Long term ship choice: Utility vs View

Goobertech

G
First off, I'd like to thank this community. I've learned a TON over the last few weeks of finding this forum. I returned from a 15,000ly trip early this week and am prepping for my first long term trip. Thank you all!

I'll keep this short: I LOVE my Asp and my Python. Asp's cockpit and 47.5 jump range is amazing. Python has all the utility, flexibility I could want/need (overkill is underrated) with a 36ly jump range but the cockpit view is terrible.

The longest trip I've taken in the Python was Barnard's Loop and back. So...2100ly +/- round trip. Not long. I greatly missed the Asp Explorer's view and even though I have yet to ever need the AFMU and have only needed a heat sync when I jumped into a crazy system and didn't instantly hit the breaks, I still like having the insurance of dual AFMU's, stronger shields for the high gravity planets and the option of 4 SRV's w/o sacrificing my 6A fuel scoop. yeah...I get stir crazy and cut loose. Don't judge me...;)

So here's what I'm curious to hear from you experienced long term explorers: In a 50,000-100,000 ly expedition, will I regret not taking the Asp for it's amazing cockpit and increased jump range? Any of you currently flying around in a non-bubble cockpit and find yourself missing it or not caring anymore?

I appreciate your feedback. I know it's all personal but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
 

goemon

goemon
you'll spend a lot of time in your ship when exploring.

so my only advice is: fly, what you love to fly.

my preferred explorers currently are: courier, DBE, conda. i never miss my AspE, because i think an AspE is boring - but probably we just spend to much time (two trips to the core).

so - in any choice don't stick to "utility". fly what you enjoy. take its shortcomings as a challenge.
 

Mechanist

Mechanist
I use AspE, DBS and Anaconda for exploring, all with similar jump ranges (50+).
But my main ship for long voyages will always be the Anaconda.
I like the handling, it feels like steering a real sail boat (the shape reminds me of a real boat too) whereas the AspE and DBS handle more like fighter or scouts.
People prefer the later ones for the faster turning speed, but for me exploring is timeless...no need to rush.

For me the AspE is boring too...if I didn't have the Anaconda and would have to chose between Asp and DBS I'll certainly go for the DBS.
 

Qohen Leth

Qohen Leth
As said above, fly what you like and be aware of the flaws.

I've flown my ASPX for over 800,000ly, I dislike its ugly cockpit and its awkward look in screenshots, but it fits the role perfectly and I never got tired of it.
 

Jackie Silver

Jackie Silver
Horses for courses.

But my own standards have changed over time. When I was exploring in the Sonnenkreis - an unengineered Imperial Clipper with a jump range somewhere around 22 to 25 light years - I didn't find it a chore to travel extreme distances, but over the last week or so I've flown my Courier out to Hawkins Gap (only about 11 Kylies out) and even with a jump range of 35 light years it's dragging. A jump range that would have been excellent pre-Engineers. I want to get back to my engineered Asp.

Flying the Courier as a search ship is interesting - it's stupidly fast, but because of the limited downwards view you're obliged to fly upside down, search using external camera or bank constantly from side to side. The last option is the only one that lets you look at the scanner for POI bubbles, and it's utterly tedious and means you can't easily fly a straight course - so all in all, a fast Asp might have been a better search ship. But then an Asp wouldn't be able to defend itself and you know me, I'm not about to fly into a place filled with strange CMDRs unprotected.
 

Cmdr-Wotherspoon

Cmdr-Wotherspoon
One day I'll buy an Anaconda and it will be great for everything except outposts, with a little outfitting. The better jump range is a draw. I use Python (for local stuff) and AspX mainly for exploring, but I also use Hauler, DBX and AspS for exploring sometimes. I've never tried a DBS.

I only have two ships that can jump more than 50 LY, and really that's what keeps me using them. I don't care if one looks like a badly-tossed pancake.
 

CMDR Pugwash

CMDR Pugwash
I chose the Asp X over my Python for deep space exploration primarily because of the view. I am very happy with it. The only thing I would like is a Ship Launched Fighter but the view is more important as that is what you spend most of your time looking at.
 
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Zeeman

Zeeman
Back in the good old days, 40LY was limited to Anacondas, and a 36LY Asp was quite an effort, and right ont he edge of what she could do.

I did over 200k LY in my 31.8LY Asp, seriously, just enjoy the trip with whichever ship you'll enjoy flying the most, and which will look best in the happy snaps to you.

I now have a 53LY Asp, and a 60LY Anaconda. I still prefer the Asp, unless I am going to the very furthest reaches of the galaxy - or, if I am in an epic hurry.

Z..
 

Whitmann

Whitmann
The only time I've amassed enough money to buy a quite-expensive combat ship I had the choice between an FdL and a Python, to fly from the Bubble to Colonia. I knew the Python, for how I bounty hunt, would be more sensible, in terms of being able to take a beating and also dish out the hurtz, and also for the options in terms of modules. But I bought an FdL. Why? Mainly the cockpit view. I knew I'd be in the ship for a while and needed to see as much as possible on my journey. And apart from turning like a cow in supercruise, it's a pretty decent exploration ship, if you can get over having to choose 2 out of 3 between DSS, vehicle hangar or extra fuel tank.
 

Zeeman

Zeeman
Zil Zalo said:
The only time I've amassed enough money to buy a quite-expensive combat ship I had the choice between an FdL and a Python, to fly from the Bubble to Colonia. I knew the Python, for how I bounty hunt, would be more sensible, in terms of being able to take a beating and also dish out the hurtz, and also for the options in terms of modules. But I bought an FdL. Why? Mainly the cockpit view. I knew I'd be in the ship for a while and needed to see as much as possible on my journey. And apart from turning like a cow in supercruise, it's a pretty decent exploration ship, if you can get over having to choose 2 out of 3 between DSS, vehicle hangar or extra fuel tank.
Click to expand...

...And a jump range that is just beyond spitting distance...

z...
 

CMDR Pugwash

CMDR Pugwash
Yes, as others say, don't get hung up on the jump range. It is important for it to be reasonable so you don't get stuck but most of my jumps are below 10 LY. Running cool is more important.
 
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newman1702

newman1702
Once you're months out and nowhere close to the bubble, I'd say not having range can become grating. If you want to make shorter jumps, there's always economy mode. But if you want longer but your ship can't, you'll get frustrated quickly. Better to have and not need, I always say :)
 
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