility slots for heatsinks/boosters. To rub salt into the wound the FdL is also cheaper to buy, and cheaper to fit-out with A-rated modules.

The Python is a great ship but that's because it's capable of so many roles, not because it's particularly good at any of them. The Python's stand-out feature is that it is the highest cargo-capacity ship that can dock with an outpost.

 

[CMDR Cosmic Spacehead]

If you've not even tried the FDL I reckon you'd be more interested in the Alliance Chieftain. Much better than a FDL IMO and I've flown both. Engineered of course



I've always wondered what to call that!

Pitch Stall* on the Python goes away quite nicely if you G5 Dirty the Drives and G5 Charge Enhance the Power Distributor after this you can just keep on boosting.

At this point it's actually quite a nimble ship and a great fixed weapons Python.

However if I was answering OP strictly between FDL and Py I'd go for Py every time. I think I've bought and sold about 4 FDL's and only keep one now as a handy place to store 4 medium Multi's and a Huge laser. The Python is still the first I owned.

Just get the Chieftain

* You can actually use that effect, if you are boost turning with FAOFF then release the FA when you are on target it stops dead, which is good provided you are on target. If not just boost again.

Wooh, I coined a phrase. Lol

 

[jasonbarron]

OP, if you have neither, I recommend the Alliance Chieftain.

To answer your question: the FdL is an amazing ship, and wins almost all combat comparisons to the Python, but it is technically possible to engineer a Python that is very VERY effective. For strict PvE, I'm not sure why you wouldn't go with the Python, tbh. Still, I really think the Chief should be a serious consideration for strict combat roles.

 

[lenna]

OP, if you have neither, I recommend the Alliance Chieftain.

To answer your question: the FdL is an amazing ship, and wins almost all combat comparisons to the Python, but it is technically possible to engineer a Python that is very VERY effective. For strict PvE, I'm not sure why you wouldn't go with the Python, tbh. Still, I really think the Chief should be a serious consideration for strict combat roles.

I agree - but it depends on whether they have Horizons or not, if they do not then the Chieftain is out of the running AFAIK.

 

[StiTch]

OP, if you have neither, I recommend the Alliance Chieftain.

To answer your question: the FdL is an amazing ship, and wins almost all combat comparisons to the Python, but it is technically possible to engineer a Python that is very VERY effective. For strict PvE, I'm not sure why you wouldn't go with the Python, tbh. Still, I really think the Chief should be a serious consideration for strict combat roles.

Aye, PvE is where the Python shines. Gets to use all its advantages (C7 distributor, disgusting hardpoint array, strong shields/SCB potential, high hull HP), the new drive mods give it enough agility to maintain decent time on target, but it doesn't suffer at the hands of the common tactics that will see it get rekt in PvP (slow against another well modded ship, practically impossible to miss with feedback rails, hull HP is less meaningful when its modules are an all-u-can-eat buffet). And because the shields are good and it has good internal slots it can carry a couple of non-combat modules such as cargo/collectors for slight multirole ability.

 

[Good Death]

It also has a bad "pitch stall" after a boost.

And that has to be in the top ten most moronic features in the entire game Imho.

 

[StiTch]

And that has to be in the top ten most moronic features in the entire game Imho.

And this has to be in the top ten failures to understand mechanics.

The "stall" is effectively your ship fighting its inertia, i.e. you have just thrown a huge amount of force in a direction, turned your ship immediately around, and now have to push against your heavy ship traveling backwards at boost speed.

There is no programmed stalling.

It's like you want to drive a huge military jeep in reverse at 150mph, put it into forward gear, and immediately start traveling forwards.

Don't wanna stall? Don't pick a heavy ship, throw it in a direction under boost, and then expect it to move in the opposite direction instantly. Utilise FA Off to master drifting, and stop relying on boost turns to keep opponents in sight.

 

[Snarfbuckle]

Be a man - Sidewinder for life.

 

[XW_Ziggy]

I like my Chieftain but it's still not as quick as an FdL and it's not so well-suited to shield tanking as the FdL.

If that doesn't bother you, I'll point you to my shields vs hull comparison rant over on the thread about Yamiks' shield video.