Ships & Modules

Ok, I know, I am slow at getting into pvp, slap me!

I have just got my PvE Machariel well snug in lvl 4's to fund getting blasted to bits and replacing ships in PvP. I have about 16mill sp now and have just wanted to have a backbone before I ventured into PvP if that makes sense. Be able to fit lots of different fits without worry etc and not tax my buddies by being lame and have a decent source of regular income, I know its not essential, but its the way I went.

Anyway, I am Minmatar, have good Arty/AC skills and support skills. I want to hit the ground running and get into some ships that stand me in good stead as to not just getting owned. I know without experience that may happen anyways, but what do people recommend for newb pvp'ers? Fly a frig first to keep costs down and learn the ropes? get in a cruiser as its a nice halfwayer? HAC?

I have a Cynabal and I read they are good PvP ships, is this a recomended starter?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

you can't go wrong with burning a dozen or so rifters. they are dirt cheap if you don't fit T2, you will learn a lot and still be useful as fast tackle. when you have learned the basics you will probably know enough to decide for yourself what kid of ship you want.

Usually ppl start PVP adventure from T1 frigs because they are cheap to replace and quite a lot of fun to fly while learning the ropes. Since you seem to have funds and skills you can jump straight to AFs for more oomph but I'm not sure you will learn sth you wouldn't learn using good old rifter.

As mentioned above ruppie is also valid ship for beginners especially when you have skills to fit it properly. Big enough to handle things up to cruiser class solo, small enough to have speed and maneuverability for closing range or GTFO. And it is cheap to replace at approx 30 mils fully fitted (hull is only 9-10 mil, rest depends what you fit and how much ammo you carry when KM is generated :) ).

Hurricane is great both in armor and shield version but it really shines when you know how to handle ships of BC class. Keep in mind that PVP is quite different from PVE, you can't park your ship and just shoot opponents. You have to learn what usual fittings are for popular PVP ships, how to use optimal/falloff at your advantage. You have to be aware what is going on around you so d-scan every 5 seconds is not overstatement - it is a matter of your survival when opponent's backup warping in.

I would say try a couple of rifters first then move up to AF -> cruiser -> BC. And then you will be able to make decision what you like best based on your own experience not what other ppl told you.

And one last thing - losing ships is ok, anybody who cares more about killboard then about having fun should click biomass button ASAP.

BTW: Black Dragon Fighting Society is our new initiative to let pvp newbies to taste how lowsec corp looks like, if you would be interested feel free to apply.

I second Schmata Bastanold's post. Start in frigates, it will make you a much better pilot in the long run (no matter what you end up flying). Rifters -> Thrashers -> Wolf/Jag is a common progression. You can also take a look at Firetails.

Thats great advice and just what I was looking for, thanks alot.