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Originally posted by MisterT:
**Interesting that you should call 2 Ramscoops the MOST IMPORTANT OUTFIT OF ALL. I disagree. There are three ways around these. First, when you are in friendly space, it doesn't matter; just land on the nearest planet and refuel. Second, in enemy territory, if you have a good ship, you should be able to disable enemy ships and take their fuel. I've taken long detours through Voinian space without refueling once. Finally, if you are in neutral, uninhabited space, then ask for assistance. If you are rich enough, the couple thousand credits shouldn't be too much of a burden. A couple thousand credits now and then is much cheaper than spending 80,000 and dedicating 10 tons of mass to ramscoops.
It's not like I totally disagree, though. I think that for any merchant ship, or any ship not capable of effective combat, the ramscoops are a very important if not essential accessory.
I have an Azadara now, and no ramscoop. My total available space to use is 27 tons. The various test files where I incorporated a ramscoop into the outfit, I got killed in combat, because I didn't have the equipment I needed for that. So, especially for combat ships with limited space, the ramscoop is one of the first things I yank.
Oh, and I'd like to add some things to your list of essential upgrades. I definitely agree with density scanner and IFF decoder. There are other upgrades which you didn't list which can add to your ship's capability without eating up tonnage. These are the ECM system and the Sensory Upgrade and the Needle Jammer. There are others I believe, for instance the Azadari Upgrade (if you have the money, get it. It improves your turn speed dramatically, and doesn't take any space), and the Zidagar anti-SAD thingy.
Oh, and finally, all ships should have at least some form of sheild/armor upgrades, preferrably multiple of both. Nothing is more valuable than the ability to take more punishment, because it gives you more time to dish it out.
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I'm going to have to disagree with ya there. I don't like to run out of fuel completely before I refuel in neutral space. Alot of times, that neutral space is home for some badies (usually renegades). Even if there is a peaceful ship in the area, if someone is hostile they won't help you. Even if you have a good ship, sometimes you can just be pumbled and pumbled by enemy ships and be destroyed. I know you could still capture some fuel from a ship but it still is better safe than sorry.
I agree with the other stuff you said though. Defense is the best. When up against a huge fleet, it's nice to have those little extras. Jamming systems are sweet. If you have both the needle jammer and ECM System, you'll be laughing it up when your oppenent isn't gettin' ya :D. Also, the ECM System works against needle missiles, and I think SAD's too. All sensor upgrades (density scanner, IFF decoder, and the sensory upgrade) are very neccesasary to determine your friends and opponents.
Thanks for hearing me out.
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