Go for the IX?

[kdv]

For some reason I qualify to purchase the IX, after only a few patrols in the VII.

I am quite comfortable with the VII, and it's handling. From what I've read here, the IX is a 'pig', that doesn't dive, or turn fast.

Are there qualities that offset these drawbacks?

For now I'll cruise in the VII, to save the 9000 renown it'll cost, but I am curious to take it for a spin :).

[lionn77]

The "IX" uboot is a bit slower while submerged and less manouverable but carries 22 torpedoes and a more powerful 105mm gun so you can have 100k ton patrols if you use your weaponry smart. Moreover the range and surface speed is also superior to the VIIs.In my view the advantages are more significant than shortages:cool:

[mookiemookie]

22 torpedoes vs. 14. All the difference in the world. :cool:

[Kapt Z]

It's really just personal preference. I'm sure you will find plenty of support for both boats in this forum.

I've been out in type II, VII and IXb boats. I'm partial to the VII myself for her quick diving, great handling, quick diving, smaller size vs Asdic, QUICK DIVING.....

Well, you get my point. For use in aircraft patrolled areas and against convoys I would take my VIIC over a IX any day. Most of my losses have been to aircraft so the speed of dive of the type VII is paramount to me.

The IX boat does have the endurance and torpedo loadout for successful long voyages to far off locales away from aircraft and heavily escorted convoys.

[Faamecanic]

Dont forget it has TWO stern torpedo tubes vs. 1. You can sink a Large Merchant with two torps.... with one you can sink a small coastal vessel...

[U-84]

it's all about the captain (you) ..I'm a VIIC lover, but currently for the first time i am using a IXC. Huge differences. the pros of the IX are obviously long range, (currently outside of capetown in africa), alot more torps, and better deck gun. The IX in my opinion if you fought it it could be compared to like goldberg from the WWE. the VIIC is a survival boat, kind of like bear Grylls. It can dive in a hurry, turn pretty decently in certain situations, and has more deck gun ammo. Although I'am enjoying my IXC career so far, I really love my old VIIC.

[danurve]

IMO; the IX class is a bit sluggish, and a sonar magnet. I might void the deck gun argument after a certain point in the games time not to mention a sub is a poor gun platform to begin with. Also jmpo but the agrivation an IX gives you is not worth the 6 or so extra fish.

If you feel the need to kill time and do IO or East coast time knock yourself out, but I'd rather do more patrols in a shorter length of time. Getting into the air gap is about as far as I care to go, maybe the Med.

Type 7 forever :arrgh!:

[Weiss Pinguin]

For some reason I qualify to purchase the IX, after only a few patrols in the VII.

I am quite comfortable with the VII, and it's handling. From what I've read here, the IX is a 'pig', that doesn't dive, or turn fast.

Are there qualities that offset these drawbacks?

For now I'll cruise in the VII, to save the 9000 renown it'll cost, but I am curious to take it for a spin :).
Weaponry and range are the Type IX's greatest assets. Greater storage capacity and an improved deck gun helps your chances of topping that Aces scoreboard, and the large fuel capacity means you can patrol the North Sea and North Atlantic for a much longer time, or you can stir up trouble off the American and African coastlines. Plus, there is plenty of room for a choir. ;)

Personally I have more experience with the Type VII, but the IX has been a fun boat as well. Takes a while to adjust to the Type IX's speed and dive times, though, especially coming from a VII.

[Lafferty]

personally it never matters to me as long as I have torpedoes i'm good.

[Piggy]

Wouldnt the deeper diving of the IX somewhat negate the sonar magnet aspect?

Just how deep can you go in the IX?

[Jimbuna]

Type IX for more eels and choice of patrol areas.

[Keelbuster]

Type IX give me some satisfaction in that with it's payload you can basically wipe out a convoy. In the VII you have to pick and choose. With IX you can even take out the little targets:)

[RoaldLarsen]

What's the best tool - a saw or a hammer?

The VII and IX were designed for different missions.

The IX excels on long-range patrols against little opposition. The VII is better for shorter patrols under aircraft infested skies.

The IX will allow you to get more kills per patrol, and the VII will allow you to get more patrols (unless you insist on assigning your IX to the Rockall Bank, contrary to historical practice.)

Earlier in the war, when enemy aircraft are not seen very often, the disadvantages of the IX are negligible. From 1943, I think the dive time advantage of the VII will go a long way to increasing your kills/career, by keeping you alive longer.

Finally, the VIIC/41 could dive deeper than any IX boat.

So pick your boat according to the type of patrols you want, and the stage of the war.

[Fluffysheap]

I prefer the Type II. Not because it's better, as obviously it isn't, but because it's NOT better. With only five torpedoes on board (three tubes) you will not sink as many ships, but neither will you be on patrol as long, meaning faster qualifications (but slower promotions). The dive time is quite fast so in the event you are caught out usually you will be able to submerge in time. But during the early war period when this boat is used the aircraft are not very numerous or effective. With only two reload torpedoes, four officers and more bunk space than crew, you will never have fatigue problems. The small size helps you avoid active sonar.

I find the limitations of the Type II add to the flavor of the game. You cannot dive as deep, or travel as fast, or withstand as much damage; your single 20mm gun must do double duty as deck gun and AA. The boat is very noisy, even at 1 knot on silent running. There is no upgrade for the hydrophone or gun, and the battery upgrade is minimally useful. Every precious torpedo you fire must be carefully considered. Against the small vessels in the North Sea with only five torpedoes, half of them likely defective in some way, 10,000 tons is an excellent patrol.

[Kapt Z]

I prefer the Type II. Not because it's better, as obviously it isn't, but because it's NOT better. With only five torpedoes on board (three tubes) you will not sink as many ships, but neither will you be on patrol as long, meaning faster qualifications (but slower promotions).

Funny enough when I tried a IID Bdu sent me to the west coast of Ireland again and again! That's a long way from the fatherland in a canoe!:damn:

[crazypantoufle]

I would say IX is a good choice during the first part of the war, when there are so many unescorted and easy targets that the number of torpedo is the main interest.

But when things become rough, VII is the good choice if you want to participate to the main battle against convoys in North Atlantic from mid 1942. Low sonar signature, excellent handling (slaloming in the middle of a convoy with a VII is just a pleasure), fast diving speed, slighter profile which make it a target much more difficult to reach with bombs and DC... And with the fact that from 1943 you can consider yourself skilled and very lucky if you manage to launch 12 torpedos on a convoy without being destroyed, you will see that the number of torpedo won't be your main problem any more.

Well, in a few words, the VII is the best weapon in the worst areas and bad situations. That's why in 1943 Dönitz had to recognize that XIs were not fitted for the hard job in North Atlantic and sent them to less defended areas.
If you like to spend months having sunbath in tropical areas with low escorts and isolated merchants, then IX is for you.:sunny:
If you like to do the tough part of the Ubootwaffe duty,then come and join our VII fleet in the North Atlantic. Sunglasses are not usefull there, but diapers are strongly recommended!:dead:

Yeah, UVIIc rules!:rock:

[Weiss Pinguin]

I prefer the Type II. Not because it's better, as obviously it isn't, but because it's NOT better. With only five torpedoes on board (three tubes) you will not sink as many ships, but neither will you be on patrol as long, meaning faster qualifications (but slower promotions).

Funny enough when I tried a IID Bdu sent me to the west coast of Ireland again and again! That's a long way from the fatherland in a canoe!:damn:
Not in a nuclear-powered Einbaum! :arrgh!:

Anyways

[kdv]

Thanks for all the advice Gents,

I've 'bought' the IX, and am enjoying it so far. Dive time is terrible, but am going to run with the decks awash to reduce those times.

The amount of torpedo's you can carry is amazing. It does make all the difference when attacking a bigger convoy. If I had my way the weapons officer would be strapping even more to the deck with bungee cords :D!

I really hate to admit this to you guys, considering how much the realism is valued, but in-game I have it set for unlimited fuel. Part of my vocation is fuel-management, it's way too stressful some times when you don't know if you're going to have enough or not. So I don't use fuel-management settings in my choices of entertainment! What I do though, is keep the patrols in historical waters ie. no going to Japan in a VII, Caribbean, etc.

[_Seth_]

I've 'bought' the IX, and am enjoying it so far. Dive time is terrible, but am going to run with the decks awash to reduce those times.
Could someone try out the different subs, and get a list over the diving times for each one (standard surface cruise & with decks awash?)PS: I would also think that the speed of the sub would have to be considered. :yep:

[gigel_escu]

Diving times are in tehnical information in each sub, diving time depends of crew experience. Indeed type IX is very slow in reaction, in stock SH after June 44 I take VII/41 more faster and good diving. Altought with type IX I slought a convoy just 2 ship from 15 initially with escorts, but is really annoyng to go half of the Earth. Generally a mission in Brazil postoned because I intercept a convoy from Gibraltar and a mission to America was very juicy:D.

[Faamecanic]

Thanks for all the advice Gents,

I've 'bought' the IX, and am enjoying it so far. Dive time is terrible, but am going to run with the decks awash to reduce those times.

The amount of torpedo's you can carry is amazing. It does make all the difference when attacking a bigger convoy. If I had my way the weapons officer would be strapping even more to the deck with bungee cords :D!

I really hate to admit this to you guys, considering how much the realism is valued, but in-game I have it set for unlimited fuel. Part of my vocation is fuel-management, it's way too stressful some times when you don't know if you're going to have enough or not. So I don't use fuel-management settings in my choices of entertainment! What I do though, is keep the patrols in historical waters ie. no going to Japan in a VII, Caribbean, etc.

Nothing wrong with reducing "realism" to increase enjoyment. Sometimes we simmers get so wrapped up in "what is real" we stop having fun with our sims.

Me...I dont do my own torpedo solution calculations. I deal with math and stats all day and thats the LAST thing I want to do (trig).... I enjoy the hunt! To do the math would be like a deer hunter calculating his exact bullet trajectory before taking his shot!

[_Seth_]

Just another tiny point: while running decks awash, the speed isn't as great as it would be when running on the surface. Increasing speed means more fuel used. In such cases, i believe the IX would be a better choice, since the fuel capacity is greater than on the VII-boats.