These forums have been archived and are now read-only.

The new forums are live and can be found at https://forums.eveonline.com/

Ships & Modules

 
  • Topic is locked indefinitely.
 

Explorer hunting in Manticore
Author
Previous Topic Next Topic
Fermin Mascagranzas
Contubernium
Fraternity.
#1 - 2015-04-30 11:48:51 UTC
As a pretty much hunted down explorer myself, I´m pretending to give a try to explorer´s hunting :D I have made my mind to fly a rocket launcher manticore. I know a stealth bomber is not the best for killing frigates, and I will waste the role bonus for torpedoes, but it is a cheap ship with a rapid training capable of covops cloaking and instalocks after decloaking, wich is essential for catching seasoned explorers.

I have watched videos and guides and im finishing my training, but I still have one doubt.

Considering 3 rocket launcher II loaded with Tech II scourge rockets, will I be able to blow up an Astero ( exploration fitted ) before its drones kill my Manticore? Would it be better to shoot down the drones first, or should I just focus on the Astero? Apart from one shield extender in Mid, should i go for shiled rigs or damage rigs?

Im asking becasue half of the explo ships I see are Asteros, and thanks to its 5 light drone it is the only explo frigate capable of some fighting back.

Thanks for your comments
Solomar Espersei
Quality Assurance
#2 - 2015-04-30 12:26:33 UTC
I prefer the Nemesis as I think its Thermal damage is generally better than the Kinetic on the Manti, if memory serves, it may have a bit more EHP. It's not a bad idea to have a couple of two or three different versions of your SB as you're out solo hunting with it and keep a mobile depot to swap from Torps to Rockets + AC. You may find that when you swap to Venture-killing mode (where you put 2 scrams on it) or anti-frigate duty (2X 200mm Acs + 2 Rockets) that you'll squeeze out more DPS by going with a gyro rather than a BCS.

Those 5 drones will be a nightmare for you if they're T2 and even if you try to blap them before switching to the Astero (which I would certainly try to do), he may get you. SBs are made of paper and if the explorer is simply baiting you, you'll likely go BOOM. Do a bit of KB research before you engage and realize that even the seemingly innocent looking Heron or Helios can be fit to put up a surprising fight at times.

Happy hunting.

Quality Assurance Recruiting intrepid explorers and BlOps/Cov Ops combat enthusiasts
Shiloh Templeton
Cheyenne HET Co
#3 - 2015-04-30 14:48:05 UTC
Yes, because a lot of Astero pilots have limited PvP experience and will just try to run. If he targets back quickly and let's loose drones then go ahead and bail.
Rovinia
Exotic Dancers Union
#4 - 2015-04-30 15:52:16 UTC  |  Edited by: Rovinia
Perhaps you should consider using a Stratios for this. It's a bit more expensive, but i think it's a perfect match for what you plan to do.

It's bonus for Core and Combat Scanner Probe strength will help you to probe these Ships / Sites more easely and faster. Additionaly, its a very solide combat ship, so you can also go for more expensive / better armed targets in Combat Signatures / Anos if you can't find someone doing exploration sites.

Or, if there is absolutly nothing interresting arround, just do the exploration-sites yourself, it has the corresponding bonuses for that too.

Only disadvantage is the longer delay to target something after decloaking. But you can work arround this, just give him a nice bump the moment you decloak.

Just a suggestion.
Quattras Peione
Caldari Provisions
Caldari State
#5 - 2015-05-01 01:55:02 UTC
Astero hunting in a rocket-fit Manti is a risky proposition. That said, I have had moderate success and a helluva lot of fun doing precisely that.

Best to practice against smaller game first. You find a lot of newbies running data/relic sites in covops ships, and these will fall FAR more quickly. This will allow you to practice getting into optimal pouncing position before you decloak and strike. It's true that the Pantycore is technically not the best bomber and definitely not the best frigate hunter. I like it because it's sexy; you'll spend a lot more time looking at your ship than actually engaging targets.

Dr. Quattras Alvar Peione

No, I'm not that kind of doctor.
RavenPaine
RaVeN Alliance
#6 - 2015-05-01 02:31:17 UTC
Your wtf moment will come the second he tackles you back...
But 99% of explorers won't fit tackle, so you can dictate whatever you want. Fit wisely, Fly accordingly.
Duel prop for gtfo?
Dato Koppla
Spaghetti Militia
#7 - 2015-05-01 03:06:49 UTC
RavenPaine wrote:
Your wtf moment will come the second he tackles you back...
But 99% of explorers won't fit tackle, so you can dictate whatever you want. Fit wisely, Fly accordingly.
Duel prop for gtfo?


I would go for just plain AB, it's unlikely that they are carrying a point in the first place, but if they do it's more likely a scram than a long point so an AB would be much more useful in that scenario.
Fermin Mascagranzas
Contubernium
Fraternity.
#8 - 2015-05-01 06:46:33 UTC
Thanks a lot for your advices.
Apex Bex
Princess Aiko Hold My Hand
Safety. Net
#9 - 2015-05-01 07:00:40 UTC  |  Edited by: Apex Bex
It's not a short train, but it's the best way, by far.

The D*ck Virus.

Disciple of Bob
snake03
#10 - 2015-05-01 07:26:45 UTC
Apex Bex wrote:
It's not a short train, but it's the best way, by far.

The D*ck Virus.



I'll leave this right here.

https://zkillboard.com/kill/44670562/

Anyway, an astero et al can tank it long enough to warp off.

I'm just a modern day caveman in search of a bigger club.
Apex Bex
Princess Aiko Hold My Hand
Safety. Net
#11 - 2015-05-01 08:49:35 UTC  |  Edited by: Apex Bex
snake03 wrote:
Apex Bex wrote:
It's not a short train, but it's the best way, by far.

The D*ck Virus.



I'll leave this right here.

https://zkillboard.com/kill/44670562/

Anyway, an astero et al can tank it long enough to warp off.


Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope

I can keep going...?

Disciple of Bob
ADVAC
Doomheim
#12 - 2015-05-01 10:13:44 UTC
Fermin Mascagranzas wrote:
As a pretty much hunted down explorer myself, I´m pretending to give a try to explorer´s hunting :D I have made my mind to fly a rocket launcher manticore. I know a stealth bomber is not the best for killing frigates, and I will waste the role bonus for torpedoes, but it is a cheap ship with a rapid training capable of covops cloaking and instalocks after decloaking, wich is essential for catching seasoned explorers.

I have watched videos and guides and im finishing my training, but I still have one doubt.

Considering 3 rocket launcher II loaded with Tech II scourge rockets, will I be able to blow up an Astero ( exploration fitted ) before its drones kill my Manticore? Would it be better to shoot down the drones first, or should I just focus on the Astero? Apart from one shield extender in Mid, should i go for shiled rigs or damage rigs?

Im asking becasue half of the explo ships I see are Asteros, and thanks to its 5 light drone it is the only explo frigate capable of some fighting back.

Thanks for your comments

Missile and rocket launchers don't have good enough RoF to kill drones.
Darling Hassasin
Parental Control
Didn't want that Sov anyway.
#13 - 2015-05-06 14:21:15 UTC
ADVAC wrote:
Fermin Mascagranzas wrote:
As a pretty much hunted down explorer myself, I´m pretending to give a try to explorer´s hunting :D I have made my mind to fly a rocket launcher manticore. I know a stealth bomber is not the best for killing frigates, and I will waste the role bonus for torpedoes, but it is a cheap ship with a rapid training capable of covops cloaking and instalocks after decloaking, wich is essential for catching seasoned explorers.

I have watched videos and guides and im finishing my training, but I still have one doubt.

Considering 3 rocket launcher II loaded with Tech II scourge rockets, will I be able to blow up an Astero ( exploration fitted ) before its drones kill my Manticore? Would it be better to shoot down the drones first, or should I just focus on the Astero? Apart from one shield extender in Mid, should i go for shiled rigs or damage rigs?

Im asking becasue half of the explo ships I see are Asteros, and thanks to its 5 light drone it is the only explo frigate capable of some fighting back.

Thanks for your comments

Missile and rocket launchers don't have good enough RoF to kill drones.



I am mystified by this cryptic comment...

I can maybe buy "not good enough alpha" as a nod to the ability of the enemy to scoop them

but not enough rof???? DPS kills stuff rof is a variable of that that has not importance when taken independently
Arla Sarain
#14 - 2015-05-06 15:29:05 UTC
Wow, explorers really get their asses handed to them.

If only those odd combat bonuses were worth something. But we can't have a cloaky deal damage, can we?
Damnskippy
Tribal Liberation Force
Minmatar Republic
#15 - 2015-05-07 00:23:19 UTC
Apex Bex wrote:
snake03 wrote:
Apex Bex wrote:
It's not a short train, but it's the best way, by far.

The D*ck Virus.



I'll leave this right here.

https://zkillboard.com/kill/44670562/

Anyway, an astero et al can tank it long enough to warp off.


Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope
Nope

I can keep going...?


I liked the video and got a laugh out of it. Strangely I'm tempted to go try this...
Iyokus Patrouette
University of Caille
Gallente Federation
#16 - 2015-05-07 04:23:57 UTC
Arla Sarain wrote:
Wow, explorers really get their asses handed to them.

If only those odd combat bonuses were worth something. But we can't have a cloaky deal damage, can we?


cloaky proteus can deal damage.

---- Advocate for the initiation of purple coloured wormholes----