Espadon or Espadon +1?

[Elesirdur]

Quick question to the lvl 66+ Paladins: Is the Espadon +1 really worth the extra cash? I've already got good +Vit gear (Knightly Mantle, 2xChrysoberyl Rings, IM Gorget, Temple Knight's Shield +1) so should I really delay leveling to 66 to put in the time farming to get myself the 400k or so for that sword? It's only 1 point of Vitality and the regular Espadon is only 8-10k on Bahamaut.

I'll be happy to get rid of my Gluttony Sword since I can't stand the low attack speed, but I'm interested to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for the feedbac. (`'-'~)

[Rai]

To tell you the truth, I still use Gluttony most of the time in EXP parties over the Espadon +1. I don't know if its because my parties want to move to new areas a level or two before we should or the change to food effects but the +7 VIT from Gluttony is to good to pass up when I'm getting hit for big numbers.

[imac2much]

The added +3 VIT from Gluttony will only mitigate damage by an average of 3 points per hit. At higher levels when things are hitting for 130-200 a hit, that doesn't really matter much. In my opinion, it's always better to play toward a job's strengths... in this case, PLD's strength as a tank is its ability to hold hate better than other equally skilled tank jobs. To this note. I'd rather have a weapon like Espadon+1 or Joyeuse that attacks more often and gets more hate.

There are certain party setup/configurations where you don't need to hold hate as much; rather, you want to take as little damage as possible. In these instances, the extra +3 vit from gluttony won't do anything... NIN would probably do better in some of these cases, but certain abilities of PLD also shine in these circumstances (like cover and cures). For these times, I recommend a skilled up Earth Staff.

For instance, when I played with 3 RNG (along with a SMN and RDM) fighting VT/IT darters in Boyahda, the general strategy is to KILL ASAP. PLD actually can do a great job here even though it's next to impossible to hold hate... first, PLD holds hate as long as possible at the start of the fight, using Earth Staff, cures, and JA's. Once RNG's have gained TP, they all unleash their WS's (sidewinder/slugshot in this setup generally) and one of them use their barrage. Take note who is taking the hits when they are done and Cover them. If Cover isn't up, throw the Cures. With Cover's shorter cooldown, this strategy is rather useful, and for these instances I'd use Earth staff.

Also, when fighting Spartois in KRT, Earth Staff works better than Joyeuse, since Joyeuse is piercing (less damage on bones) and Earth Staff is crushing (bonus damage).

For other instances I'd recommend Espadon+1 and Joyeuse for extra aggro holding capabilities. Just my two cents.

[Jabeo]

I just used a regular Espadon to get to Lv. 75 (My LS is too small to kill Charby for a Joyeuse). I definitely got my money's worth out of that sword! I would have liked an Espadon +1, but back then not many had been crafted and they very rarely sold and when they did it was for around 500k - 1million gil... Not too long ago the price dropped significantly (more high level Alchemists I presume) to around 300k for one and since I have been Lv.75 for a while now I treated myself to an Espadon +1. All I can say is that it's a great sword and I would recommend it to other PLDs for sure.

[Asherek]

Espadon+1 is an excellent choice.

Everything Rugal pointed out is excellent advice. Keep Staff skilled up if possible, it can come in very handy in some situations.

Joyeuse is a great sword, but if you're unable to get it, I'd also recommend getting Company Sword at 70, it's a very very nice sword and can come in handy in places like King Ranperre's Tomb if you don't have Staff skilled up.

[imac2much]

Oh good point. If you can't get Joyeuse, Company Sword is a great alternative if you are fighting VT's (which you usually do at level 70+). Remember that Company Sword has a *proven* hidden effect: its Damage rating increases by 2 points for every extra member in your party, to a total of +10 damage (alliance members not in your party don't increase its damage).

[Asherek]

Originally posted by imac2much
Oh good point. If you can't get Joyeuse, Company Sword is a great alternative if you are fighting VT's (which you usually do at level 70+). Remember that Company Sword has a *proven* hidden effect: its Damage rating increases by 2 points for every extra member in your party, to a total of +10 damage (alliance members not in your party don't increase its damage).

Yup, in fact if I remember correctly, with a full PT, Company Sword is the highest DPS Sword we can use (save for the Excalibur), it really makes some very nice damage. :thumbsup:

EDIT: http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/advanced-search.php?weapon=Swords&level_min=57&sort_by=dps

Appears that Company Sword with a full PT is actually even slightly higher DPS than Excalibur; Company Sword has 17.42 DPS when solo, but jumps upto 21.21 DPS when you're in a full PT.

So it's an excellent weapon that shouldn't be overlooked.

On another side note, damn you and your avatars Rugal! I swear I spend minutes staring at them unable to peel my eyes away from them. :p

[Elesirdur]

Thankyou very much for the advice, I appreciate the input. I'll pickup an Espadon for cheap at 66 and then save up for the +1, hopefully I can have it in my hands before lvl 68.

[Dark Aphalite]

Remember that there is a very nice new sword for PLD @ Lv71, the Durandal. It is more or less the best sword you can get with its VIT+7 and no negative stats it is a really nice sword to have.
The only drawback is its price, currently 700k on Shiva.

[Asherek]

Originally posted by Dark Aphalite
Remember that there is a very nice new sword for PLD @ Lv71, the Durandal. It is more or less the best sword you can get with its VIT+7 and no negative stats it is a really nice sword to have.
The only drawback is its price, currently 700k on Shiva.

It's an excellent sword, but Company Sword > Durandal in King Ranperre's Tomb with it's MUCH higher DPS in a full PT. This seriously makes a difference, since the mobs don't really hit you that hard at 74-75 there.