elLOCOmutha · Aug 21, 2006, 06:13 PM // 18:13

Hi im new to the ranger profession and was wondering what is the best bow I can buy for my ranger?

I use poisen arrows, hunters shot etc..

thank you for any help.

DeanBB · Aug 21, 2006, 06:22 PM // 18:22

The bow that best fits your build. Actually that should be "bows" as you'll want different ones for different builds or opponents.

Personally I prefer a flat bow and short bow combo when using either favorable winds and/or read the wind. That gives the fastest fire rate (2.0) and max range with the flat bow.

You'll probably end up with 4-6 bow at least with different mods on them (poison, physical, fiery, etc) depending on how many different builds you run, then perhaps long range and short range versions as well.

elLOCOmutha · Aug 21, 2006, 07:13 PM // 19:13

So a short bow for fast fire rate and a flat bow for the best distance reaching bow?

Reikai · Aug 21, 2006, 07:21 PM // 19:21

there is no single "best" bow. If I had to choose one bow for the "All rounder" bow it would be the following:

Sundering Recurvebow of Fortitude
Piercing Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship)
Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%)
20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance)
Health +30

OR

Icy Recurvebow of Fortitude
Cold Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship)
Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%)
20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance)
Health +30

----------
The reason for this is:
The bow-type I defaut to is the Recurvebow, unless a specific situation is given.

Sundering or Ebon are the two "best" (IMO) non-specific, un-conditional mods.

I like +30 HP over +5 armor.

This bow can serve as the "all rounder" bow, and will get the job done *most* of the time. However, it is no where near what a specific bow can achieve in the correct situation.

llsektorll · Aug 21, 2006, 07:30 PM // 19:30

recurve has fastest flight time... it is generally used for interupting because it has less chance to miss due to fast flight time... it also has a larger range than a short bow but all bows are balanced since it is so fast flight time it as a hefty 2.4sec recharge time... but its worth it if your arrows dont get dodged. Here are the bow stats http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Bow.

Poison Ivy · Aug 21, 2006, 07:38 PM // 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by elLOCOmutha

So a short bow for fast fire rate and a flat bow for the best distance reaching bow?

Actually Longbows/Flatbows are best for distance reaching. Shortbows for fast fire/close range, their useful to finish off someone with a few quick hits. Hornbows for spiking since they have a 10% armor penetration bonus, and it's best to pack it with a Vampiric mod (5/1) for some extra spiking damage. Recurves are best for some key important shots, like interupting or when playing Cripshot.

Painbringer · Aug 21, 2006, 08:45 PM // 20:45

Early in the game solo play PvE with henchies I would try for a Poisoners Mod +33% to poison duration this helps out a bit. After you start getting elite skills (Like Barrage) a bow of Sundering is a very helpful bow. If you have a hard time managing energy then zealous bow will help you out. If you want more damage vampiric helps out. Keep an eye open on the trade chat for green weapons. (Expect to pay a little more for them) Style of bow and how it looks is your preference faster shot verses distance (See Wiki for more info on all the different bows styles / Green Weapons).

elLOCOmutha · Aug 21, 2006, 09:04 PM // 21:04

I ended up buying a composite bow. What bow can I get for fast attack now?

Am I correct here in my thinking?

Composite bow=long distance

recurve=fast fire rate

Dr Strangelove · Aug 21, 2006, 09:16 PM // 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by elLOCOmutha

I ended up buying a composite bow. What bow can I get for fast attack now?

Am I correct here in my thinking?

Composite bow=long distance

recurve=fast fire rate

Eh... bad news. Composite bow is the same as a recurve bow.

Here's a nifty list of the bow stuff:

http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Bow

Here's my set of bows:

Fiery Shortbow of Shelter - Elemental Damage comes in handy sometimes, good with tiger's fury
Elswyth's recurve bow (5:1 vamp, +30 health) - My "general use" bow.
Vampiric shadow bow of defense (shadow bow = horn bow) - Spiking
Elswyth's longbow (33% poison, +30 health) - Any build using poison
Silencing recurve of fortitude - Any build using dazed
Ironwing Flatbow (zealous, +30 health) - Zealous is nifty at times, I use it for pet builds and quickshot builds mostly
Candycane bow - Just because

Maria The Princess · Aug 22, 2006, 04:42 AM // 04:42

you need a following bow set:

1- long/flat/horn bow with Sundering with a +marksmanship bow grip (more damage and general use)
2- Recurve bow with Vampiric mode
3- Recurve bow with a Zealots mode
4- Long/Flat/Horn bow with poison mode
5- Any bow with elemental damage

rest of the bows (where i didnt specify grip) has to have a +armor or +hp grip
at least 1 bow should have a +20% to enchantments bow grip, for enchantmants builds. rest should be +hp or +defence.

im not a fan of short bows but alot of ppl are comfortable with them. just that i rather use a recurve bow instead

with this set you can run almost any build that you may want

Age · Aug 22, 2006, 04:57 AM // 04:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reikai

there is no single "best" bow. If I had to choose one bow for the "All rounder" bow it would be the following:

Sundering Recurvebow of Fortitude
Piercing Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship)
Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%)
20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance)
Health +30

OR

Icy Recurvebow of Fortitude
Cold Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship)
Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%)
20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance)
Health +30

----------
The reason for this is:
The bow-type I defaut to is the Recurvebow, unless a specific situation is given.

Sundering or Ebon are the two "best" (IMO) non-specific, un-conditional mods.

I like +30 HP over +5 armor.

This bow can serve as the "all rounder" bow, and will get the job done *most* of the time. However, it is no where near what a specific bow can achieve in the correct situation.

Strange this is what I have although mine is fiery not icey.

Maria The Princess · Aug 22, 2006, 05:01 AM // 05:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reikai

Icy Recurvebow of Fortitude
Cold Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship)
Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%)
20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance)
Health +30

how did you manage to put 2 diffrent bowstrings on one bow???...

LightningHell · Aug 22, 2006, 05:04 AM // 05:04

Actually, I would get Vampiric than Sundering, and get a switch weapon.

Sol_Vie · Aug 22, 2006, 05:40 AM // 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Strangelove

Eh... bad news. Composite bow is the same as a recurve bow.

Here's a nifty list of the bow stuff:

http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Bow

Here's my set of bows:

Fiery Shortbow of Shelter - Elemental Damage comes in handy sometimes, good with tiger's fury
Elswyth's recurve bow (5:1 vamp, +30 health) - My "general use" bow.
Vampiric shadow bow of defense (shadow bow = horn bow) - Spiking
Elswyth's longbow (33% poison, +30 health) - Any build using poison
Silencing recurve of fortitude - Any build using dazed
Ironwing Flatbow (zealous, +30 health) - Zealous is nifty at times, I use it for pet builds and quickshot builds mostly
Candycane bow - Just because

Out of all the suggestions these seem the best.

Personally, my ranger has at 15^50 poisonous composite of defense as his general use bow. He's also packing a 13^50 longbow (random unimportant mods) for pulling and the like. I'd like to get him a +5 energy shortbow or half moon. I'd use that for any beast mastery build. Throw a zealous string on a half moon and it works great. Especially with Tiger's Fury.

My other ranger (I have two accounts so yes I have two rangers) is an R/E spike build so he uses a 15% Enchanted Shadow Bow and a 15^50 Recurve. The Shadow Bow for spiking, the Recurve for when I run interrupt.

So to recap:

15^50 Poisonous Composite Bow of Defense
13^50 Longbow of Something or Other
+5 Energy Zealous Shortbow of Defense/of Fortitude
15% Enchanted Fiery Shadow Bow (or Horn Bow) of Defense

Those are the bows I'd use. Good luck with your ranger. They're a lot of fun.

mtm · Aug 22, 2006, 07:05 AM // 07:05

Don't listen to people who think sundering mod is the best and no matter what or where you play you should always have a sundering mod. The main purpose of a sundering mod is showing it to others.

Ristaron · Aug 22, 2006, 07:39 AM // 07:39

Sundering Ithas Bow of Fortitude

Zakarr · Aug 22, 2006, 08:33 AM // 08:33

How Sundering 20/20 will affect to your bow damage:

Uphill or downhill bonuses/penalties not included.

Markmanship at 16

Bow 15-28 dmg, 15^50hp, sundering 20/20, customized 20%

Against 60 armor targets (usually monks, elementalists, necros, ritualists and mesmers):

No sundering (sundering 20/20):
min dmg ~23.29 (~26.75) -> difference +3.46 every 5th attack (+0.69 every attack)
max dmg ~43.47 (~49.93) -> difference +6.46 every 5th attack (+1.29 every attack)

Against 70 armor targets (usually assassins and rangers):

No sundering (sundering 20/20):
min dmg ~19.58 (~24.96) -> difference +5.38 every 5th attack (+1.08 every attack)
max dmg ~36.55 (~46.59) -> difference +10.04 every 5th attack (+2.01 every attack)

Against 100 armor vs physical targets (usually warriors):

No sundering (sundering 20/20):
min dmg ~11.65 (~16.47) -> difference +4.82 every 5th attack (+0.96 every attaack)
max dmg ~21.74 (~30.73) -> difference +8.99 every 5th attack (+1.80 every attack)

Note that this is theoretical situation. You might get it kick in more often or less often. It is all about the luck.

**Marty Silverblade** · Aug 22, 2006, 08:44 AM // 08:44

I think on GuildWiki it says that people consider Urgoz' Longbow to be the perfect bow. I don't know if people agree with this though. (I believe it's a perfect 15^50 20/20 +30hp longbow, correct me if I'm wrong).

Ehrenia · Aug 22, 2006, 09:10 AM // 09:10

I assume this is mainly focussed on PvE but when you then to decide to take your ranger to PvP, this is what I have on mine:

Shortbow req9
15^50
Vampiric 5, Health +30
Uses: For when I need a fast fire rate and know I can be close to my target. (like if using choking gas, but I don't use it)
----------
Recurve Bow req9
15^50
Vampiric 5, Health +30
Uses: When I am interupting using attack skills (not preparations), and when I really can't afford to be missing my target, for example when using Crippling Shot. A +5 Recurve Bow is also good for Crippling Shot due to the high energy cost of spamming it, but personally I prefer 15% extra damage over 1 more cripple.
----------
Recurve Bow req9
15^50
Ebon, Health +30
Uses: Same as above, but I use this bow when I know my target has high armor vs physical and/or piercing.
----------
Hornbow req9
15^50
Vampiric 5, Health +30
Uses: When I need that extra bit of damage and can afford to be attacking slowly. I rarely use a Hornbow, but it is useful occasionally.
----------
Longbow req9
15^50
Sundering 20/20, Health +30
Uses: When I have to remain at a safe distance and my target is likely to be moving, I use sundering here since I am less likely to be hitting and I don't want an overall loss of life.
----------
Flatbow req9
15^50
Sundering 20/20, Health +30
Uses: Again when I have to remain at a safe distance. A flatbow is better vs a stationary target due to the long flight time and the large arc, the advantage being a faster refire rate than the longbow, so more damage.

Hope all that helps, assuming you turn to PvP

Dr Strangelove · Aug 22, 2006, 09:29 AM // 09:29

Personally I find longbows to be kinda crappy. Pulling with a flatbow works a bit better, you have an extra half second to run like crazy before your arrow hits and the mob charges you. Most targets will close to casting range with you pretty quickly. If you're hitting a target at longbow range for any period of time, it's most likely not moving so a flatbow is better. Longbows have so-so arrow speed and so-so refire. There really isn't anything they're the best at.

Oh, and sundering sucks.

Aug 21, 2006, 06:13 PM // 18:13	#1
elLOCOmutha Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ascalon City, Tyria Guild: Free Agent Profession: W/	RANGERS, whats the best BOW I can get on the market? Hi im new to the ranger profession and was wondering what is the best bow I can buy for my ranger? I use poisen arrows, hunters shot etc.. thank you for any help.

Aug 21, 2006, 07:30 PM // 19:30	#5
llsektorll Desert Nomad Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Profession: R/	recurve has fastest flight time... it is generally used for interupting because it has less chance to miss due to fast flight time... it also has a larger range than a short bow but all bows are balanced since it is so fast flight time it as a hefty 2.4sec recharge time... but its worth it if your arrows dont get dodged. Here are the bow stats http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Bow. Last edited by llsektorll; Aug 21, 2006 at 07:39 PM // 19:39..

Aug 22, 2006, 09:10 AM // 09:10	#19
Ehrenia Krytan Explorer Join Date: Apr 2006 Guild: Melted Chocolate Bunnies [EaT]	I assume this is mainly focussed on PvE but when you then to decide to take your ranger to PvP, this is what I have on mine: Shortbow req9 15^50 Vampiric 5, Health +30 Uses: For when I need a fast fire rate and know I can be close to my target. (like if using choking gas, but I don't use it) ---------- Recurve Bow req9 15^50 Vampiric 5, Health +30 Uses: When I am interupting using attack skills (not preparations), and when I really can't afford to be missing my target, for example when using Crippling Shot. A +5 Recurve Bow is also good for Crippling Shot due to the high energy cost of spamming it, but personally I prefer 15% extra damage over 1 more cripple. ---------- Recurve Bow req9 15^50 Ebon, Health +30 Uses: Same as above, but I use this bow when I know my target has high armor vs physical and/or piercing. ---------- Hornbow req9 15^50 Vampiric 5, Health +30 Uses: When I need that extra bit of damage and can afford to be attacking slowly. I rarely use a Hornbow, but it is useful occasionally. ---------- Longbow req9 15^50 Sundering 20/20, Health +30 Uses: When I have to remain at a safe distance and my target is likely to be moving, I use sundering here since I am less likely to be hitting and I don't want an overall loss of life. ---------- Flatbow req9 15^50 Sundering 20/20, Health +30 Uses: Again when I have to remain at a safe distance. A flatbow is better vs a stationary target due to the long flight time and the large arc, the advantage being a faster refire rate than the longbow, so more damage. Hope all that helps, assuming you turn to PvP Last edited by Ehrenia; Aug 22, 2006 at 09:12 AM // 09:12..

Aug 21, 2006, 06:22 PM // 18:22	#2
DeanBB Forge Runner Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Arizona Guild: Wizardry Players Guild, http://4guildwars.7.forumer.com	The bow that best fits your build. Actually that should be "bows" as you'll want different ones for different builds or opponents. Personally I prefer a flat bow and short bow combo when using either favorable winds and/or read the wind. That gives the fastest fire rate (2.0) and max range with the flat bow. You'll probably end up with 4-6 bow at least with different mods on them (poison, physical, fiery, etc) depending on how many different builds you run, then perhaps long range and short range versions as well.

Aug 21, 2006, 07:13 PM // 19:13	#3
elLOCOmutha Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ascalon City, Tyria Guild: Free Agent Profession: W/	So a short bow for fast fire rate and a flat bow for the best distance reaching bow?

Aug 21, 2006, 07:21 PM // 19:21	#4
Reikai Krytan Explorer Join Date: Aug 2005 Profession: R/	there is no single "best" bow. If I had to choose one bow for the "All rounder" bow it would be the following: Sundering Recurvebow of Fortitude Piercing Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship) Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%) 20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance) Health +30 OR Icy Recurvebow of Fortitude Cold Dmg: 15-28 (Req. 9 marksmanship) Damage +15% (While Health is Above 50%) 20% Armor Penetration (20% Chance) Health +30 ---------- The reason for this is: The bow-type I defaut to is the Recurvebow, unless a specific situation is given. Sundering or Ebon are the two "best" (IMO) non-specific, un-conditional mods. I like +30 HP over +5 armor. This bow can serve as the "all rounder" bow, and will get the job done most of the time. However, it is no where near what a specific bow can achieve in the correct situation.

Aug 21, 2006, 08:45 PM // 20:45	#7
Painbringer Furnace Stoker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Minnesota Guild: Black Widows of Death Profession: W/Mo	Early in the game solo play PvE with henchies I would try for a Poisoners Mod +33% to poison duration this helps out a bit. After you start getting elite skills (Like Barrage) a bow of Sundering is a very helpful bow. If you have a hard time managing energy then zealous bow will help you out. If you want more damage vampiric helps out. Keep an eye open on the trade chat for green weapons. (Expect to pay a little more for them) Style of bow and how it looks is your preference faster shot verses distance (See Wiki for more info on all the different bows styles / Green Weapons).

Aug 21, 2006, 09:04 PM // 21:04	#8
elLOCOmutha Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ascalon City, Tyria Guild: Free Agent Profession: W/	I ended up buying a composite bow. What bow can I get for fast attack now? Am I correct here in my thinking? Composite bow=long distance recurve=fast fire rate

Aug 22, 2006, 04:42 AM // 04:42	#10
Maria The Princess Forge Runner Join Date: Mar 2006 Guild: Aequitas Deis	you need a following bow set: 1- long/flat/horn bow with Sundering with a +marksmanship bow grip (more damage and general use) 2- Recurve bow with Vampiric mode 3- Recurve bow with a Zealots mode 4- Long/Flat/Horn bow with poison mode 5- Any bow with elemental damage rest of the bows (where i didnt specify grip) has to have a +armor or +hp grip at least 1 bow should have a +20% to enchantments bow grip, for enchantmants builds. rest should be +hp or +defence. im not a fan of short bows but alot of ppl are comfortable with them. just that i rather use a recurve bow instead with this set you can run almost any build that you may want

Aug 22, 2006, 05:04 AM // 05:04	#13
LightningHell (????????????)??? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hong Kong Guild: Guildless Profession: Mo/	Actually, I would get Vampiric than Sundering, and get a switch weapon.

Aug 22, 2006, 07:05 AM // 07:05	#15
mtm Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portugal & Greece Profession: W/	Don't listen to people who think sundering mod is the best and no matter what or where you play you should always have a sundering mod. The main purpose of a sundering mod is showing it to others.

Aug 22, 2006, 07:39 AM // 07:39	#16
Ristaron Desert Nomad Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Canada, eh? Guild: Legion Of Valhalla Profession: E/	Sundering Ithas Bow of Fortitude

Aug 22, 2006, 08:33 AM // 08:33	#17
Zakarr Jungle Guide Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland	How Sundering 20/20 will affect to your bow damage: Uphill or downhill bonuses/penalties not included. Markmanship at 16 Bow 15-28 dmg, 15^50hp, sundering 20/20, customized 20% Against 60 armor targets (usually monks, elementalists, necros, ritualists and mesmers): No sundering (sundering 20/20): min dmg ~23.29 (~26.75) -> difference +3.46 every 5th attack (+0.69 every attack) max dmg ~43.47 (~49.93) -> difference +6.46 every 5th attack (+1.29 every attack) Against 70 armor targets (usually assassins and rangers): No sundering (sundering 20/20): min dmg ~19.58 (~24.96) -> difference +5.38 every 5th attack (+1.08 every attack) max dmg ~36.55 (~46.59) -> difference +10.04 every 5th attack (+2.01 every attack) Against 100 armor vs physical targets (usually warriors): No sundering (sundering 20/20): min dmg ~11.65 (~16.47) -> difference +4.82 every 5th attack (+0.96 every attaack) max dmg ~21.74 (~30.73) -> difference +8.99 every 5th attack (+1.80 every attack) Note that this is theoretical situation. You might get it kick in more often or less often. It is all about the luck.

Aug 22, 2006, 08:44 AM // 08:44	#18
Marty Silverblade Administrator Join Date: Jun 2006	I think on GuildWiki it says that people consider Urgoz' Longbow to be the perfect bow. I don't know if people agree with this though. (I believe it's a perfect 15^50 20/20 +30hp longbow, correct me if I'm wrong).

Aug 22, 2006, 09:29 AM // 09:29	#20
Dr Strangelove Furnace Stoker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wasting away again in Margaritaville Guild: [HOTR]	Personally I find longbows to be kinda crappy. Pulling with a flatbow works a bit better, you have an extra half second to run like crazy before your arrow hits and the mob charges you. Most targets will close to casting range with you pretty quickly. If you're hitting a target at longbow range for any period of time, it's most likely not moving so a flatbow is better. Longbows have so-so arrow speed and so-so refire. There really isn't anything they're the best at. Oh, and sundering sucks.