Ships & Modules

I'm looking to get into some low sec (.3 specifically) exploration and am curious as to what a good ship to use for it. I'm looking for something economic (T2 or faction ships with deadspace mods need not apply) and lower skill if possible. I've heard the Vexor is good for exploring, but I'm not sure if its strong enough for low sec exploring.

Vexor can't do the good sites. It hasn't got the tank or the DPS. To be able to do all the sites in lowsec, you have to be able to handle groups of battlecruisers, cruisers and some battleships. Naturally there will be frigates that web and scram you too. The mini profession sites(hacking/salvaging/analyzing) will be less combat oriented and therefore doable even in a vexor, but the better combat sites are too much for it to handle. Even if you somehow could handle them it would take so long, that you would be very likely to be inturrupted by others and your vexor isn't in a position to put up a serious fight. The harder sites can also have such fun things as webbing and energy neutralizer towers combined with a swarm of attacking ships, so they can be deadly to an unprepared explorer in any ship.

You say T2 or faction stuff isn't economic for you, but I'd strongly recomment either ishtar or a T3 as a long term goal, if you plan on doing the combat focused sites. Ishtar specifically isn't all that expensive and properly fitted(T2 will be sufficient) and flown it can do lowsec sites quite well. It might not be economic for a starting lowsec explorer, but the better ships actually pay themselves off really fast. It's better to learn while flying something, that you can afford to replace without much effort though.

Get a probe frigate to scan down the sites. Preferably a CovOps, but if you don't have the skills then a T1 scan frig with a standard cloak.

Then for running the sites use an Ishkur or Worm. The reason why is cuz nobody will really bother to scan out a frig. Not worth the effort, not much loot or fun to be had from killing one, and 90% of the time the frig will be able to warp out as soon as somebody lands on grid. It might not be as time efficient as using something beefier, but it will keep you a whole lot safer.

Vexor can do DED 4/10s, for 5/10 and 6/10s you'll probably want the Myrm or Ishtar. Myrm is the most forgiving out of these due to it's solid tank, Ishtar is fastest due to dps, and Vexor easily the most isk efficient in case you get popped. Vexor is a bit more agile than Myrm, which might make a difference between getting caught and surviving. In any case learning to mitigate damage with your movement, controlling range with webs, overheating stuff and managing the active tank while chewing thru the rats efficiently will certainly make you a better pilot in any ship. As opposed to overtanking and just plowing thru them slowly... and it's super fun

You should fit for maximum dps, minimum tank you can handle in order to clear the sites faster. As few cap modules/rigs as possible, which means a cap booster and efficient cap management.

Ishtar isn't really better until you get tech 2 sentries or heavies, along with perfect fitting skills and other core skills.



Counting on your ship to able to defend against attackers is not a valid strategy imho. The things you need to learn to survive can be learnt in any ship, I'd go cheaper for starters. Situational awareness, dscan, local intel, site mechanics, dangerous ships etc are far more important than what you are flying.

Just based on the fact you said Vexor I'd vote for Myrm as it's easy to get into.

Otherwise Drake, or Gila.

Blood Raiders

Ah, the Monastery. This is an absolute piece of cake in a Vexor. Not spoiling the fun by telling you how :)

Not the combat sites (most anyway), 5 lights won't cut it. It might handle the anoms/radars/mags though.

A Vexor will be able to handle all mags/radars (but keep an eye out for neuting cruisers in those). It will also take Provisional Outpost, Outpost, and Mul-Zatah Monastery (4/10). It will die immediately in Minor Annex and is very unlikely to survive Annex. The last room of Psychotropics Depot (5/10) will kill it and you won't be able to complete Crimson Hand Supply Depot (6/10) due to lack of damage.

Combat ladars (if relevant) are going to be rough in a Vexor but I suppose they might be workable.

A Gila will probably run everything, but expect needing max skills to get needed damage in the 6/10. You're going to need a very heavy tank fit for Minor Annex or 5/10.

I've only done three Minor Annexes, one Blood and two Serps, and maybe I've been doing them wrong (I don't read walk-throughs), but I found them very challenging sites for some reason.