So I watched a tutorial on how to use the P-51, but when I tried doing what it said in practice nothing changes. I tried climbing really high because the P-51 is an “energy fighter” but half the enemy team is already a mile and a half above me after I have been climbing for 5 minutes. So they just swoop down and insta kill me, and I can’t do anything about it. How am I supposed to use an “energy fighter” if no matter how long I spend climbing 60% of the enemy will always be above me and I cant do anything about it.
Which P-51?
The early P-51s aren’t the best climbers, so Bf-109s and the like will always beat you there. That doesn’t mean climbing is a bad idea though.
I like to climb straight in, or close to straight in heading on a 10 o’clock diagonal, and then when I see where the enemies are, I turn around and climb in the opposite direction. This discourages anyone from chasing you.
Eventually, most of the the enemies at altitude will be pushed lower, and you can start heading in and playing energy.
From what I know, shallow climb with P-51 is recommended and keeping more speed during that.
P-51 is energy fighter in a sense that it can go fast, dive fast and don’t lose that much speed during turns, but climbing isn’t its strong suit.
EDIT: Here is probably better tutorial https://youtu.be/HHBRbUZNa3A?si=GRMLXRepucA7Y2cG
Avar’s tutorial is prolly best for ARB:
For ASB, it’s not the Mustang in specific but american props in general. It talks about one of the biggest misunderstandings about climbing IMO - even if you are below the enemy, you might have more energy by virtue of speed and even if not, having diving room to work with can help equalize energy or reset unfavourable fights.:
My favorite P51 showcase (this bird CAN and will turn/dogfight if you keep her fast!):
Some of this applies to ARB too, but gunranges (300-500 meters at best vs casual 1 km to 1.5 km head-on long snipes), lack of markers and lack of instructor makes a big difference.