Next fighter after starting Elite?

[mr.WHO]

I gathered enough cash to buy new fighter as I'm getting sick of the start Elite.

What fighter should I buy?
Currently I wonder between Falcon (good shields and hull), Nova or Eclipse (those 4 weapon mounts).
Or maybe something else?

Also what weapons you find effective? I only tried the start pew pew pew laser and the shop lack any descriptions for weapons.

[Ed86]

why buy, when you can steal? you can cap even in your elite, and that usually brings +0.5m

[mr.WHO]

But from who? I'm friendly/neutral with everyone except Khaak?Xenon and I'm preatty sure their ships are not boardable.

[LTerSlash]

I did get a Curier ship and set it to autotrade it does not gives much money, but it helps to gain reputation with the factions.

[tek77]

I took an Eclipse (Vanguard) with the mk1 bolt guns over something else that had a 4-limb look, also a heavy fighter but can't recall name at the Argon Prime Wharf. The eclipse was similar price but roughly double the hull/shields for not much less in speed. When comparing them choose the loadout you're more realistically able to buy (low/med/high) - then also check high to get an idea of what it'll upgrade to.

I only had about 700k so chose Eclipse min or low, then did a few upgrades from there for lvl 2 shields/engines and went with the bolt guns mk1 for now. When i get a few more credits i'll upgrade to mk2 bolts.

[Ed86]

there's scale plate pact faction. usually around gates pirating stuff, they were kind enough to gift me 2 kestrels ~0.5m each and a falcon
kestrels also has nice cargo for a "scout" 900m3
not sure how economy works, but i didnt even have problems equipping them (unlike x3), just downgrade t3 engines to t2, and then fit all other top equip