Dark Mail Gauntlets vs. Shard T2

[Anaximenes]

<p>Hi, everyone.</p><p>In <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=443373">this thread</a> I asked about how to increase my DPS without relying on non-raid gear.  I got some great advice (thanks!) but it has raised questions about gear selection for me.</p><p>The T2 void shard gear consists of 6 pieces, including head and gloves.  If I do the Dark Mail Gauntlets quest AND the TSO signature quest which awards the Cap of the Ethernaut Thinker, I would then be very confused about what to wear.  I would need to wear 5 T2 shard pieces to get the benefit of the T2 shard gear, but I would also have these pieces:</p><p><a href="http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Mail_Gauntlets_(Mage" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Mail...Gauntlets_(Mage</a>)<a href="http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Cap_of_the_Ethernaut_Thinker" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Cap_of_th...hernaut_Thinker</a></p><p>They are great items and, I think, better than their T2 void shard equivalents:</p><p><a href="http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Aramid_Gloves_of_the_Voidcaller" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Aramid_Gl..._the_Voidcaller</a><a href="http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Aramid_Hood_of_the_Voidcaller" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Aramid_Ho..._the_Voidcaller</a></p><p>So I'm confused: should I wear both the HQ and SQ pieces and lose the bonus for wearing 5 pieces of T2 void gear, or should I not bother with one of the HQ/SQ pieces?</p><p>Thanks for your advice!</p><p>Thales</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Raid set gloves (with the right set bonuses) > Dark Mail Gauntlets > all</p><p>To be honest, much of the void shard gear is replacable by non-raid drops. The exception is the shoulders, which can ONLY be replaced by the raid equivalent.</p><p>I wouldn't even worry about the void shard set bonuses to be honest. They're nice to have, but they don't make or break the set. Consider each piece on an individual basis and you'll be better off.</p><p>As for the ethernaut reward, go with the dagger, not the hat.</p>

[Anaximenes]

<p>Thanks, Xalmat!  That makes sense.  I had been thinking that the dagger would have to replace my epic, but I see now that it is a secondary item.</p><p>Take care,</p><p>Thales</p>