Staves vs Handwraps - Solo

[DeepThroat]

So I whiped out a Stave today on my 6 Monk, and owned everything in sight. She is totaly speced on Handwraps and dex however.

This got me thinking, is this just Because I'm such a low lvl? or could a Stave build realy be good for a soloest at even higher lvls?

[valorik]

So I whiped out a Stave today on my 6 Monk, and owned everything in sight. She is totaly speced on Handwraps and dex however.

This got me thinking, is this just Because I'm such a low lvl? or could a Stave build realy be good for a soloest at even higher lvls?

it's just at low levels, once you start getting more twf feats, the distance in dps between the 2 will become HUGE.

[Arkat]

it's just at low levels, once you start getting more twf feats, the distance in dps between the 2 will become HUGE.

Agreed.

[VKhaun]

Staves are two handers and get double damage increase from power attack. I bet you were running that toggle at the time, if it was that noticeable of an upgrade on a dex build. This extra 5 damage will wane quickly against handwraps, especially with TWF feats' extra attacks after mod9.

On the subject of solo, pure monks do not get item defense IIRC. Staves are 'wood' for material/hardness and will shatter in your hands in long quests like Crypt of Gerard Dryden, for an easy lowbie example. I have literally broken two rapiers at once, doing TWF in that on a lowbie ranger. I can't imagine trying to kill 200 undead with one +2 qstaff. It'd probably break three times over, but I haven't actually tried it.

I'm not sure what handwraps are, but I don't remember my monks having issues repairing them. I don't have a 16 monk though, you'd have to ask someone else. Just trying to give food for thought here.

[DeepThroat]

Alright just curious, gonna continue on my current path then. Thanks

[Sauron]

So I whiped out a Stave today on my 6 Monk, and owned everything in sight. She is totaly speced on Handwraps and dex however.

This got me thinking, is this just Because I'm such a low lvl? or could a Stave build realy be good for a soloest at even higher lvls?

It won't be the best damage as others have noted but if you have a combination of the below it's pretty good.

- High Str.
- Warforged for power attack enhancements.
- Power Attack
- Good Q-Staves.

With the glancing blow effects once mod 9 comes out it can help a bit more. Not sure if you can use the two handed enhancements with a Stave if so even better.

[Mobeius]

it's just at low levels, once you start getting more twf feats, the distance in dps between the 2 will become HUGE.

Its what I always recomend to starting monks for increased DPS, until they hit, level 12 I think? Maybe as early as 11... repped for solid advice.