What armor functions do you prefer?

Hi !

I'm thinking of buying the FoW armor for my mesmer.

Currently I'm wearing full enchanters and generally i play pve and only sometimes pvp.

What armor function would you suggest or do you wear?

Me current idea:

Chest: Rogues
Rest: Enchanters

Thanks for your help!

Barghest

I go rogues for everything but shoes, but that because I like 15k look; the bonus energy doesn't really interest me, so I'd recomend rogues for physical resistence; that and a shield as offhand can make things easier in a battle.

Rogue's isn't a bad choice, but the problem is it only protects against normal attacks; the bonus damage from attack skills is armor ignoring. Rogue's chest/legs would help a little bit against pressure, but it won't do anything against adrenaline spike. Then again, you do have Distortion to help against spikes, so it's certainly an option.

Right now I'm just using full Enchanter's too, mainly because I can't decide which other type would be really beneficial. Charlatan's is good if you are under an enchantment most of the time, but it's not terribly reliable due to the prevalence of enchant stripping. Virtuoso's is not worth it imo because if you are under attack you'll probably be kiting rather than casting. Savant's seems like a good option because it will give you +10 armor whenever you pop Distortion; it would also be powerful if you use any of the longer chants like MoInscriptions, MoPersistence, MoRecovery, MoRecall, etc. Of course, Masquerade is always an option for the extra hp, though it's not my preference.

As much as I hate to endorse +energy armor, I think Enchanter's is the best general purpose type. However, Savant's and Charlatan's could be very effective depending on what builds you play, and Masquerade is always useful against spikes and degen.

I'm using enchanter now, with a +hp set for swap... likely pick up a NF set of armor with rogue bonus (if possible), simply because melee pressure is in abundance. Also, because I might like some new skins

Yeah, I'm thinking that too. I always liked Judge's on my monk for this reason.

My main problem is deciding between Rogue's and Savant's for my second suit of armor. Rogue's provides some unconditional relief against melee pressure; Savant's would also help against elemental, but is conditional on being in a stance. Charlatan's is another option, but I try to avoid relying on enchantments.

It's a tough call, no doubt.

I have the 15k Rouge from the Grotta and thats my only Rouge set.
I also have the Noble.

But all the other armors I have (fow and faction armros) are all Enchanters. I play lots of different profession secondaries and the extra energy is nice.

I might pick up a +health with NF is out (in a set that I like but not like that much) since I like more energy and do not want to waste a cool looking armor that I wont use much because its not Enchanters.

I'm currently going around in my luxon charlatan's set because I use illusion of weakness like all the time. I think for general purposeness an enchanter's or rogue's set is good because you can always activate distortion if need. Also with rogue's you can activate elemental resistance and hope that the armour bonus compensates :P

I use Savants most often- I tend to carry a stance frequently. I am actually more pressured by Elemental damage than physicals. There is always kiting and Distortion for physicals but Eles can pump up a lot of damage, and my attention is rarely focused on those (seriously, get in the line, I got Monks, other Me, and whanot to take care of, no time for Eles :-)). Universal 10 armor helps some. I see no use of Enchanter's armor and way too much vulnerability. When I play an Ele, I am delighted to see a Me with Enchanter's armor- L Orb, Mind Shock, L Strike = gg.

Enchanter for all purpose use. Because you'll be needing energy in any build you run with Mesmer

Quote: Originally Posted by lightblade

I went for fow enchanters, having the energy for an extra spell can make the difference. You're only talking about a small percentage difference either way so I wouldn't be too worried whichever you choose.

PS: I don't buy the "fix your build" line

and..

Quote: When I play an Ele, I am delighted to see a Me with Enchanter's armor- L Orb, Mind Shock, L Strike = gg. Power drain (with my extra energy), power leak, power spike != gg4u

And I don't buy suicidal tendencies. 60 armor is nothing in PvP. Min 70 all over is more than highly recommended. 20-30% armor penetration hurts a ton when you are a softie, and that kind of armor pen is very common. And if you are wasting your time on an Ele, it means you are ignoring a Monk, and a Mesmer, since Eles are hardly a priority target. They come only 4th after Rits.

Quote: And I don't buy suicidal tendencies. 60 armor is nothing in PvP. Min 70 all over is more than highly recommended. 20-30% armor penetration hurts a ton when you are a softie, and that kind of armor pen is very common. Sorry but I'd go for the 7 extra energy than a conditional effect. 60 armour is not suicidal, don't be so dramatic. Of course the 10 extra armour is great, I'm not denying that, so is the ability to cast an extra spell when you really need to.

Is there a reason to tell someone to "fix their build" simply because you don't agree with their opinion?

i went full +life fow, as i normally kite to avoid dmg.
i chose +life over +armor vs phy, becuz it gives no benefits against ele dmg.

and.... i doubt anyone here has only ONE set of armor (i have 3)

I have 3 sets alltogether. Enchanters (+energy), Savants (+armor while in stance) and Masquerade (+health). As I switch around my build, I'll change to whatever armor suits it best. It's all a matter of preference, though. Each set has their own advantages and pitfalls.

Hi!

Thanks for your helpful answers. Now I tend to buy Savant's-Fow. "Double" my Enchanters seems senseless to me.

But I hope I'll need/wear/use my FoW most of the time. It's too expensive for me to let it rot in the store.

Barghest

Enjoy it, but shouldn't you wait until nightfall comes out?

I'm enjoying the playstyle of using many low cost, low recharge spells, so I've become a fan of virtuoso. Since I love the 5k luxon armour I have no problems going with any style in the future, but currently virtuoso be me favourite.

Quote: Originally Posted by hazmat

Quote: Originally Posted by Barghest