Optimal Mass and shields

[mossfoot]

I have a Clipper with A6 shields and noticed the Optimal range.

http://coriolis.io/outfit/imperial_...0302586e2f.Iw18aQ==.IwBhrSqjxI==?bn=Mossfoots Clipper

540t...but my ship is 631t unladen...

I understand how this works for thrusters but not so much for shields. What is the practical ingame effect of being over/under the optimal setting? Take more damage? Faster recharge? Faster regeneration if the shields drop???

How much of a difference does it make?

 

[Raduk]

Related to how much damage you can take. Shields are rated in megajules, the optimal ratings are a factor in megajules output. Smaller shields recharge faster than bigger shields. Bigger shields absorb more damage.

 

[mossfoot]

Does your full weight matter or only the base weight of the ship?

 

[Raduk]

This is what I understand the formula to be:

Shield Strength (in MJ) = [Ship Shield Rating] * [0.53821 * erf([1.0228] * [Shield Optimal Hull Mass] / [Ship Hull Mass] - 0.66391) - 0.0588 * [Number of Rating Levels Below A] + 0.56377]

 

[Raduk]

Take a look at EDShipyard, best way to answer your shield questions. From what I understand it's about your Current hull mass.

 

[Polared]

Does your full weight matter or only the base weight of the ship?

AFAIK base mass of hull only, before outfitting and cargo etc

 

[mossfoot]

AFAIK base mass of hull only, before outfitting and cargo etc

That's a relief. I just checked the wiki and it seems to back that up, so the 6A shields are well suited for the Clipper, and there isn't a compromise going on there that would make the 7A worth taking instead (other than slightly stronger shields... and I do mean slightly, a single shield booster on a 6A makes it stronger than a 7A.