In a bit of a quandry - Asp and Cobra

[KiloVictor]

Hey all,

BLUF: I'm trying to decide whether I keep the cobra or not. I've just about got the Asp fully upfitted, and I'm basically using it for everything at this point (Trading, rare runs, most missions), while only breaking out the cobra at the home station for kill missions and scouting trade runs. I plan on moving up to the Clipper when I get the funds.

Longer:

Current ship progress was sidey - freagle - cobra - type 6 - Asp. I kept the cobra and type 6 until I replaced the Type with the Asp. I generally trade for a bit at the start of my gaming session, then go out and kill things, missions, etc. I will never mine. I did do a 2000ly exploration run with the cobra set up for the task, and will likely do long exploration missions like that in the future.

I suck at combat. I'm old and crap. So, when I go do that kind of thing, I try to go in as upgraded and overpowered as I can be. It's still fun to watch an eagle go pop from one burst of the Asp's lasers.

The cobra is maxed out with A's all around. I'm close to that with the Asp, with only the shield generator and the FSD at B level. I'm currently doing a 3600ly rare run that I hope with get me to that end.

I cannot swap out for "A" loadouts at my current system, so switching from combat to trade/exploration loadouts requires some effort to find the parts.

I'm not particularly partial to either the Asp or the cobra. I like both of them. (although, if I get rid of the Asp, I'll miss that motor running. Boy, they nailed that sound!)

So, with the assumption that I will keep two ships at all times, and the assumption that the next ship will be the clipper, should I plan on keeping the Asp, or the cobra.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Kilo

 

[Zog Oakley]

Keep the Cobra, cheaper to run so more fun cos you can take more risks

 

[BlackReign]

Having an Asp and a Clipper is redundant. And I doubt after having a Clipper you will ever find a reason to get back in the Asp. The Cobra can easily fulfill the roll as your fighter, at least until you get enough cheddar to fully pimp out the Clipper.

 

[DuQuesne]

I'm currently in an Asp, mostly trading to get enough credits to:

1) Pimp the Asp enough to go on a long exploration expedition or two. (5 mil for the A5 fsd basically)

2) Buy a clipper (keeping the Asp)

Without the experience of having bought and flown it yet, I see only two issues with the clipper:

1) Can't land on outposts

2) Poor jump range

As such I'll be keeping the Asp. It's perfectly possible to have the Asp equipped for anything and still have a semi-decent cargo hold for missions/light trading without having to do any refitting.

The only thing I'm not 100% happy with in the Asp is combat. It's perfectly good at it, but it feels more like a gun boat than a dog fighter, so for me isn't quite as much fun as my old viper. Chances are I'll pick up a viper again at some point for occasional fun.

Plus point, Asp is the stand out no. 1 choice for long range exploration. If you're ever planning on heading a few thousand LYs from civilisation, it's a no-brainer.

Ultimately, it's completely down to personal preference, but hopefully I've given you a few things to consider

 

[DaveB]

I'm in the same position, with an Asp I pretty much use for everything and a Cobra in the garage. I'm keeping my cobra with the classic wireframe paintjob and mostly-A upgrades - not only is it fun to fly from time to time as an '84 player I don't see myself ever selling it if only for the nostalgia value. But then I'm the kind of guy who would have hung onto his british racing green MG (that attracted his first GF) if he could.... Man, I still regret having to sell that car... I'd have kept it for the memories if nothing else.