Question Regarding v/t and t/v

[hisakix]

Hi there, I have been into the dueling scene ever since I started playing D2 back in 1.09. Paladins are one of the classes I have never truly built a pvp character before and I finally decided to make one. I have read through many v/t and t/v guides and I have a few questions:

1.)It seems a smite-oriented v/t has a relatively weak FoH and it is mainly used as a stun tool for a charge-smite attack. This has led me to think that maybe a FoH-oriented v/t would work better in more situations (1v1 and pubs) as it seems more well-rounded. I realize the smite damage will be lower but Grief makes smite very strong already. Does the less points in smite really make a significant difference in smite damage? What are your experiences with the v/t and t/v, which one works better in an all around setting?

2.) Dracul's/Bloodfists. I know the pros and cons of each one but I just wanted to know from anyone with experience what they have found has worked better for them?

3.) This leads to the question of Grief PB or Grief Zerker. If I use a Grief Zerker how much off weapon ias would I need to reach 6 frames? Is the extra range worth it? Or should I just stick to a Pb? What about Holy Freeze? What are your opinions/experiences on this issue?

4.) Waterwalks/Sandstorm Treks: Same question as 2).

5.) v/t are strapped for skill points as it is, how useful is the vigor for charge?

Thanks in advance!

[Arutha]

1.)It seems a smite-oriented v/t has a relatively weak FoH and it is mainly used as a stun tool for a charge-smite attack. This has led me to think that maybe a FoH-oriented v/t would work better in more situations (1v1 and pubs) as it seems more well-rounded. I realize the smite damage will be lower but Grief makes smite very strong already. Does the less points in smite really make a significant difference in smite damage? What are your experiences with the v/t and t/v, which one works better in an all around setting?

I have two v/t's. With one I max'd smite, hs, fanta and split up 30pts between foh and holy shock. He does 9.1k min dmg with smite and 4.5k foh. The other v/t I max'd foh, holy shock, holy shield, need two more lvl's to max fanta, 1pt into smite, enough pts into conv for lvl 25 conv with full foh gear on. He does 7.1k min smite dmg and 6.1k foh dmg, but also has the option to take off grief and coa for a foh stick and griff and to 8.9k foh with lvl 25 conv. I like and use them both, and they both work very well in all around duels.

2.) Dracul's/Bloodfists. I know the pros and cons of each one but I just wanted to know from anyone with experience what they have found has worked better for them?

I use bloodfists, 10% ias, 30%fhr, +life very nice.

3.) This leads to the question of Grief PB or Grief Zerker. If I use a Grief Zerker how much off weapon ias would I need to reach 6 frames? Is the extra range worth it? Or should I just stick to a Pb? What about Holy Freeze? What are your opinions/experiences on this issue?

Zerk. If your going to ever duel a ww barb the extra range on the zerk is worth the repairs. With a 40% ias grief zerk and a high level fanta the 10% ias from bloodfist is all you will need to reach the 6fpa smite.

4.) Waterwalks/Sandstorm Treks: Same question as 2).

I use treks, the +str helps me equip coa while still going base str, and coa + bloodfist + dungos + treks = 90%fhr so you hit the 86% breakpoint.

5.) v/t are strapped for skill points as it is, how useful is the vigor for charge?

I don't have vigor, but if you really want the extra help desyncing with vigor + charge and your strapped for skills you can always try out tearhaunch boots.

[hisakix]

Thx for the informative response, I still have a few questions:

1.) With the Grief Zerker, do you also keep a Grief pb in the stash in case of doom users?

2.) What would happen if I choose to make a more FoH-oriented v/t but instead i max HS, Fanat, Holy Shock, FoH, 1 pt convic and dump the rest into Smite? Or is your t/v build a better layout? Also, I've been told that v/t handles 1v1 duels better whereas t/v can obtain more kills in pubs?

[Arutha]

1.) With the Grief Zerker, do you also keep a Grief pb in the stash in case of doom users?

I don't because I'm and strapped for space in my stash between sorb and res gear, and the griff, foh stick, 20/-20 lite sacred targe. I also don't run into too many people that use the holy freeze, but if you do it might not be a bad idea.

2.) What would happen if I choose to make a more FoH-oriented v/t but instead i max HS, Fanat, Holy Shock, FoH, 1 pt convic and dump the rest into Smite? Or is your t/v build a better layout? Also, I've been told that v/t handles 1v1 duels better whereas t/v can obtain more kills in pubs?

1pt in conviction would work fine that if you wanted to increase your smite damage a little and alot of v/t's do that I think. Because I made it so I have a level 25 conv when I wear: griff, maras, foh stick, nigma, 20/-20 shield, arach, bk/soj with the + skills I still needed 9 pts into conv :cry:. I don't often use the full foh gear though, mostly against hammer pallys. I don't really know if I do better with one in 1v1 or pubs than I do with my other, they both seem to do ok in either setting.

[hisakix]

Oh, what about 1pt into Salvation? Do you find that useful at all?

[kohlman]

There is always a use for 1 pt salvation. Its like zeal or BO for the barbarian, no matter what kind of pally you are, put a point in it.