The Courier/ Diamondback compared to Vulture combat

[Rall]

I just heard the Vulter was getting a buff in 1.3 is this true? Stronger base shields?

It's still the same, how shields are displayed in the shipyard has changed.

It now show the true shield strength, where it currently shows the base shield value.

 

[Starender]

as these ships are now, the courier is a little FdL, the DB is bad Cobra

 

[Commander Dave]

The diamondback and Imperial Courier that we have in the beta are neither of those things.

Well I have them both and that's how I would characterise them.
How would you characterise them for people who have not yet had the benefit of flying either of them?

 

[Chaplain Livius]

Against the hull yes.
If the powerplant is targeted, I am nos sure..?

I think the damage reduction still applies, otherwise buying a large ship would be pointless!

 

[adoredtv]

The Diamondback will become the "throwaway" ship of choice though will actually be menacing.

The Courier needs flying - you can't coast with it therefore it'll be unpopular with a lot of people. Anything with that small a hitbox and those shields can't be bad though.

Neither of them are really on par combat-wise with a Vulture of course, however both should be able to get away from one, which counts for a lot.

 

[Cosmos]

I don't think there is anything to compare, Vulture wins hands down in combat.
I used extensively Cobra for piracy and smuggling then upgraded to Vulture.
For pure sake tried Eagle, Viper (all class A component) and Asp in combat...even the Asp with his 6 hardpoint is no match for a Vulture on hunt.

Diamondback and Courier seems pretty fun, with the courier being basically a pimped eagle.
But Vulture is the ultimate fighter, is like a Jaguar: agile, strong, fast.
The Diamondback and Courier are like a caracal and a cerval, they are surely good at hunting little rodents that jaguars neither looks...but nothing more.
Don't forget that the Jaguars usually pray on alligators and anacondas...I mean the real anacondas

edit: the question about the 3 medium hardpoint vs 2 large: class 1 and 2 weapons does respectively 33% and 66% of their original damage against big ships like Anacondas...Vulture is pure overkill!

I've flown them all and I think you might be underestimating the courier and diamondback, especially for PvP. similar speeds to a Viper with the feel and agility somewhere between the Eagle and Vulture. Its an incredible flight experience, and the cockpits looks amazing imo. The courier Reminds me of sitting in a Mig.

 

[Thasarion]

But Vulture is the ultimate fighter, is like a Jaguar: agile, strong, fast.

Fast? Not even close. I've been outrun in my vulture by many, many different ships. everything else is correct. You do NOT want to take on a well equipped vulture in close combat. The best combat tactic is probably hit and run. Charge in guns blazing, boost out, recharge shields, repeat until target vulture is dead.

 

[Poseidal]

Fast? Not even close. I've been outrun in my vulture by many, many different ships. everything else is correct. You do NOT want to take on a well equipped vulture in close combat. The best combat tactic is probably hit and run. Charge in guns blazing, boost out, recharge shields, repeat until target vulture is dead.

Only the Viper, Clipper, Cobra, Fer deLance, Orca (ha) and the two new 1.3 ships are faster. The Asp is about on par. Everything Else is slower.

 

[Katkon]

I'm undoubtedly one of the few that enjoyed the Vulture for a couple of weeks, but then grew bored of it. It's so singular in purpose that it completely lacks versatility. On top of that, I felt too restricted in choice of weaponry, and then there's the issue of lack of intereresting paint jobs (unless you like bright colors). So I much prefer the Asp and will suggest it's just as good as the Vulture in combat - less agility, but more firepower. And just much more interesting to fly. I doubt I'll go back to the Vulture, but am looking forward to flying the Courier and Diamondback.

 

[Commander Dave]

The diamondback and Imperial Courier that we have in the beta are neither of those things.

Well I have them both and that's how I would characterise them.
How would you characterise them for people who have not yet had the benefit of flying either of them?

And from the latest newsletter:

"The Diamondback Scout is Lakon Spaceways’ attempt to repeat the success of the Asp range at a medium price point. The result was a combat capable ship with good jump capability and was pitched as a light long range reconnaissance ship. After the ship’s maiden flight it was criticized for not having the same versatility as the Asp, but it has seen modest success in the long range reconnaissance, long range interceptor and fast picket ship roles for organisations not able or willing to invest in the heavy price tag of the Asp."

Think small Asp.

 

[Varp]

I've fought against a diamondback in a courier - diamondback was everywhere... really hard to get a bead on...
Tried out a diamondback and it's such an amusing ship when combat specced (shield boosts & hull reinforcement) plus it's jump range is nothing to be sniffed at with a cobra's firepower and much better placed hardpoints.

I will very definitely saving 10 mil for a diamondback asap - hilarious ship. So unsophisticated