ArenaNet talk:Skill feedback/Ranger/Expertise and Bows

I agree with you, bows are terrible for damage which is why you see so many Scythe rangers. Yeah bows have distracting shot and burning arrow but other than that, scythes allow you to have constant high amounts of damage (regardless of the target's AL) where as you can easily bring bow attacks to doing zero damage with certain enchantments. As far as ranger spikes are concern, your going to have to get over it because it will just make Hexes viable again so nothing to worry about.William Wallace 11:10, 31 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Sigh... BOWS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DAMAGE. OP, did that get through your skull? Bows are awesome. BOWS HAVE DSHOT; THE MOST POWERFUL ATTACK IN THE GAME. Watch some Gvg, and tell me how many scythes you see. Scythes are used for their damage. BOWS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DAMAGE. I am tired of seeing this type of shit. Bows are meant for utility and they do that job epicly and with balance. The only reason you see many scythes in HA is because scrubs there can't utilize utility. the end. -- NUKLEAR  [[Image:User NuclearVII signature 3.jpg|19x19px]] IIV  16:55, 7 June 2008 (UTC)
 * It is true that bows have great utility, but that doesn't mean it can't do damage-hammers knockdown/weakness+damage, axes deepwound+damage, swords cripple/bleed+damage, scythe deepwound+AoE damage, spear = deep wound/bleed+damage, dagger = knockdown/deep wound/bleed+damage, bow = distract shot/conditional bleed/conditional daze and no damage? And yes, bows can cause burning but it requires an elite skill, I listed the regular skills. Rangers can also apply poison, but that can be applied to any of the other weapons as well. In addition, all warrior weapons can be used with Distracting Blow, and axe has two interrupt attacks. Bow interruptions are generally superior due to faster activation range, but it isn't the only interrupt weapon in the game. However, it is the lowest damage due to attack speed, and requires 2 hands so doesn't benefit from off-hand items and insignia. However, I'm neutral on bow damage buff because my ranger doesn't seem to have special problems with his bow, especially with height bonus in areas like Fort Aspenwood; I feel the tradeoff for killing speed such as 3 second dagger death dealing is countered with the advantage of range. I'm just tired of this theory that bows are not supposed to kill people. - Elder Angelus 17:25, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
 * Show me a build (other than BA) that can do both awesome dps and utility on a ranger, pls. -- NUKLEAR  [[Image:User NuclearVII signature 3.jpg|19x19px]] IIV  17:37, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
 * I don't see a problem with letting them have support damage or even good damage over time(apply poison already does that somewhat well). However, I feel that bows are a tactical weapon- having recently capped cripshot (eh, it's a new ranger), I have more fun than ever.  Kiting someone for the sole purpose of slowly whittling away at them while they can't catch you due to being an idiot and not having condition removal (good ol' fort aspenwood sins... so stupid) is extremely rewarding.  Throwing out that perfect interrupt is also amazing.  Basically, damage is nice, but if you can kill someone through sheer utility (and skilled use of it), why complain? :) --Kalas Silvern 12:18, 12 June 2008 (UTC)
 * Quit complaining that "bows are for utility". Since you can only have 8 skills you can spec utility OR damage but not both, unless you want to end up doing too many things and failing at everything.