Explorer's Tabard (Why?)

[Kagato]

As a FFXI Dark Knight, this is extremely familiar territory and thus, this is the golden rule in this situation:
"If you aren't hitting the target, you aren't doing damage."

Such a simple and obvious rule, wouldn't you say? Therefore, make sure you can hit the target before you focus on doing more damage. After all, you can have enormous power, but if you can't use that power then there's absolutely no point to it. Focus on your accuracy until you can hit often. Then, and only then should you worry about how much damage you do.

As far as gear is concerned, use the gear that allows you to hit the target often and hit the target hard. Obviously if you can hit the target often, go with whatever gear raises your damage. If you can't hit the target, go with the gear that raises your accuracy.

After that, choose the food to eat. Still not hitting the target? Eat ACC food. Hitting the target consistently? Eat ATK food. So when all is said and done, your party will be glad that you brought gear and food for both situations.

[Frein]

STR is more potent than PIE even if neither is capped. This is why Hauby > Scale Mail even without accuracy. It's unfortunate because I think scale mail looks sweet in this game.

[Silvano]

Except you can still cap STR with the scale mail....and you wouldn't wear either over the AF at NQ.

[Zyph]

After today's update, I'm curious if Explorer's Tabard is worth it now. I would like to see crits actually be something I can focus my gear around.

[Mister-Wonderful]

After today's update, I'm curious if Explorer's Tabard is worth it now. I would like to see crits actually be something I can focus my gear around.

but, you can meld crit onto a body, as well as more beneficial stats to begin with things like the hauby, making the tabard just obsolete imo.

[Hyrist]

It handily beats Drg body now as far as a entry-tier endgame gear.

You're still going to be best with melded gear for body piece, but the argument between it and AF body has pretty much ended at this point, IMO. You're not going to notice the 300 TP difference now that you're not spending 1500 in the first 2.5 minutes and 500 almost every minute after that to maintain Power Surge.

The adjustments to that are just... wow. Easy maintenance alone on it was nice... the fact that it no longer burns TP is amazing.

[Nieshua]

yes drg is fixed just gimme dat hp/def and i will <3 you long time SE. gc bodies ftw gonna need - enmity wit all these crits woot!

[Zyph]

but, you can meld crit onto a body, as well as more beneficial stats to begin with things like the hauby, making the tabard just obsolete imo.

It handily beats Drg body now as far as a entry-tier endgame gear.

You're still going to be best with melded gear for body piece, but the argument between it and AF body has pretty much ended at this point, IMO. You're not going to notice the 300 TP difference now that you're not spending 1500 in the first 2.5 minutes and 500 almost every minute after that to maintain Power Surge.

But what about over the GC Sergeant's Tabards

[Hyrist]

But what about over the GC Sergeant's Tabards

I honestly haven't investigated. But I woulden't call them 'entry tier' due to the required investment anyways. I have Severe Doubts it will best melded gear, however, as few things can beat out a custom fit tailored to get the most out of your personal experiences. But that's just me generalizing.

[Skies]

I honestly haven't investigated. But I woulden't call them 'entry tier' due to the required investment anyways. I have Severe Doubts it will best melded gear, however, as few things can beat out a custom fit tailored to get the most out of your personal experiences. But that's just me generalizing.

I think you are pretty much correct there, at least I am reasonably sure that it's been the stated 'style' of the current equipment system.