D-List Python?

[thebs]

So, now that I'm worth over 110M, I tried something different with my Python.

Q:Are the 5A Thrusters just as good as 6A Thrusters, long as I'm under the optimal weight for both?

I ask, because I put together, what I call a ... [Config 103M] Sub-class, A-spec Python
6A Power (instead of 7), 5A Thrusters (instead of 6) and 6A Distributor (instead of 7).

That 7B Power Distributor is really heavy, and limiting my Jump Range by virtually 2-3ly. I had switched back to a 7D Power Plant (from 7C) and 7D Distributor (from 7B), so I could jump almost 4ly more for some exploring. Once I was back in dock, I started looking at components and noticed something. The 6A Distributor was virtually as good as a 7C, but a lot lighter, significantly so. I was tempted to go the 7A for 9M, now that I could afford it, but I really enjoy having another 1.5-2ly jump range.

Then, I noticed something else. The 6A Power Plant was exactly like the 7C (ignoring the 7A, which is 51M), sans quite a bit more powerful for half the weight. Of course, it cost 3x as much at 16M, v. 5M for the 7C. But I could afford it now. For now, I don't need a 7A Power Plant. Eventually I'll get one as it only reduces range about 0.3-0.4ly, likely when I put even more power consuming items on it. But I can add a Class 3 Frameshift Drive Interdictor and even a Class 6 Shield Bank or Class 6 Shield (w/Class 5 Shield Bank) and still have enough.

Lastly, I saw the 5A Thrusters, and figured I'd give them a try, for almost 1ly extra over 6C (let alone 6A) Thrusters. The optimal weight for the 5A was still under my weight, even with fully loaded fuel (32T) and cargo (200T), so I figured they'd do. That's the only question mark I have. I'll have to debate on the 6C (and 6A) Thrusters, versus 5A, as it's almost 1ly different. I don't know if the 5A Thrusters limit me, even though I'm under the optimal weight. Does it make no different as long as you are? If not, I don't think I'll ever change from the 5A, as I'm not going to armor it like a tank, at least not for now.

But the 6A v. 7A Distributor, that will the big one, long-term. There is a significant charging time difference, although it does cut around 1.5ly off my jump range. But anything is better than that 7B, which cut nearly 3ly off of my jump range. And I'm finding the 6A sufficient for keeping the Burst Turrets fed, constantly.

[Bonsaipanda]

Q:Are the 5A Thrusters just as good as 6A Thrusters, long as I'm under the optimal weight for both?

No, but the difference is only about 30m/s on both normal speed and boost. However, the 6D Thrusters give you more speed than the 5A.

I recommend going full A-class on the Python and when exploring, switch to ASP or later on to Anaconda. ^.^

[thebs]

Q:Are the 5A Thrusters just as good as 6A Thrusters, long as I'm under the optimal weight for both?

No, but the difference is only about 30m/s on both normal speed and boost. However, the 6D Thrusters give you more speed than the 5A.

Well, I was thinking (and asking about) more of the turning and maneuvering aspects, if you can comment on that. But I appreciate any and all comments regardless.

EDIT/UPDATE: Just ran back to the 5A Thrusters after trying the 6D. Unladen, 6D Thrusters are a slouch for turning and maneuvering.

That said, on the speed front, according to edshipyard.com, it's actually mixed ...

5A Thrusters (Python Config)

Code: Select all

ENGINES      0P     2P     4P    BST
Unladen     152    201    249    325
Laden       143    188    234    305
Boost Frq         15.4    7.2    

6D Thrusters (Python Config)

Code: Select all

ENGINES      0P     2P     4P    BST
Unladen     148    196    243    317
Laden       145    192    238    311
Boost Frq         15.4    7.2    

So higher speed unladen with the 5A, but slower when laden, than 6D. So now I'm wondering if I shouldn't go back to the 6D Thrusters, since I'm often laden. Jump range change difference is insignificant, 0.15ly unladen, 0.09ly laden, although in the 6D's favor too. That slight laden speed/boost increase is probably worth going back to the 6D overall.

BTW, the Boost frequency is still a full (2P=16.4) to half of a (4P=7.7) second better with the 6A Distributor than the 7D, hence why I opted for it. I'd love to go to a 7A Distributor, since I can afford it now, but it kills the Jump Range significantly (several lightyears).

I recommend going full A-class on the Python and when exploring, switch to ASP or later on to Anaconda. ^.^

I don't have the dough yet, plus, it hurts the jump range by 3-4ly (even 5-6ly, especially with more affordable, to me right now, 6B/7B components). Besides, having to change out to an ASP Explorer was getting tiresome every time I wanted to do some basic exploration.

I've decided I'm just going to wait for an Anaconda to do some deep exploration, instead of dropping into an ASP. So for now, I don't mind having only a 22ly jump range with a Python when I go 300-2,000ly out. In fact, I credit having a lowly, limited jump Python, for finding HIP 3582 less than 300ly out (related post). I'm sure people just jumped passed it.

Again, I really appreciate all comments as it makes me rethink and/or revisit some things.