Choosing a Ship (Part 1)

Many people in this game place value on being able to fly a lot of different ships. This is often an important factor in big fleet type organizations. If you want to participate in a fleet, you need to be able to fly a ship the FC needs/wants in his/her fleet. As a solo-frig pilot fleet composition obviously isn't as big of a deal, therefore specializing in a single hull is encouraged. The more you know about your own ship, the more fights you'll win... The more relevant SP you bring to the grid, the more fights you will win... etc.

To start off, take a few T1 frigs from your own race and go to lowsec. Caldari grab your Merlins, Amarrians grab a handful of Punishers, Gallentians jump in an Incursus or two, and Minmatars mount up in your Rifters. Look at the ship's bonuses and fit to best exploit those bonuses. Go out... Fight shit... Learn... Ask your opponent questions (after the fight), most people are happy to help. Try short range setups and long range setups... Shield tanks and armor tanks... Active tank and buffer tank... Find what works best for you. Download Eve Fitting Tool or Python Fitting Assistant (Google them, shit I can't do it all for you...) and don't be afraid to experiment. There was a day when people laughed at others flying shield-fit Hurricanes... Also don't be afraid to lose. These ships are cheap and you don't learn dick by sitting in a station or at a safe-spot while epic kill opportunities warp on by.

After you've lost a stack of T1 frigs, ask yourself "do I like speed or is it cool being a slow turd in space?" "Do I like to get in someone's face or do I like the challenge of holding my opponent at range?" "Do I like the survivability of an active tank or the cap independence/simplicity of a buffer tank?"

If you want to be a solo-frig pilot look at getting into an interceptor or assault ship. Electronic attack ships are cool but most people won't fight you. Nobody likes being jammed/webbed/neuted/damped and kited. Covert Ops ships are not known for fielding immense amounts of firepower though stealth bombers have their place. Interceptors and assault ships are your best bet when you have nobody else to rely on.

Interceptors are light and fast while providing enough firepower to do some serious damage. On the other hand, assault ships are a little heavier and slower but have real kick-in-the-face potential as far as damage goes and they are a lot tankier than interceptors. I prefer assault ships due to their balance of damage and maneuverability while maintaining a nice tank that can withstand a lot of punishment. Interceptors just feel too fragile to me, though I know a lot of people who use them effectively.

TO BE CONTINUED...