Should I even bother?

[Linenoise2]

So I am having a blast with my Barb (currently level 10). One of the Barbarian mantras is something along the lines of 'AC is for sissies!'. Obviously with all our raging we lose out on our AC. So much so that you risk being teased, by other barbs, if you manage to wrangle up too much AC.

So I am wondering what other barb players out there think about my notion to wear no armor at all, unless it has some other appreciable effect (besides +AC). Example: At level 10. The choice between +5 mithril FP or starter rags. Go with rags. :)

Obviously, if you have armor that adds other enchancements then there is a logical reason to wear the armor. But all things being equal. Past about level 5, is there any appreciable difference between a 10 AC and a 25 AC? I am inclined to think there is not, but would appreciate the views of those more experienced than I.

Anyhow, the reason I bring it up is that I have had to adjust to this new barbarian mindset about AC, after having played a DPS char that very much cares about AC. I find it quite liberating to not have to care about AC but thus far have not properly sought out the proper barbarian armor slot item. So I thought that until I rectified that I would just run about in rags as opposed to my mithril FP thaty still only adds up to ~25 when raging.

[Shade]

Yea after about lvl10, the scores needed requires scarificing far too many inventory slots and other things to get it up to a workable number, so it's not worth it.

Rags I dunno about.. At the very least you should be able to find something with a lesser guard on it.

At about lvl14-16 you can work on getting either the hound destruction/crippling armor, or some DT armor with similar effects.

A barbarians best defense is HP, DR and fast movement to avoid being hit. AC isn't a relevant factor.

[Dartwick]

Ive decided that its not worth worrying about for fighters either - unless you want some sort of low damage monkey.

[Kriogen]

Robe or outfit. Heavy Fort, Fearsome, Deathblock, full set of elemental resists and guards. Stuff like that.

Robe or outfit so you can switch fast.

Once you go into upper areas (lvl10+) its very hard to have solid AC. Even imposible. At that point best defence is Displace + DR (stoneskin). It's not just "barb", goes for most builds. Had a Bard with the same problem. At one point i switched to fascinate + displace + stoneskin.

In case of Barb also add Stunning Blow and Trip (stun mob 1, trip mob 2, chop 3rd) and being patient enough that someone else does a bit of CC. And damage output so high mobs drop dead before they have a chance to react.

[Shamurai]

Meh... jsut go for the ones that look the coolest on you. It's better to loooook good then to be good.. and daaaahling you loooook maaaahvelous!

[Mav145]

Guards, guards, and more guards. I wear whatever I am proficient with that has the best guards that I can find. Currently, I am wearing the DT BP with crushing wave guard and destruction. I am ready to craft slay living guard on my immunities goggles. Get the bramblecasters for gloves and you are well on your way.

As a barb, you are full on damage, all the time. You want to get hit....you need to get hit. 'Cause your all that's standing between the devils and stormreach...and.....hear the lamentations of their women....

Sorry, got carried away there.

[Cedwin]

3 words. Paralyzing Supreme Cleave. :D

[Zenako]

From the point of view of a healer, you really should have some AC up until you hit GH around level 10 or so. You can get AC that deflects some hits, and those add up. Even if you have enough to only get hit 75% of the time instead of 95% it does matter, since there are limits on the RATE of healing that can be put out, especially in those levels. It is not really that hard to get into the high 20's and not sacrifice.

So at level 5, do not ignore it. It does still matter.

[Fattiest]

guards, Guards, And More Guards. I Wear Whatever I Am Proficient With That Has The Best Guards That I Can Find. Currently, I Am Wearing The Dt Bp With Crushing Wave Guard And Destruction. I Am Ready To Craft Slay Living Guard On My Immunities Goggles. Get The Bramblecasters For Gloves And You Are Well On Your Way.

As A Barb, You Are Full On Damage, All The Time. You Want To Get Hit....you Need To Get Hit. 'cause Your All That's Standing Between The Devils And Stormreach...and.....hear The Lamentations Of Their Women....

Sorry, Got Carried Away There.

Amen

[Quikster]

Robes for the quick switch. AC means nothing for a barb.Any robes that are useful will do. Most of the time my barbs wear some type of guard items, but i have some setups that dont do damage as well for those times you dont want to hurt things.

[Hokonoso]

Robes for the quick switch. AC means nothing for a barb.Any robes that are useful will do. Most of the time my barbs wear some type of guard items, but i have some setups that dont do damage as well for those times you dont want to hurt things.

emphasis put here as i cant solo cursed crypt unless i make it to final boss without killing a silver flame guy as my disintegration guards seem to kill the 4 down there instantly as i drop! sure it's possible to take off guards, but what fun is that? :P maybe one day ill learn.... maybe...

[Bahamut2119]

Been wearing robes only on my barb since giant hold came out and even before then i wore fearsome mith fp ill never switch back to armor not worth it got up to 826 hp with a 9 constant dr and will be wearing 6 or 7 guards soon. Perfectly happy with it and so are the guys i group with. as other said find a robe/vestment with a lesser gaurd or deathblock with anything else on it till you get your dt robe/vestments.