Recipe Optimal Rank?

[Velo_Vandore]

Thanks VdarrTyr for the thorough response. I really appreciate that you've taken time to shed some light on this topic for me. It's a relief to know that players are not generally crafting all of their own gear while leveling. Although I've been avoiding the Market Wards (I know it will take me some time to learn what sells for what, and to save/make gil), this option seems favorable to agonizing over recipes, especially at level 10, and I'll definitely give the Wards a try as you've recommended. Buying certain components in the wards is also an appealing idea, as I can then still dabble with some recipes myself, so again, thanks for suggesting.

I really like the idea of using non-class specific gear while leveling, because I'm also interested in leveling the other classes. Thanks also for pointing out some specific examples of gear for my current level (a big help!).

And keep in mind that -- while you don't get the full benefit of all stats if you're under the gear's Optimal Rank -- the difference for gear scales, meaning that you won't be in too bad of shape if you wear gear above your Optimal Rank. (However, there's a huge difference when we're talking about Weapons and Tools. You generally want to stick to weapons and tools that are at or below your Optimal Rank.)

Would you mind explaining a little more about wearing gear above current rank, while keepin weapon/tool on or below current rank. I can understand the idea behind equipping slightly higher gear, so I can work towards it and upgrade less often. However, when you say to equip a weapon/tool at same rank or lower, but not higher, wouldn't the low rank weapon/tool also lose effectiveness? Is it that stats are cut more dramatically 5 levels higher than 5 levels lower? I certainly value your advise and will avoid buying higher ranked weapons/tools, but I'm curious to understand why I'm doing that.

Thanks again ,

Vel