Diamondback Explorer is better than Asp Explorer. Please change my mind.

[Uriel]

Hi guys,

I've only recently started the game, so many things are still quite obscure to me. And so, I read stuff. As a person mostly interested in peacefully exloring the Dark, I'm currently flying a DBX, and I've been fiddling with Coriolis to figure what my next exploration ship might be. Of course, I've been looking into the ASPX, but I'm... Less than impressed.

Don't get me wrong, it's a fine ship, but I fail to see why it's considered a better ship than the DBX. Considering everyone and their mother say "DBX is entry level, ASPX is for pro", I suspect there is something I'm missing. So, please, change my mind if you may.

- Size factor : the DBX is a small ship, the ASPX is a medium one. It's obviously easier to find a suitable spot to land a smaller ship, should one consider planet exploring.

- Jump range : while the ASPX has nothing to be ashamed of, the DBX has a longer jump range in EVERY configuration I have tried. Even with a class 5 guardian jump extender thingamagie on the ASPX, and only a class 4 on the DBX as it can't fit a class 5, the DBX still has a longer jump range. I'm comparing it with similar module fitting as far as optionals go, best FSD available for each, full engineering or no engineering at all, extreme lightweight engineering, anything I could think of, really, and the DBX always jumps a few more lightyears.

- Price and rebuy : The ASPX is, in every scenario I have tried, at least three times as expensive to buy, fit and rebuy as the the DBX.

- Modules number : while the module classes do vary between the two ships, there is exactly the same number of optional module slots on both ships, so the ASPX doesn't even have the added value of bringing more stuff. I'm not counting utility modules, as I only need one, or weapon slots, as I need none. I can outfit both ships exacty the same way, save for the fuel scoops and guardian FSD boosters.

- Fuel scooping : I've seen a lot of people say that the DBX takes forever to scoop fuel, but in my own experience, it's fairly fast even as I currently have only a 4B fuel scoop. The ASPX can fit a much larger scoop for much faster refueling, but for now I don't really see the point. Sure, the ASPX will refill about 3 times faster than the DBX, on an empty tank, but I never wait for an empty tank to refuel so the tedium is spread over time and alot less apparent.

- Heat management : the DBX handles the heat better than the ASPX. Actually, I'd even say this is the reason the ASPX truly NEEDS the better fuel scoop : it would roast you alive if it didn't have it. On the other hand, past my first few tries where I had no idea what I was doing, on the DBX I've always managed to refill the tank while staying below 65% heat.

There is at least one point where the ASPX outshines the DBX, though, and that is cockpit view. It's really hard to have a better view than the one from an ASPX command seat. But I'm not sure it warrants paying a ship 3 times as much for lesser performances in every aspects but refueling.

So, am I missing something ? Can you make me understand why the ASPX is considered superior ?

[Uriel]

İlk olarak Bannor tarafından gönderildi:

Why should I (or anyone) try to change your mind? Dude - you keep on believing whatever you want to believe, and ignore actual reality....

Dude... I specifically stated that I am kind of a newbie who might be missing some facts, and that proper facts would help me see things properly if I have my infos wrong, and here you are, saying I should keep ignoring the facts. You haven't even bothered reading past the title, right ?

İlk olarak Pottross tarafından gönderildi:

Lots of things

That was very instructive, thank you very much.

So basically, the AspX is the superior mean of transportation (and has a kickass view) when trying to go anywhere fast and see the sights on the way. On the other hand, the DBX is no issue if I just want to take it slow.

In the end, since it is ALSO possible to take it slow in the AspX, it might be a good investment.

[Pottross]

You're welcome. In the end the best ship in E:D is the one you like to fly the most :)

[luntacarsus]

One isn't better than the other. DBX is better for landing in rough terrain. AspX has a fuel scoop that lets you keep flying without pause. AspX has better cockpit view. AFAIR they have similar handling in supercruise (DBX might be ever so slightly more nimble). Looks are personal taste, but for me the DBX is a better looking ship. AspX has better internals. It really all comes down to whatever you prefer. Both are totally viable.

[ThotPocket]

I can't get into using the Phantom, I tried it but the cockpit view is just so much worse than the AspX that I switched back almost immediately.

[Ildryn]

As a inner bubble Taxi the DBX is pretty much the best of the best. Light small and great for landing even on the worst terrain.

For any distance exploration the ASPX wins out with the ability to fit a decent sized fuel scoop and a amfu for those neutron hopping jumps.

It really depends on what you're planning on using it for. It is entirely up to you either way.

[Minty]

İlk olarak Uriel tarafından gönderildi:

Please change my mind.

I can't. Yes, there is a more open and unobstructed view of the galaxy from the cockpit of an Asp. The DBX, on the other hand, looks like it's full of Colonial Marines. Seriously, I swear to god there's a xeno in the back there somewhere, and it isn't a Thargoid.

The problem with arguing for the Asp because of the scoop is that all you have to work with are optimal numbers (which no one ever hits) and individual concern about time spend on a burn (some people just don't care about scooping time).

[Ildryn]

İlk olarak Good Whiskey tarafından gönderildi:

The problem with arguing for the Asp because of the scoop is that all you have to work with are optimal numbers (which no one ever hits) and individual concern about time spend on a burn (some people just don't care about scooping time).

The AMFU for long trips using neutrons makes a difference as well.

[Minty]

İlk olarak Ildryn tarafından gönderildi:

İlk olarak Good Whiskey tarafından gönderildi:

The problem with arguing for the Asp because of the scoop is that all you have to work with are optimal numbers (which no one ever hits) and individual concern about time spend on a burn (some people just don't care about scooping time).

The AMFU for long trips using neutrons makes a difference as well.

I guess statistically, yes, you're right. However, despite not having done really deep exploration myself, I hear it's not uncommon for people to never actually need the AMFU if they're careful, let alone needing the best one available. For neutron boosting, well, I guess that's situational, so maybe not a primary concern?

[the smoking mค็็็็็n]

for neutron travel, you will need one, but otherwise, nup

[Minty]

İlk olarak the smoking mค็็็็็n tarafından gönderildi:

for neutron travel, you will need one, but otherwise, nup

Yeah, but isn't a 3A with booster, 2G and 4A scoop a standard DBX setup?

[Minty]

Seriously though, am I taking crazy pills or is a 3A AFMU not a standard DBX thing with an FSD booster, a 4A scoop and a 2G hangar? The more I look at them, they're the same ship under the hood, but with a 5/3 or 4/4 top end optional split.

[the smoking mค็็็็็n]

you just don't need one, unless you are neutron jumping, cramming in a cargo bay and collector limpets can be more useful, depends what you are doing

[Ildryn]

İlk olarak Good Whiskey tarafından gönderildi:

Seriously though, am I taking crazy pills or is a 3A AFMU not a standard DBX thing with an FSD booster, a 4A scoop and a 2G hangar? The more I look at them, they're the same ship under the hood, but with a 5/3 or 4/4 top end optional split.

They are both good ships. ASPX excels at very little. But long range exploration in the black is one of them. DBX beats it in pretty much every other aspect. (fits vary)

[T-Bone Biggins]

Personally I had an AspEx and tried exploring before finding out I wasn't too much in the mood for it. This was a long while back when Horizons was new, before the FSS mini-game. Had a few repair units, the smaller one as a backup in case the larger one kicked. Largest fuel-scoop I could get. Worked out great for exploring if you simply get A-rated internals (with D sensors and life support to save weight) and it was just a good ship. Was easy to refurbish it for beam mining which I literally just got into after the January patch landed. Didn't take too long to move up to a Python.

I'm a fan of both the Python and Asp. Very good middle of the road ships, and unlike the Cobra Mk3 there are enough slots and large enough internals to handle each job better. The Asp is a good ship you can get after a small amount of time even doing just courier missions and space trucking. Once you get that it can be a better space trucker than a Type 6, an explorer, or a miner. PvE bounty hunting definitely possible, practice in a Viper 3/4 first and choose right weapons.

What people are saying about the Asp being adaptable for lots of jobs you double that for the Python in every way except FSD jump range. With D-rated thrusters to save weight and an A-class FSD you will get ~26ly max jump range, about 16.5ly range laden with my mining setup. But the Python is better at combat, much MUCH better. Against the Asp you trade off exploration for combat and mining potential, not to mention it's nearly identical in max cargo capacity as a Type 7 AND it fits in medium landing bays unlike the Type 7 which requires a large. Decent space truck for safe money while watching TV shows. Since OP wants to explore this wouldn't be quite as good as a fit as the cheaper AspEx but it does everything else better and still wouldn't be a terrible choice to explore with.

[Berserk Belta]

İlk olarak Uriel tarafından gönderildi:

İlk olarak Pottross tarafından gönderildi:

Lots of things

That was very instructive, thank you very much.

So basically, the AspX is the superior mean of transportation (and has a kickass view) when trying to go anywhere fast and see the sights on the way. On the other hand, the DBX is no issue if I just want to take it slow.

In the end, since it is ALSO possible to take it slow in the AspX, it might be a good investment.

I won't repeat a long list of other users' comments but yes, dbx -> aspx is natural in my opinion.

Once you have enjoyed the aspx view and a large scoop you may not want to go back - that counts for both "proper" system exploring (where you get a good view of what you are flying over or into or there to see), and boop'n'scoop "exploring" where you are covering big distances (and basically not having to stop for fuel).

If you are the take it slow, whichever ship you feel like explorer (I am) then be a bit careful of upgrading the AspX too much as you can get it to the point where there's nothing compelling to upgrade to. I decided after hundreds of hours in my lovely aspx that I would not engineer it for this reason. That way I could switch to a Krait, buff my jump distance and not keep missing the old ship. The view is almost as good. Almost.