Trapsin merc gear advice please ^^

[Lightsins]

Helloes, I would very much apreciate if anyone can provide some standard act 2 merc gear I should look for or try to create myself. Clvl 53 still doing normal baal runs for a bit of more leveling before nightmare, act 2 normal defensive merc *but prolly his gear can be transfered on act 2 holy freeze in nightmare*. I used a malice poleaxe before on him and worked nice, but now I got Hwanin's Justice bill and he's using that. I tried to search for some runeword armor or helm for him but either I miss later runes or they are not appealing from bonuses point of view.

Also, when should I use my imbue / socket, is there something I should save for or look for, or wait for a higher level? Also, should I socket his current weapon and put some lifesteal in it or hang on with it?

Many thanks!

[BAMFSpecialOps]

Infinity/fort/guil helm or gaze etc is the high end merc gear for a trapper

Honor/Insight/etc can be used while leveling for a weapon
Duriels shell/shaft/stone/etc for armor
CoT/guil helm for helms

If your merc is dying a lot an amn rune for life leach would be helpful, not sure if a shael would help him reach the next bp in attack speed or not. For your socket quest wait until you find a nice white claw, greater talons, or runic talens would be the best because they have the fastest speed and since traps are based on IAS speed is important.

[ignignkt]

I just restarted D2X with a trapsin myself, and equipping the merc will be expensive. First off, life leech and damage reduction are key. He can survive a lot with decent mods on both, but don't forget you feed him potions, and your shadow master should be soaking up most of the hits. As for cheap gear, Honor is an easily available runeword, it's finding the 5os elite pole to put it in that is a pain. Anyway, check out this guide, found it quite useful: cheap merc gear guide (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=488619)