Why use swords instead of maces

[wirm]

I've played this game for a while, and have a silly question.

Why do people tend to make sword barbs rather than mace barbs? Obviously there are certain good unique swords or runewords that only work with swords, but on the whole here's what Maces have over Swords:

Usually no dexterity requirement
+50% damage against undead
comparable damage, if not higher


Can someone enlighten me?

thanks

[DH Amazon]

I've played this game for a while, and have a silly question.

Why do people tend to make sword barbs rather than mace barbs? Obviously there are certain good unique swords or runewords that only work with swords, but on the whole here's what Maces have over Swords:

Usually no dexterity requirement
+50% damage against undead
comparable damage, if not higher


Can someone enlighten me?

thanks

No repair cost (phase blade) and its fast (easier to choose other items) and those looks good too. And Azurewrath is nice uniq-sword too.

[Barloc]

My first ever pvm Hell viable barb was Mace and I loved it. WW/Zerker.
I used Sword once because I got a ebotd-cb.
Based on technical merit for pvp, axes are #1

[pinelights]

O/T

I wished blizzard would make different types of barb mercs like

Bash/Stun/Concentrate - Normal/Hell
Double Swing/Double Throw/Berserk - NM

Just imagine stuffing a Double Throw barb merc with eth cruel weapons :P Also barbs are weapon masters IMO so they ought to be able to equip anything not just swords ....

No wait then my summon necro would have a Double Swing merc with Last Wish + Beast hehe

[Kordova]

swords over maces
speed, range, one hand versatility, rune word and unique options.

maces over swords
2 handed dmg is greater, dmg to undead is greater, style points.

[omgwtfbbqpwned]

Four reasons: 'Beast', 'Grief', 'Death', 'Breath of the Dying'.

There's your answer. The weapons with highest damage potential are not compatible with maces. GG.

[Barloc]

Beast is axes only.

But seriously, when you're just starting in normal untwinked for the first time, scepters are pretty nice.

[omgwtfbbqpwned]

Yes it is. =P Misread, I thought topic asked why axe/sword > mace. None the less, that's pretty much why. It's the whole runeword centered mentality that has pretty much caused the downfall in maces.