Some Questions on IW Builds..

When dealing damage, because the weapon that is used doesn't effect the outcome of the damage, does it really matter what you use in the long run?

Out of personal preference, what do you mesmers like to use for this?

Also, as I was skimming through the different builds that are possible for IW, there wasn't 1 that was in particular that had a definite guide to make one. Is there a thread or perhaps a good one that I can be referred to?

There is no BEST IW build. Play around.

First, you'd want either a sword or axe. Hammers attack too slow, impractical for IW. Axes and swords attack at the same speed, and with an axe you can use Cyclone Axe, but you really don't need that skill for IW. Most IW Mesmers go with a sword because they look better.

You'd definately need a Sword Pommel of Enchanting, or an Axe Haft of enchanting 20%, and a 20/20 focus. This is to decrease your downtime from 10 seconds to 4 seconds, and the 20/20 focus gives IW a chance to recharge in just 20 seconds. Also, I would get the +5/+45 while enchanted focus as well (simply cast IW with the 20/20, and then switch). Rogues Armour is also your friend here, since you won't really be needing much energy.

Next, you need a cover enchantment. Sympathetic Visage is a must, unless you feel confident enough to use Illusion of Haste (though use it only with a Necro secondary, so you can use Plague Touch/Sending). If you have a confirmed Monk covering you, I'd feel safer, but personally I'd take Symp Visage anyway.

If you want, you can take a slowdown like Etheral Burden or Imagined Burden. To prevent people from Rending you, you can also take something like Power Spike or Leak, but it's not really necessary, because hardly anyone brings Rend. I personally bring Spike just in case.

A speed up stance is helpful. The best one by far for IW is Flurry. Also, you'd need something to dodge Warriors. Distortion is best here.

Those are the basic needs for a IW Mesmer. I personally bring Blackout to annoy Monks, and you can take other role specific skills if you wish. For example, Arcane Echo + IW ensures you have a backup in case you get IW stripped. If you have a Warrior with you using Hundred Blades, bring Arcane Mimicry to copy it. I personally bring Shatter Enchantment, just for a bit of extra damage. It's really up to you.

Ok, so my build now looks somewhat like this:

Illusionary Weaponry {e}
Flurry
Sympathetic Visage
Arcane Echo
Ether Feast
Conjure Phantasm
Distortion
Clumsiness

A question for the weapon of choice. Which damage modification would best suit this one? 15% enchant, or 15^50? Also, which type of other upgrade should I use for this? 10/10 Sunder?

Stats:

16 Illusion
11/12/13 (10+1/2/3) Inspiration
8 Swordsmanship

Please critique!

You don't need any points in sword, and the mods aren't important except for +duration to enchant, because you aren't actually hitting with the sword

So maybe I should go tactics or something?

Quote:

You need Rez Sig. Bring it.

Tactics wouldn't be so bad, if you bring the likes of Deadly Riposte. Personally, I prefer Domination because of Blackout and the ability to kill Monks with it. You'd still need Distortion, and if you want you can bring Healing Signet.

With tactics, your skillbar should look something like this.

IW
Sympathetic Visage
Deadly Riposte
Clumsiness
Distortion
Healing Signet (if you really want to)/Illusion of Weakness
Rez Signet
Something of your choice.

Whats really the importance of IoW? Doesn't it fit to your disadvantage having it on your skillbar?

IoW is only really a 1-time health boost, imho it's not that great. Deadly riposte, especially after the update, is oblivion against warriors since you're already using a sword. Healing sig isn't bad to bring in CA, it makes you basically immune to degenners.

The 'something of your choice' mentioned above can be drain enchant or inspired hex, a support skill basically.