Lvl 55+ Equipment Inquiry

[Karg]

I've got a question for you 55+ PLD's. My profile is up to date so please check but the question I have is about RK Chainmail come lvl 55.

What I have now? (I have a Chrys. Ring and Gallant Gauntlets ready when I hit 54)

Gaia Doublet DEF: 35 VIT +4 (Lvl 52)

RK Chainmail DEF:43 STR +2 DEX +2 Attack +3 (Lvl 55)

Now I spent a great night in Kuftal and have noticed my VIT increase from recent equipment changes making a nice difference. Kuftal Crabs hit me for 45-65 which is an improvement from the last time I was there (I didn't have that Neck or Back piece the last time).

My question is not about the DEF loss but does that extra STR,DEX, and Attack bonus really make a difference or should I have equipment sets for different roles.

Like if I'm fighting mobs that don't hit so hard I can equip my more attack oriented equipment like Life Belt, RK Chainmail, and say a Royal Guard's Collar? And then keep all VIT equipment aside for those mobs that like to hit hard. If I'm in the right direction tell me, if not advise me.

[2.0]

Life Belt should be equipped at all times. The other stuff use that whenever it doesn't matter.

[Loial]

Did you post this somewhere else? I swear I've read this before...and answered. Well, I bet if I did answer this elsewhere, it will be pretty funny if I give different advice!

I went with RK Chainmail and would advise against that. Adding a little DEX or STR to a low accuracy class isn't going to help all that much. A noticeable difference can be seen when using a Life Belt or have BRD Melee songs (as per Janeping's post on a similar thread).

So, that kind of leaves you with IM Cuirass or Gaia Doublet. The difference between the two is 5 Def and 3 Vit. I've always found that boosting your DEF and VIT up with Steamed Crab is what makes the big difference. Not some measly 5 DEF from armor. If I did it again, I'd slap on that VIT+4 Doublet. If its anything like the Earth Doublet, its probably god awful ugly, but PLD isn't a pretty job either. We need to send our gear to the cleaners to get all that blood out.

[Rico]

I recomend RK Chainmal over Doublet the DEF is low and Chainmail has DEX.