Python vs Fer de Lance

JD19

J
Been playing for a few months and got enough credits to make an investment in a bigger ship for combat, looking primarily at the Python or Fer de Lance.

As far as I can see the Python seems to do everything better than the FDL?
slightly more shields and armour,
class 7 vs class 6 power distributor,
far more module space therefore potential cargo bay etc.

Has anyone flown both ships? Is it just the Fer De Lance's manoeuvrability that is the main advantage in combat? Surely the Pythons 3 large hard points and 2 medium have more fire power compared to the FDLs 4 medium and 1 huge, especially with the superior distributor? Or does the huge hardpoint make a big difference?

Wondering what peoples thoughts on this are.
 

Dommarraa

Dommarraa
Everyone loves the fdl for combat, but I find it sucks. Maybe it would be better for PvP, but for pve, my Python is far more effective at killing things fast.
 

Siobhan

Siobhan
JD19 said:
Been playing for a few months and got enough credits to make an investment in a bigger ship for combat, looking primarily at the Python or Fer de Lance.

As far as I can see the Python seems to do everything better than the FDL?
slightly more shields and armour,
class 7 vs class 6 power distributor,
far more module space therefore potential cargo bay etc.

Has anyone flown both ships? Is it just the Fer De Lance's manoeuvrability that is the main advantage in combat? Surely the Pythons 3 large hard points and 2 medium have more fire power compared to the FDLs 4 medium and 1 huge, especially with the superior distributor? Or does the huge hardpoint make a big difference?

Wondering what peoples thoughts on this are.
Click to expand...

FDL is a meta combat ship, but takes a good pilot to get the most out of it. Also 6 utility slots.
The Python is more or less meta everything (else).
In combat it's a tank with the grace of an Olympic ice skater. It has firepower to kill anything and is by far the biggest medium trader.
It's down side is it costs almost as much as a Conda when it's fully equipped.

Oh, and the FdL is prettier.
 

Philip Coutts

Volunteer Moderator
Philip Coutts
FDL for me, awesome combat ship. That said if you want to do a bit of mission running on the side go for the Python, best utility ship in the game in my humble opinion
 

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead
I fly both.

The Python is a bit slower, and suffers quite badly with pitch rates when out of the blue zone, but has great firepower, and good internals, and jump range, and doesn't overheat too much, because it can fit an oversized power plant, and mod it for Efficiency.
Mine tops 450m/s with no armour, but excellent shields.

The FDL handles far better, but IMHO, suffers with heat issues, and I can't get it to kill stuff as quick as my Python.
But I've only recently started using it again, and it's not modded very well, nor has a god weapon setup yet.
My FDL can top 530m/s, with armour, and even better shields. But a terrible jump range.

All in all, the Python is best if you want to do more than just combat.
If you literally just want to shoot stuff, the FDL is best, it's also cheaper.

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead
 

rjwhite41

R
FDL for PvP, Python for PvE. That I said I have used both for both purposes. The Python is of course great for things besides fighting whereas the FDL is strictly combat.
 

777Driver

777Driver
For pure combat I would take the FDL, it is much harder to master but more rewarding IMO. I have 2 Pythons, a freighter and a pure combat build, I find the ship a joy to fly and fight with. For NPC's it really doesn't matter which one you choose, pick the one you enjoy flying the most.

Have you tried the Viper MKIII? That ship is a beast in the right hands.
 

Zeede

Z
My understanding is that with full engineering the Fer-de-Lance is a superior combat ship in that it has better maneuverability and has a huge hardpoint. I believe that it can also achieve a superior shield compared to the Python, and a tough shield is definitely the way to go in PvE these days.

If you're only going to Res sites then it probably doesn't matter which you pick. Conflict zones, though, can be a whole different ball of wax.
 

IndigoWyrd

IndigoWyrd
I have and still do fly both of these fine ships.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

The FdL is fast, highly maneuverable, and features a Huge hard point.
It has limited internals, and a thimble for a fuel tank.
But if you like fast and nimble, it's a tough ship to beat and that huge hardpoint packs one heck of a punch.

The Python is slower, not nearly as maneuverable, and has 3 large and 2 medium hardpoints.
It has quite a few more internals, allowing for more armor, more Shield Cells, pretty much more of everything.
If you prefer a more brutish brawler, the Python is a great choice.

The FdL is a rapier, the Python a battle-axe. You must choose which best suits your play style.

In terms of raw fire-power these two ships are very closely matched - both outfitted with Multicannons, the advantage goes to the Python, but only by 8.2 DPS
HOWEVER, it is important to note the effectiveness of these nearly identical outfittings does make a difference - that huge MC will not suffer the same reductions that large or medium MC's would face against larger ships, and the bonus will be greater against smaller craft.

When it comes to the Distributor, keep in mind that kinetic weapons, like MC's have far less draw than energy weapons, like any laser. In mixed builds, Distributor size can make some difference, but usually is not the deciding factor.
 

sb413197

S
If it is pure combat the FDL is arguably the best ship in the game. But unless you want to do serious PVP and have no interest in trading or doing missions etc, go with the python. The python is truly magnificent and can do anything in the game - I have a large fleet of something like 20 ships with two engineered anaconda, two cutters etc but I've used my python exclusively the last few days - to tell you how good it is. Engineered it is more than a match for PVE as well and can shred stuff in a CZ - of course the FDL can too but that's all it can do.
 

Aashenfox

Aashenfox
I recently had the same dilemma, I chose the Python and I couldn't be happier. Because in full combat spec with military armor, hull and module reinforcements, I still have huge shields, 128 tons of cargo space, a disco scanner, a fuel scoop, collectors for post battle material collection, AND a 24ly jump range. I can accept any mission at any board in this ship and take on a threat 4 USS, no problem. I'm A rated and mostly G5 engineered of course.
 
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CMDR ANCALAGON

C
I've posted this in several threads lately, but my experience with the Python was that it was great for mining, hauling, and really anything other than deep space exploration or combat (I already had an FDL and was mainly looking for a mining ship that could handle itself when attacked). It seemed to have the hull of a paper bag and I couldn't do much more than run away from pirates at first. I had already sunk a lot into the ship (and earned a lot mining with it) and by the time I had enough money to throw at fitting it properly for combat, which was getting to be very expensive) I realized that for that money, I could outfit an Anaconda that would perform better in combat and most everything else (aside from landing at an outpost). So I sold the python and bought the anaconda and haven't looked back. I recently returned from SagA/Colonia and started flying my FDL again, but for the CG nothing I have can match the CR/hour or time I can hang out in a HazRES or CZ in the anaconda.

Having said that, the obvious answer here is that they are both great ships that are likely loved and uh..."loved less" by an equal number of people, so it really depends on which one you like best. Buy the FDL and A Class the shields, thrusters, and get some shield boosters and a large MC and go boost, strafe, fire around some larger ships in a RES until you get a decent feel for it (it does tend to run hot, but I get mine up to around 105% nearly every pass at someone and haven't blown up yet), and then strip the modules, sell it and buy a python. Fit it for mining and combat and fly it around for a bit.

Who knows, you might end up with both, and if you spend a couple of weeks bounty hunting in the FDL and a couple of weeks mining/hauling in the Python, you will probably be able to afford them!


NPCs just melt away against the anaconda, but personally I find that the FDL is the most thrilling to fly (maybe a close second to the SLF, both of which are just ahead of the Vulture). It is very fast, lethal, and it just kinda demands to be flying at max speed with guns blasting at all times and I seem to be nearly positive that I'm about to crash, overheat, or otherwise go out in a fiery (or nuclear) explosion at any given moment.
 

thirstyfish

thirstyfish
I own both ships.

FDL: the better combat ship out of the box. Almost no engineering required for it to be good. Just get the FSD range boost on it, and lighten up some other things, and you are good to go. 6 utility slots are really nice, and 3 shield boosters more than makes up for the python's apparent edge in shielding. Also, the FDL seems to have a tougher hull, even with just lightweight alloys on both ships. Might just be my perception though. And engineering just makes this thing even better.

Python: Has greater overall potential. It is arguably the best do-everything ship. It can pack a pretty massive combat punch too. With engineering, this thing can be a beast. The python benefits most from making it lighter and faster. G5 DD, and lightweight mods on anything you can. FSD range boost here too. Additionally, the python allows you to do things other than combat with ease. But only 4 utility slots makes for some really hard choices.

Both ships are great choices in their own ways. Choosing the FDL means doubling down on combat, and you won't have to do a ton of engineering immediately. The Python offers greater flexibility, picking this ship allows you to do things other than combat now and again.

Personally, I got the python first and then used it to earn my FDL. The python is just really good a a bunch of things, and you are probably going to thank yourself for leaving options open to you.
 

Dale Emasiri

D
Siobhan said:
-snip-
Oh, and the FdL is prettier.
Click to expand...

Prepare for some flack, because I can sense it's coming! ;)

I actually think the Python is a nicer looking ship, but then I also think the T7 looks great so... maybe don't take my word for it.

@OP: tough one to answer. Because "arguably" the FDL is a better pure-combat ship. The problem is that it's arguable. Also I very much like to multi-role and switch activities that I engage in every so often, so tend to either fly multiple ships that have been outfitted for specific purposes, or take an all-rounder ship that can do a bit of everything. In this regard, the Python is my personal preference.

That said, it is personal preference. Opinions vary, and some people do everything in Orcas... so, there's that. ;)
 

CMDR Harada

CMDR Harada
Python rules everything but PvP. In fact, there are some missions that require a Python ( 190 tons to an outpost, for example ). As you've noticed, plenty of weapons mounts. Lots of utilities slots. LOTS of power, so load up on whatever you want. More of a sledgehammer to the FDL's rapier.

For PvE, there isn't anything that should scare you, RNGineered it is brutal, almost approaching pre-Nerf capability. As long as you're not expecting to take out an Elite 'Conda with two dangerous escorts you should be good.

It can haul more cargo than a T7, BH, mine.. you name it. It can run any mission on the board. Plenty of power to run any modules you want and not have to prioritize/balance your modules.

The only thing it lacks is jump range.

Fully A-spec'd it will run about 190 million, IIRC. I sold mine and bought a Cutter. The Cutter made me mad amounts of credits, but I still miss that Python.
 
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