The Large probe and it's huge science cost

[Unfawkable]

1000 science just so you can have a 2.5 meter probe instead of a 1.25 which has all the same functions is overpriced to say the least. Now, probes making pilots obsolete is too strong as it is, but something should be hotfixed about this so that it's actually worth investing 1000 science into it. Instead of simply buffing the large probe, which is also an option, the already too useful smaller probe could be nerfed instead. It can have manuver following removed (It can still keep the target pro and retro grade markers), and make it available only for the 1000 science large probe.

[amorymeltzer]

I keep going back and forth on this. I really want the large probe core for efficient stations/refueling/mining/etc, so I'd like it to be cheaper. I might even say I've held of expanding some of my operations until I unlocked it as it is so very vital I think. Something that major, which really is, in some sense, the final cog (along with the rockomax node) in the fully-modular world of stations/mining/etc., is worth 1k in my book.

[Hcube]

i usually end up using an OKTO or HECS on all my ships, whatever their size, because all probe cores are basically the same... I can point retrograde by myself if i want to. Why would i ever need something else than a .1 ton, 0.625m probe ?

Those sure are very hard to balance...

EDIT: How about give the 2.5m probe core an integrated reaction wheel anout as powerful as the SAS unit ? it would make it really good... and people would keep using the SAS module cause it's cheaper, consumes less power, and they don't always need a probe ;D

Edited June 1, 2015 by Hcube

[Unfawkable]

i usually end up using an OKTO or HECS on all my ships, whatever their size, because all probe cores are basically the same... I can point retrograde by myself if i want to. Why would i ever need something else than a .1 ton, 0.625m probe ?

Those sure are very hard to balance...

EDIT: How about give the 2.5m probe core an integrated reaction wheel anout as powerful as the SAS unit ? it would make it really good... and people would keep using the SAS module cause it's cheaper, consumes less power, and they don't always need a probe ;D

Admittedly, the maneuver tracking is really useful and makes life a lot easier, hence why I use the smaller probe instead of OKTO.

Also, the advantage of a 2.5 meter probe are numerous for larger vessels, you can put it in the middle of your craft instead of the top, you can put a large docking port on it, it's more stable, etc. Still not worth the 1000 science for me though.