What merc to use?

[Kripps]

Hi everyone!
I have been reading these forums for a couple of days now but never actually posted anything.
I have been playing Diablo 2 for quite some time but only on single player as I don't have broadband (yes, yes... I know).
I recently started playing Diablo 2 LOD again after a long break and I have a question regarding mercs.
I currently have a level 41 sorc and a 18 bow amazon.
What mercs should I be using? And are merc really all that great?
I'd appriciate if you use abbreviations and whatnot to tell me what they mean as I don't really understand half of what's being said on these forums :>.

EDIT: I figured I might need to tell you what spec my sorc is and that would be ice orb.

Thanks alot, Kripps.

[jimmah]

For your sorc get a act2 merc with Insight polearm (runeword: http://battle.net/diablo2exp/items/runewords-110.shtml). Which act2 merc you should get depends. If you want extra healing hire prayer (combat, normal) or if you want slow hire holy freeze (defensive, nightmare). Defiance merc could work too for extra def (defensive, normal).

For your bow ama hire an act2 might merc (offensive, nightmare) to boost your damage.

[PrkChopXpress]

For the sorc, I'd definitely go with either the prayer or holy freeze merc. A sorc's defense is so low that defiance is practically useless. And you should give either one you decide on an Insight.

Meditation Aura + Sorc = Happy Sorc

[Kripps]

Thanks alot guys. I got the freezing aura merc, now I just need to get him kitted, which is a bit harder being on a single player character and all.