Ranger or Elementalist as Primary?

[Teibidh]

I'm thoroughly confused about something...

I'm looking at doing an R/E or an E/R, but I'm not quite sure exactly what I'd be giving up in the end-game by doing one over the other...

I know that with Ranger as a Primary I get better armor, and have access to Expertise... but with Elementalist as a Primary I get Energy Storage which makes the main reason I know of that folks like Expertise kinda irrelevant, which leaves the armor question.

I'm sure there's things I don't know, which is why I'm posting... would someone be so kind as to list the pros and cons of starting with one over the other as a primary?

[this_barb]

Well, Expertise is almost on par with Energy Storage. It just depends on whether you'll end up using more Ranger skills than Elementalist skills (as the majority of the Elementalist's repertoire isn't affected by Expertise at all). If you're going to be more Ranger than Elementalist, go with Ranger primary. If you're going to be more Elementalist than Ranger, go with Elementalist. Either way, you can just stick on that upgrade that leeches energy, and it won't even make a difference which one you choose.

[Teibidh]

I guess my major concern is the armor factor... Granted, both professions are ranged and if I play my cards right I shouldn't have to worry about it that much... but assuming I don't play my cards right is the survivability of the ranger primary higher than that of the elementalist? Does the higher energy pool granted by the elementalist primary compensate for this near direct loss of hitpoints assuming the correct skills/spells are used? Sorry for not wording my question better in the first place :P

[this_barb]

Both classes survive relatively well... That's the object of the game, you really can't go wrong choosing one class over the other.

Comparing the two classes side by side

Ranger
3 Pip Regen
Longer Range
Higher normal damage
Higher Armor Rating

Elementalist
4 Pip Regen
Larger Energy pool
Looks better ^^


If you really have no gripes, base it upon which looks better to you ^^

[this_barb]

Personally, I would choose an Elementalist because an Elementalist with a bow just looks more unique.

[Teibidh]

Heh, cosmetics actually were a concern, just didn't wanna be the one to bring it up :) Just not sure if I like the trampy look on the female Elementalist... I'm sure I can pretend I'm 12 and try to look up her skirt or something to make myself feel better about it though :P Thanks for the input :)