sevens or nines
 

I'm playing in the 2nd flotilla in '39, and am having some success (finally) in my VIIB. I'm beginning to think ahead, and whether I wanted to upgrade to a type IXB, or wait till the more advanced VIIs roll out. I realized I didn't really know what I wanted to do.

I thought I'd ask the veterans. What are your thoughts on the various boats, and their later versions. I'm wondering things like, aside from range, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the IXB vs the VIIB? Or the later IXs vs. the later VIIs? Do you usually stick with one type and get its upgrades as they become available? Or do you bounce around? How is the type IID in comparison with its crappy earlier brother? (I was thinking of maybe transferring to the Black Sea later to try it). What are your favorite/least favorite boats, and why?

You must have made a typo... It's Seven Of Nine. She can assimilate me any time she wants. ;)

Sorry, I just had to take that one, it was too easy. I don't have any experience with a type 9, so don't take my word for it. The 9s have more torpedo storage but take more time to dive and manoeuvre around. Or so the word goes in the bar.

Well I use both. Most of my careers I too play in the second flotilla. I usually start with a VIIB, get a VIIC as soon as it's available, and in early '42 I get a IXc. Because in january, operation Drumbeat / Paukenschlag starts (attacking merchants and convoys off the US east coast).

I like both ships. The type VII dives quicker and is overall more manoeuvreable. It's also harder to spot for enemy sonar.
The IXc takes considerable more time to dive, and is less agile, but it is faster, has longer range and (for me the biggest advantage) it has a lot more torpedoes.

They're both very fine ships. I don't really have a favorite actually.

It probably comes down to individual playing style, but for me I prefer the 7's for the same reasons as quoted above.

Ask ten people and receive ten different answers.

I prefer the Type IX for range and eel quantities mainly but in 45 Irevert to the XXIII (2 eels and no reloads) for the added challenge.

I don't think I really have a favorite as well.

I play both. I have multiple careers in the different flotilas so I play a combination of VII's and IX's,and even a II in the Black Sea where you have to make every shot count with only 5 eels.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The IX's with their load out and long range make for some long patrols, but the VII's are pretty manuverable and dive quickly.

I just started back into SH3 with a VII in the Med after some time playing SH4. I sure miss having 24 torpedoes available in a Fleet Boat (and a ice cream maker too :D).

:)

That's what I was hoping for! I'm trying to assimilate (;)) as much knowledge from the grognards as I can.

Did I read that right, the XXIII? I didn't even realize that was in the game. I thought the XXI was the last.

It's modded into the game...

You can download it from Jim's gamefront page here:

http://www.gamefront.com/files/14171521/XXIII_GWX3_7z

IXB is my favorite.

It's not the torpedo quantity, as I don't carry external reloads. Internaly, I only carry 2 more than a VII, and they're both in the stern.

IX(A) is next. Again, it's not the torpedo quantity, as I carry the same as a VIIB does internaly.

Pluses:
More stable platform (surfaced and submerged).
More oxygen.
Higher surface speed.
Double hulled.
Longer range.
105 mm deck gun.
More damage control slots.
2 stern tubes.
Good convoy attack boat.

That's correct.

Be advised though...using the Type XXIII means you won't have the Type XXI because all the U-boat type slots are used up.

Sooooo...with the XXIII mod enabled you still choose the XXI but get the XXIII instead.

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/1...2518414153.jpg
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7...5183237401.jpg

If you want to see more of the world go with the IX. :DL

I enjoy the IX U-Boats and never looked back. :yeah: :up:

I use only the IX types: IXB - IXC for long range attack patrols in the whole Atlantic and the IXD2 when I want to try the Far East theatre.

I don't see much point in 'purchasing' anything after the IXB until the IXD2 becomes available tbh :hmmm:

I prefer the type VIIB because it can dive faster (life-saving later in the war) and is more maneuverable that an type IX.

Stock SH3 does not reflect the important differences between the VIIb, C, and C/41 - especially diving depth. Besides, the B is marginally faster than the other two variants. That said, you can alter the stock u-boat cfg file(s) to change that to more historical accuracy.........or to build an uber-uboot for arcade play.

If you de-select "limited fuel", you can have the same range as a type IXD2 :yeah: - just pretend like you are meeting Milch Cows at sea for fuel and food, except that they're fresh out of torpedo reloads when you do. You can sail to the Gulf of Mexico and back and your time on station is limited only by the number of eels and cannon shells aboard.

Historically, the IXs were considered by BdU to be too slow and sluggish for convoy attacks, and relatively easy prey for aircraft and escorts. To overcome this, they were relegated to long-range operations to areas where ASW defenses were weaker and/or most ships sailed solo. This took optimal advantage of their large fuel bunkerage and torpedo load-out.

say what you will....laugh at me....mock me.

But my favorite Uboat in sh3 is the type II

• smaller, harder target to see/find/hit
• fast diving
• smaller crew, easier to manage

Sure, the lack of extra torpedoes is a pain, but that's nothing that a little crazy running and gunning with the flak gun can't handle (it's not like you are going to use it to shoot down aircraft anyway)......yes I'm serious.

But between the VII and the IX, the larger deck gun, extra torpedoes and flak guns, and greater range have me sold on the IX.