Need a more contemporary singer guide

[Calcipher]

I came back to D2 this last summer because I was interested in trying out the new patch, but it's already becoming painfully repetitive. That being the case (and also because I found this (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/shizzwhack/Screenshot017.jpg)), I decided to try out a PvM singer barb.

I've already decided on most of my gear:

My rare barb helm
+3 wc amulet
Dual wiz spikes / dual +3 wc switch
Arachnid
Frosties

What I'm not so certain on are the rings, armor, and boots. I was definitely considering maybe Ravenfrost and a FCR rare ring, and for the armor I'm completely not sure. In the posted guide it said Enigma, which for me is out of the question. A back-up was Que-Hagens, and I'm "meh" about it. Sure it gives FCR and the +skill but a barb without a shield and low defense...

That got me thinking about Shaft. For the boots, what should I try on getting? Silkweaves? Sandstorms? Thanks for the advice in advance.

[AnimeCraze]

I still think caster armor like Vipermagi and/or Hagens works the best. Up it if you need more defence, I guess. Speaking of which, is dual wiz is really better than dual spirit, other than resist?

[Calcipher]

I thought dual wiz spikes were better since not only do they add a large amount of resistances, but they end up adding more mana, some regeneration, and most of all the FCR, which would add up to 100 by using both.

[Bechy2k2]

Dual Spirits would actually add more mana, as the +2.5 (or whatever it is) mana based on char lvl won't be added on until after BO, so the +90-106 (or whatever it is) from spirit will give u a lot more mana.

I'd only use Wizzys if u are goin for the 200 fcr BP(and if u do, use Waterwalk boots for the +15 dex, u'll need that to equip the Wizzys)


If you can't afford enigma, it's actually easier to hit the 200 fcr BP:

Helm: 20/0
weapons: 100
Armor: 30
Belt: 20
Gloves 20 (Magefists)
Rings: 20/10/0
Amu: 10-20/0

So i'd recomend:

Weapons: 2x Wizzys 100
Armor: Viper 30
Belt: Arach 20(u got that one already, thought i'd mention it anyway)
Gloves: Magefists 20(better than trangs, since they have mana reg)
Amu: +3 WC/10 fcr Amu (should be cheap, but hard to find)or +2 baba/10fcr/other nice stats
Rings: 2x10 fcr rings with loads of mana/life
Helm: what ever u feel like(Arreat/Shako/your rare baba helm (stats btw?))
Boots: WaterWalks

that should get u the 200 fcr breakpoint, your damage will probably be quite low...but u'll be castin like....

[krent]

My singer is shooting for 105 FCR, using dual Spirit swords, Vipermagi and (hopefully soon) a nice FCR Amulet. I dont really think the extra frame is worth it, but YMMV ofcourse. Also note that each Spirit sword adds 22 Vitality, which becomes over 170 life with BO.
One thing that hasnt been mentioned in this thread is the Insight runeword, make sure to get it for your merc, and you can forget most of your mana worries, my 960 mana replenishes almost completely in the time it takes me to run from one group of monsters to the next. Of course this means that you rely on the merc more, but except against IM he doesnt die much because of my warcries and taunts.
Another thing is you may need to think about is physical immunes and (to a lesser extent) bosses. My barb soloes often, so for that purpose, I put a (upgraded) Ribcracker on my weapon switch. With 1 point Berserk and Mace mastery, and max howl (syn for zerk and warcry), I do (with might aura from merc) some pretty nice damage (and the 50% crushing blow is nice too). My AR isnt that good, but lvl 26 Battle Cry reduces enemy defense by 100%.

[middleman35]

+ Vitality items are applied after BO I believe, though barbs do get 4 life per Vita point so Dual Spirits (for + 44 Vita) will still be 176 life.

[krent]

Yep, you're right, I just tested it and a single spirit only gives 88 life even with BO.

[OneFromBeyond]

My singer is using:

Wolfhowl helm (for the time being)
Upped Skin of the ViperMagi
Trang Gloves
2x Spirit Swords (2x echoing on the switch)
Marrowwalk boots
Gloom's Trap belt (until I get Arachnid's Mesh)
Mara's Amulet
Ravenfrost
FCR/Resist Amulet

He does fairly well, but I need to stick with the Spirit's for the extra mana (which I am still always short, even with my Insight merc). I strongly considered (and may on my next build) using 2x Hel'd Wizardspikes, but then I have to waste ~40 points on Dex (or find a lot of dex charms).

*OneFromBeyond

[RetroStar]

That is just one sexy helm. :eek: