Ships & Modules

I've been looking around for a while now, and can't seem to make up my mind. Main corp has a lot of blueprints available, so price isn't really the big issue.

I haven't really figured the size of the ship either, all I can say is that it will mainly be used for mining security in lowsec, but mostly PVE/Agent missions. Almost entirely such actually.

So what I'm looking for is a ship that will run me solid in lvl 4 agents. I've had my Thorax a bit now, and am thinking about a Vigilant for upgrade, as it has nice damage and web bonuses.

So far I've been liking to run fittings with railguns, taking shots over as much range as possible. Comfortable and safer for my playing style. However I'm also open to going in closer with a blaster-boat or such. I'm really just looking for recommendations on ships (And the reason you recommend them!), as well as inspiration.

Anything cruiser and up works. Well, not a titan, but that should be obvious.

I know it's vague, and I'll try to narrow it down if you guys want me to, but for now I'll just leave it pretty open to see what you use for lvl 4 agents.

Thanks ahead of time!

A Dominix would be a good ship to run level 4s, and to use as low sec mining op protection as Risien stated. Not overly expensive, and can deal out a lot of damage.

As for which ship I use to run Level 4s, I use a Rattlesnake. It's much more expensive, takes a lot more training time because you need to train missiles and shield tanking, but you can passive shield tank it and it takes hell of a lot of damage as well as dishes it out. Never had to warp out with it, even in the level 4 Angel Extravaganza bonus room with full aggro. I wouldn't use it in low sec mining ops though, too expensive.

Anyway, go with the Dominix for best functionality and being able to adapt it to what you want to use it for.

Since you're only a young character, i will just assume that you are still relatively new to the game.

The dominix is kind of a 'jack of all trades'. You can set it up for almost everything. Running missions, both armor and shield tanked, heavy dps with blasters, long range with rails, pvp with neut, as a repping bs... it just suits almost every task. Maybe not always as good as other ships, but it will take you a long way. However, it's a battleship, and as a new pilot only 1 or 2 months in i can assure you that it is probably a bad idea to rush for the battleship - especially if you want to guard mining ops in lowsec where pvp might ensue.
So the small brother of the Dominix is the Myrmidon. It doesn't have the 125mbit dronebandwidth, but even with only 75 mbit it can be devastating. It is also capable of running level 4s, not as fast as the dominix though, but while you are training for a domi or megathron, every skillpoint you gather on your path comes in handy on the myrmidon, as well. And maybe while you grind level 3s (if you don't have l4 standing yet) in the myrmidon, you will be able to fly a dominix decently when you hit 5.0 standing.

I wouldn't recommend upgrades in pricetag yet, start getting a feeling for the Tech 1 non faction stuff firsthand and once you feel comfortable, upgrade at will. But i can assure you, if you will guard lowsec mining ops, you will be engaged into pvp sometime, and you will lose your ship. Better lose cheap stuff first before you take out the expensive stuff :)

if you want to run lvl4 missions efficiently, the only non-battleship option is the tengu. if you are willing to sacrifice some efficiency for versatility (lowsec etc.), the ishtar is a good choice. it has similar dps to a dominix, is also drone based, relatively cheap and has the advantage of being small and agile.

Myrmidon is the best solo BC out there hands down. It packs a punch, and has a beastly tank with triple reps, You really can't go wrong with the Myrmidon. This will then give you the proper skills to take advantage of the Dominix and/or Ishtar if you so choose. I say go with the Myrm. It is the best BC out there for small gang stuff and can handle itself in a variety of situations.

An Ishtar is great for lvl 4 missions. Training for the Myrm and Domi will be a great foundation for Ishtar if you choose to go that route.

100mn ham legion/tengu, or a shield Machariel/Vindicator!