Thorax
I originally picked up the Thorax when I wanted a straight dps ship for ratting. When I moved next door to a NPC controlled null sec region I really wanted to head there and see what it was like. A PVP capable dps ship seemed like the best choice and so I picked up the Thorax.
I ended up ratting in null sec and the hardy cruiser performed surprisingly well there. The only problem was the room required for ammo (which pretty soon ran out anyway) and loot, but otherwise the Thorax is a solid, cheap ratter.
My fit has a small repper for repairs while at a safespot. The big rats you’re going after shouldn’t be able to hit you much if you orbit them close so the tank isn’t that necessary. A warp disruptor is required as the BS rats will try to warp out on you if you kill their escort first (which is pretty much required as they are the ones that can chew you up).
It takes a while to break the tank on the big bounty BS rats, but it can be done. Smaller ones go down fast with the drones. You could opt for Hammerhead II’s if you want more dps, but I like the options that lights + ecms give me. The ecms can be used as an extra tank (albeit a sporadic one if you are unlucky) and they are priceless for those GTFO moments.
My stats: 25 dps sustained tank, 25K EHP and 135 dps (guns + Warrior II’s)
[Thorax, Ratter (null sec) ]
Small Automated I Carapace Restoration
Gyrostabilizer I
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Damage Control II
1600mm Reinforced Rolled Tungsten Plates I
Fleeting Warp Disruptor I
Stasis Webifier I
10MN MicroWarpdrive I
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon I, EMP M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon I, EMP M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon I, EMP M
Prototype Cloaking Device I
Salvager I
Warrior II x5
Hornet EC-300 x5