Vulture to what ship next?
- Thread starter Synther
- Start date
Also, the clipper has less heat problems than the fdl and a better capacitor, so you can actually put 2 large beams on it. Insane damage against shields. And talking about shields, the clipper has the space and energy for more shield cells banks than the fdl, and a single class 6 bank, which is kind of a big deal.
I say get the clipper if you have the rank. Yeah, it's vulnerable to chaffs and you're forced to use gimbals, but you get a faster ship (the fdl is fast, but the clipper is FAST) with better shield cells, and about the same firepower. I'm not saying that the fdl is not an incredible ship though, because it totally is.
Excellent thread topic which I will be following with interest - I'm at this junction too but haven't bothered with Empire rank as I didn't know if I wanted a clipper next. It looks fantastic though 
One additional thing I'm finding I have to think about - current cost of FDL is only a couple of hours in a decent RES from buying a Python. I haven't looked through the forum to check if that Pthyon v FDL merit thread exists, I'm sure it does. I'm going to look for it right this minute.
One additional thing I'm finding I have to think about - current cost of FDL is only a couple of hours in a decent RES from buying a Python. I haven't looked through the forum to check if that Pthyon v FDL merit thread exists, I'm sure it does. I'm going to look for it right this minute.
Excellent thread topic which I will be following with interest - I'm at this junction too but haven't bothered with Empire rank as I didn't know if I wanted a clipper next. It looks fantastic though
One additional thing I'm finding I have to think about - current cost of FDL is only a couple of hours in a decent RES from buying a Python. I haven't looked through the forum to check if that Pthyon v FDL merit thread exists, I'm sure it does. I'm going to look for it right this minute.
Don't be fooled by the buying price. The python is a lot more expensive to upgrade than the fdl.
Go with the clipper, for 55M you cannot get a Fer-de-Lance combat ready.
For around 50M you can kit a clipper out with something like this setup; Combat Clipper
You would just need to set power priority 3 for Interdictor, FSD and Cargo hatch. Then just have 2 Shield cells on at once, change them over when they get low. This would give you a powerful combat ship and you can easily change to trading as the clipper is a great trade ship too.
For around 50M you can kit a clipper out with something like this setup; Combat Clipper
You would just need to set power priority 3 for Interdictor, FSD and Cargo hatch. Then just have 2 Shield cells on at once, change them over when they get low. This would give you a powerful combat ship and you can easily change to trading as the clipper is a great trade ship too.
The Clipper looks cheaper to maintain and I see people bashing the FDL but in terms of versatility you might want to consider the FDL. Good shields, lighter hull, great utility. If you're going to have only one ship for a while after the purchase I would go FDL. If you still like having two or more ships for different things I would go Clipper. The added utility slots on the FDL are really valuable.
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I went from a Vulture to a Python. Its much more stately, and I'm learning to pilot it differently to throwing it around a RES or CZ as I did the Vulture.
But with 3 large pulses and 2 turreted beams, the Python packs far more punch than the Vulture. 50% more just on the large lasers up front.
My Python is worth about 90mil, only had it 2-3 days so I'm mostly C-class with a 7A Power Distributor and 6B Thrusters which helps its agility a fair bit.
I can see what the fully A-fit Python is going to be, even post-nerf, it'll be a beast;
Class 6 shields, 3-4 shield boosters (all A0) for a total in the 650+MJ range plus two 6A shield cell banks to keep it topped up... that's a tough nut to crack. I'm thinking only the Anaonda will top that.
But with 3 large pulses and 2 turreted beams, the Python packs far more punch than the Vulture. 50% more just on the large lasers up front.
My Python is worth about 90mil, only had it 2-3 days so I'm mostly C-class with a 7A Power Distributor and 6B Thrusters which helps its agility a fair bit.
I can see what the fully A-fit Python is going to be, even post-nerf, it'll be a beast;
Class 6 shields, 3-4 shield boosters (all A0) for a total in the 650+MJ range plus two 6A shield cell banks to keep it topped up... that's a tough nut to crack. I'm thinking only the Anaonda will top that.
As said, Clipper, FDL or Python, by price.
I think you'll be hard-pressed to find such an efficient ship, though. Those ships are much more expensive, and if they do offer more fire-power, it's arguable to say that they perform better than the Vulture.
That's one of the issue I see with the Vulture. It simply is too good, when you take price, manoeuvrability and fire-power in consideration. Will be hard to replace.
I think you'll be hard-pressed to find such an efficient ship, though. Those ships are much more expensive, and if they do offer more fire-power, it's arguable to say that they perform better than the Vulture.
That's one of the issue I see with the Vulture. It simply is too good, when you take price, manoeuvrability and fire-power in consideration. Will be hard to replace.
To be blunt, if you're looking to replace the vulture, don't. If you're just looking to expand your fleet, have different options and try other ships, then you're in the great position of not needing to sell your current ship to do it. The vulture is a definitive fighter.
Only replace it if you don't find it fun. I own a vulture, an fdl and a python, all set up for combat. The vulture is my favourite, the python second. I love the speed of the fdl but I dislike the placement of the huge hard point. The python is a pure gun boat and is the ship I love to use to run missions due to its versatility.
But the vulture is a beast in the field. If you haven't already fully upgraded it, I'd do that first. Then save up for another ship to complement your fleet, rather than retire the vulture.
Only replace it if you don't find it fun. I own a vulture, an fdl and a python, all set up for combat. The vulture is my favourite, the python second. I love the speed of the fdl but I dislike the placement of the huge hard point. The python is a pure gun boat and is the ship I love to use to run missions due to its versatility.
But the vulture is a beast in the field. If you haven't already fully upgraded it, I'd do that first. Then save up for another ship to complement your fleet, rather than retire the vulture.
If the Clipper is still on sale for 15 mil at Nu, I'd grab one if you can. Perhaps the most fun ship in the game to fly. 441m/s in normal space and turns on a dime. There are a few drawbacks, but still a great value at 15 Mil. You can get range up into the 20's, cargo over 200, or set it up for combat and be able to run from anything you can't kill. Small fuel tank, but FDL has same problem. Python's awesome, but when looking at base price, the Clipper is a real value buy if you have the rank.
I'm actually thinking about buying another one for the garage so I can have another one at a different base.
I'm actually thinking about buying another one for the garage so I can have another one at a different base.
Down-to-earth logical choice is Clipper.
A-bit-of-crazy choice is Dropship.
Pew-pew choice is Fer de Lance.
A-bit-of-crazy choice is Dropship.
Pew-pew choice is Fer de Lance.