What is the advantage for having req 8 over req 12 weapons?

For example swords, I always max out the sword attribute line to 16. Is there any different for having a req 8 in comparing with req 12 sword?
More damage may be?
More critical damage guessing?

Nope, your crit rate and damage stay the same.

Here's a great article describing it.

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...nics-id674.php

The short answer is the ONLY benefit of having a weapon with a lower requirement is more flexibility in your build - that is, allocating attribute points to attributes other than your weapon skill.

It doesn't matter whether you have a req 7 sword or a req 12 sword, your damage and critical hit chances will be the same as long as you meet the requirement.

That being said, it is preferable to put as many attribute points into your weapon attribute as possible, due to the increase in damage and increased chance of a critical hit, as described in the article linked above.

You can test the req thing yourself on Isle of Nameless.

The Req means nothing :\

Get a req9 15^50 weapon (easy from collectors)

Get a req13 15^50 weapon of same type: axe, sword, or hammer (Easy to get from players for next to nothing, 2-5k tops depending on skin)

Put your Attribute at 16 or whatever you want it to be, Equip "Wild Blow" and go out to the dummies.

YOu'll find that both weapons hit the same (You use Wild Blow because it is always a Crit Hit, so theres no random numbers).

Read the GAME MECHANICS article, use the SEARCH button or you could have read the STICKY - Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers): Check here first! which posted in the beginning of this area of the forum. This question asked and answered numerous times.

OFFICIAL ANSWER TO WEAPON REQUIREMENTS from the Guild Wars Community Relations Staff