Why choose the Diamondback Explorer over the Asp Explorer
- Thread starter Steve_T
- Start date
The Asp Explorer is generally a more versatile ship. It's also faster and has a better range (especially engineered.) What the DBX has going for it is that it's smaller, handles better and it's considerably cheaper both to buy and outfit.
Word is it might be getting a Class 2 slot soon. That'll solve the Scanner/AFMU issue.
The DBX has MUCH better heat management too, perfect for fuel scooping. Also the smaller jump range is negligible when you're exploring with no destination in mind, since you'll cover more systems in a thousand light years. Price-wise it's much cheaper, so someone without a lot of credits can get into one and fit it out for exploration easily. But really the best part about is for me is the aesthetic, the outside is pretty slick with or without any paintjobs, and the stripped look inside the cockpit makes it feel more personal than the flying conex that is the asp lol. I would recommend the DBX to any explorer regardless of rank.
The true value of the DBS/DBX has not been realized yet (per Omgzzwtf post above) as there is no aliens shooting at us. Once that happens, the DBS/DBX will come into their own for locating alien ships/bases/planets while being hunted. Replacement costs for a DBS/DBE are a third of the AspE.
Their excellent heat handling capabilities will also pay off on clandestine missions.
Their excellent heat handling capabilities will also pay off on clandestine missions.
- better heat management
- cheaper repair costs (integrity repair)
- better looking
- can land almost on any surface
- not an Asp
- a large weapon on a small ship? How cool is that!
- has good jump range with class A modules, no need to strip it down to underpowered and weak
- looks good
- has all it needs to have fun
It's simply the better ship
Yea, the Asp is (on paper) the better ship.
Why choose the DBX over the Asp-X? Price, looks and heat management/stealth. The Asp is the better ship in virtually every other area, especially with regard to internal slots. If there was ever a ship in ED that needed some serious love, it's the DBX. And the Cobra IV, but...that's not important right now.
If you have the money, go for the Asp-X. It'll serve you far better for far longer.
If you have the money, go for the Asp-X. It'll serve you far better for far longer.
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Why do I fly a DBX over an Asp when I'm exploring (I own both)? Because.....nothing runs colder than a Diamondback. So, when I'm scooping I can park at about 67% heat, go make a cup of coffee, hit the head, read the paper, make breakfast...and when I get back I'll have a full tank and not be over about 75% heat. If you cook one...you're doing something massively wrong.
Quick side point, the Keelback runs even colder when scooping. I don't know if it's a bug since 2.2, but running a 3A fuel scoop never, ever pushes the heat higher than 67%. I've circled stars over and over and once it hits that level it just won't get any hotter short of plunging it into the danger zone and crashing out of supercruise...which I have also done.
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Currently, the only reason I use the Asp over the DBX is slot count. The extra two slots let me run with an AMFU and an extra fuel tank in addition to the other essential exploration modules. As for the looks, the DBX is better then the Asp for sure but not as sexy as its concept art.
True, but not as bad as the difference between Beluga and Beluga concept art.
Try getting off a high gravity planet with both ships in a D-rated travel mode. Diamondback can get off a 6G planet, sometimes that asp just cant take off!
Reminds me of my first trip to Elvira Martuuk's base. I had my Asp X fitted with 4D thrusters (to save weight). I came in to land on a pad and didn't quite have it centred when I landed. I couldn't get the Asp off the ground again. Had to relog (so I was at least above the base again), then fly to a nearby station to re-outfit with thrusters that did the job.
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