Optimal armor level

[Shardik]

I just started playing a few days ago, and happened upon a woolen cowl in the market ward. I'm only 14 and it says optimal level is 47, could I still wear it, or should I wear gear my own level? I didn't know if I don't get any benefits till it's actual level. Thanks all.

[Norack]

Yes you can still wear it, alot of ppl do just to not re buy a bunch of gear, but u dont get all the stats, and it gets damaged alot faster as well. Personally i would buy gear your own lv. so u get the bonuses, but its really your call.

[Shardik]

thanks, that is good to know, didn't wanna start buying gear that was way over my level because it was cheap and than not be able to use it properly.

[Estellios]

Yes, you should try to get gear that is your level. If it's above your level, the only thing you get from armor is defense, weapons only give their attack power, and even then those stats are severely nerfed. As was said, they also get damaged much faster AND because they are higher level they cost a lot more to repair at a npc.

If you are looking for gear and can't find any on the wards, go to one of the adventurers guilds and check out the NPCs there. They are marked on the map by a bag with a star (labeled "Shop for Beginners"). You can find armor and weapons up to the low 20s for cheap.

[syntaxlies]

Better off wearing gear below your lvl then over.

[charlemagne]

Shardik send me a /tell ingame if you can't find any armour your level on the wards and I'll try and get some made for you. There tends not to be much for lower levels on the wards but if I can't make it myself I know people who can and will.
Edit: actually I had a few Cotton Actons on my retainer that I made which are a lvl 18 DoM piece, I've retrieved one for you. I've made you a lvl 17,21 and 25 cnj weapon too. Just made you two more body pieces, two pants and a couple of hats, should see you through the next ten levels. When you're done with them the gil will help you towards the next bits you need.

[Shardik]

I will as soon as I get on, thanks!

[AceRage]

I just love the community in this game. I can see that people are helping Shardik on Riddill. Me, im new too but on my server, I was just walking around and someone noticed im a newbie. He made tons of stuff for me, even killed an NM that gave a lvl35 weapon(and I'm lvl15) lol.. definitely enjoying the experience!

[BobbinT]

BTW, u can get that woolen cowl as a free reward from doing THM lvl 36 (last) guild quest.