Astral Rings: how long to use them?

[Valdrien]

Okay, so I have made enough money on my journey through WAR that I will be able to afford a pair of Astral Rings for PLD. My question is, how long should I use them? I haven't experienced the post-40 game yet but it's my understanding that past that point I won't be EXPing without a RDM or BRD's MP regen. So should I keep the Astrals until 40 and then trade them for Verve Rings?

And just to make sure--as an Elvaan PLD, using Astral Rings over Stamina Rings is a no-brainer right?

[Durahan]

I use VIT rings, mp is never a problem with a rdm or a brd. I hear a lot of galka/elv paladins that equip astral rings at the beginning of the fight, then switch to VIT when they've used up most of their mp with a macro.

[Loial]

/nods to Durahan.

Exactly. You keep VIT and MP gear handy. It may be expensive, but it eliminates the low MP problem, and keeps the Elvaan and Galka VIT high.

[2.0]

Another reason why properly equipped Galka PLD is the best.

[Thoronas]

Originally posted by 2.0
Another reason why properly equipped Galka PLD is the best.

Lord lets not turn this thread into a race debate.

Astral rings are handy but I haven't been able to afford them and I do ok. If you know how to properly use your ja's you wont need spam cure 2 or 3 all the time. But that also depends on whether or not your pt members know how to control their own hate.

[Durahan]

Well as an elvaan your MP won't be as much of a problem. I don't think I have any +MP gear, I have like 180 MP. I always have enough MP and keep hate fine. Personally I'd save that gil and get a gluttony sword for 57.

[l)@RK-l)EVIL]

guess what
a good skilled galka pld can handle hate without this rings mp for pld is hate tool only good pld can keep hate with provoke-flash only and rest of te times cover-bash-ws-.... and sometimes another spells like cure

at low lv i think astral rings is must for galka
thats what i think

[Loial]

a good skilled galka pld can handle hate without this rings

/cheer

If Galka PLD don't have Astral Rings (I didn't), then they are forced to learn exactly how hate works, how much hate is generated by JAs (PLD and other PT members), Cures, Nukes, etc etc. If the Galka PLD wastes his MP and you are pulling fast you got a problem in later chains. Well... MP is really only an issue pre-Refresh. But, at earlier levels, PLD can keep hate with just Provoke and Job Abilities with a cure... of course Flash is huge @ 37 as well.

@ 62, I picked up the Dune Bracers, which give +65 mp. I guess I keep 'em handy more for emergencies than anything else. But, with a good RDM in the PT who knows the importance of keeping a PLD refreshed, I have to find ways to burn off that MP... rather than fight to be stingy with my MP.

[Valdrien]

Just to follow up: I decided to save my money and just use Stamina Rings, and I am really glad I did not bother with the Astrals. I always have enough MP to last me through fights; furthermore, PLD seems to be limited in how much it can cast in a battle, since casting has to be timed so that it is not interrupted by the mob's attacks. For both those reasons I don't see how that much more MP would even be useful to me. Thanks guys for warning me that MP is not everything

[ardahl]

I'm a galka paladin, and I use the rings. But I also use juice like a fiend, and the juice is more important overall. The rings mainly give me a deeper pool to draw from for emergencies and keeping chains going. I do use macros to switch between my mp and vitality gear also though, and I've never once had a problem keeping hate as a paladin. So do the rings help, yes, but not in the way most people are focusing on.

*edit note*
Obviously I'm still prerefresh. I've taken a break from paladin to work on red mage instead, out of curiousity of how well I can make it work as a galka, which is why I use juice so much and make no mention of refresh or ballad.