Much difference between A3 and A4 Shield Generator?

Pogo · Feb 28, 2015

I'm thinking of upping the spec on my Cobra from an A3 to an A4 Shield Generator. I can afford the price difference, just wondering if it will make much difference in combat? Faster regeneration of shields? Any downsides? I can manage the increased power demand.

Eagle Eye · Feb 28, 2015

On a Cobra, A4 Shield Generator (125) gives you 33% more shield capacity than A3 (94).

Pogo · Feb 28, 2015

Shield capacity = more shield strength, right?

A3 - 507, 912 CR
A4 - 1,610,080 CR

That's 3x price for 0.3x improvement. Hmmm...

Eagle Eye · Feb 28, 2015

Yes. Also means longer time for it to recharge as shields recharge at a fixed rate. Losing A7 shields are super painful because of this.

Aleksej · Feb 28, 2015

A5 costs 5.1M, A6 - 16.1M Cr, A7 - 51M Cr. The price depends on the size and the class of the equipment. It is up to you to decide whether you need the best equipment or not. 33% is in fact a lot.

Pogo · Feb 28, 2015

OK, so I need advice. Should I upgrade my Cobra from A3 to A4 Shield Generator? I can afford it.

Here's my loadout: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=402,7u57u54wt4wt3wU01Q,316Q6k6Q5K4s4s6k,0720727Pc7dg0nE4xo

Zulu Romeo · Feb 28, 2015

A top spec shield has saved my skin on a good number of occasions. Don't leave home without one.

DjordjeDtW · Feb 28, 2015

Eagle Eye said:
On a Cobra, A4 Shield Generator (125) gives you 33% more shield capacity than A3 (94).

This save my... sorry A.S.S.
Tnx for info.
Rep gain to you.

OneAmongOthers · Feb 28, 2015

It all boils down to whether or not you can afford it. Shields in this game are ridiculously weak so honestly it doesn't really matter. Think of it this way. An A4 will last maybe 2 oe 3 seconds longer than an A3. but takes a lot longer to recharge once its down. But don't worry if you take hull damage and its more than your profits just sell all your modules and self destruct since it cheaper than repairing then just refit your modules again.

bsnaylor · Feb 28, 2015

here is a rough quick look at the ratings....
http://i.imgur.com/omzijnI.png

GDMNW · Mar 8, 2015

picommander said:
No one mentions the difference in mass and power consumption? These are things that are not so easy to evaluate (how does mass affect agility?). And power consumption for instance is one of the reasons I don't fit shield cells on my Cobra. This power is then missing somewhere else like reducing my options on possible weapons. Or in other words: what does it help if you can last 1/3 longer in a fight if you need 1/3 longer to kill your opponent?

Good point. I'm trying to work out which way to go on this. I'm all ears for advice!

GJ51 · Mar 8, 2015

Pogo said:
OK, so I need advice. Should I upgrade my Cobra from A3 to A4 Shield Generator? I can afford it.

Here's my loadout: http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=402,7u57u54wt4wt3wU01Q,316Q6k6Q5K4s4s6k,0720727Pc7dg0nE4xo

A4 if you're going into combat

A3 if you want to maximize cargo space for trading.

There's no right/wrong one size fits all answer.

huwthomas · Mar 8, 2015

How do you tend to fight? One natural tactic with a Cobra is to create distance when you need to recharge shields. The winner of this kind of fight will be the one who can punch through the other's shields while keeping his own shields up.