Why the P-38J?

[Anaxogoras]

Why do I see more P-38J's than L's?  The ordinance package is worse, it doesn't have dive flaps, or boosted ailerons, and performance is otherwise identical.  Is it an ENY difference?

[SgtPappy]

Some say it maneuvers better... I have to say I notice no difference.

The only reason I fly it is for nostalgic reasons. I think it was able to fight the most when the Allies were just pushing into their great offensive on the Axis in all theaters. The P-38L didn't arrive pretty much until the Allies already had complete utter superiority.

In addition, our P-38L doesn't run at full rated, fresh-out-the-factory power.

[Ack-Ack]

Why do I see more P-38J's than L's?  The ordinance package is worse, it doesn't have dive flaps, or boosted ailerons, and performance is otherwise identical.  Is it an ENY difference?

Depends on who's flying the P-38 I guess.  I myself prefer the J only for the reason that's the plane the 479th flew before transitioning to the P-51D.  Usually the veteran P-38 drivers in here will gravitate towards the G and the J for some reason.  That's not to say it's because the L sucks, which it doesn't as it's the best of the P-38s.


ack-ack

[Soulyss]

For whatever reason I started with the J when I began flying the 38 regularly, it's the type I'm most used to and has the most options for historically accurate 80th FS skins. 

[Spikes]

I love the J. Don't know why, but i just do.

I can up a J and get 5 kills easily, but if I up an L it just feels different, and I usually end up dying.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

Because the J model is like sex on wings. Especially with the "California Cutie" skin.

[Wolfala]

Most simple reason for me is the Skins. The L sucks donkey in that area with everything being polished aluminum. When you wanna get down low - it helps when you don't look like a 70s disco ball from 10k out.

[Bronk]

Most simple reason for me is the Skins. The L sucks donkey in that area with everything being polished aluminum. When you wanna get down low - it helps when you don't look like a 70s disco ball from 10k out.

(Image removed from quote.)

Best damn 38 skin.

[The Fugitive]

I like the "J" because it feels lighter to me. The L feels heavier and the "G" while loads of fun down low, isn't as quick as the 'J" and suffers a bit there.

[Guppy35]

Best damn 38 skin.

The one that says Corky Jr on the nose is the best damn 38 skin!

[1pLUs44]

Eh, I like the P-38J and the G the most. Just because if I get low and slow, it's harder to see me. And for some odd reason, I do really really well in both of them.

(Plus, P-38G has a 35FG skin on it.)   

[VonMessa]

Does it come with Vicodin?   

[20mmrain]

   I think It feels lighter and more Nimble then the L. Even though It shouldnt be:)

[bongaroo]

In general I think the J has better skins.  The aluminum one with the blue stripes all over is the hotness.

The L feels lighter at high speeds to me, probably because of the boosted ailerons; but otherwise they feel the same to me.

[Anaxogoras]

Yes, performance stats at http://gonzoville.com/ahcharts/index.php indicate that the J and L are identical.  So, any feeling of lightness or difference in handling is only perception, unless someone can provide different data than what I see there.