15k armor looks different? WRONG.

I searched high and low for an answer to this question before my purchase, and general knowledge of the misinformed masses is that the 15k armor "looks different" to the 1.5k armor you get at Droknar's Forge. This, unfortnately, is completely untrue. While I am aware that *some* 15k armor sets look different (notably Dragon for warriors), not all of it does, and we need to get the word out regarding this before more people are suckered as I was.

To restate: 15k armor can and does look identical to 1.5k armor, at least for some sets.

This case was tested when I wanted to upgrade my Gladiator legs. I had the 1.5k legs purchased at Droknar's, but noticed there was a 15k set also available at Marhan's Grotto. The common wisdom: 15k armor has the same stats at 1.5k armor, but looks different. So I save up money all day and visit Marhan's Grotto to upgrade my Gladiator legs to the new and aesthetically improved 15k version. The result? Allow a picture to paint a thousand frustrated words:

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/9567/15k2hd.jpg

To summarise: there is no difference whatsoever. Visually the 15k Gladiator is completely 100% identical to the 1.5k Gladiator. There is NO REASON whatsoever to buy any item of this set, it serves no purpose at all, providing not even a minor visual difference. Don't get suckered as I have, don't waste 15k buying a piece of armor that should not exist. Why does this armor exist if it's no different to the Droknar's version in any way? I don't know. But stop spreading the rumor that all 15k armor looks different, and whatever you do don't buy any 15k armor until you've absolutely confirmed that the set you're buying is visually different from the 1.5k version. In that case of Gladiators, it is most certainly NOT.

Minor Absorption, due to more bonuses and special stats (IGNORE VALUE)

In case it wasn't obvious, the LOW VALUE one is the 1.5k set. The Minor Absorbtion bonus is a rune I added to it, which did not change the value. The un-infused no-runed stats on both items are identical, I just haven't runed or infused the 15k legs yet (what's the point?).

ah right, so depending on ITEMS, it can increase or decrease value? heh, I still am learning

wow... that really sucks man... im not that far yet (only Riverside Province), so i will not make that mistake... thanks for the heads up!

But you said the dragon set looks different, can you show a screenshot using the comparison like before for that set?

Indeed you did get jipped, I accidentily bought 7 signet of captures but life goes on

And I fail to see how this post is constructive, a better method would have been to mention your pants and to ask if anyone else had examples, you may have gotten a bad apple but the other E stuff could be completely different, theres simply no way of knowing without buying it all

Maybe they will update the graphics at a later date and the existing are just place holders. Yes, I know this isn't WoW but that seems like the only logical conclusion. I wouldn't be fast to trash these legs if you already bought them, but I agree the word needs to be spread. I wear Gladiator and I would hate to have purchased this item. Thanks for the help and sorry this happened to you.

lol... i wear Wyvern... i dont see why ppl wear gladiator! it just looks... weak! the Wyvern covers your whole body, and Gladiator... well, doesnt... i cant really see how a shoulder pad can protect your whole torso... its just not possible...

They did a lot of that kind of stuff, using placeholders and upgrading the appearance, during beta. Also very late in the beta. It is quite likely that they didn't finish all the graphics before release, and if so, most likely that they left the end-game graphics to last. Since release they have been busy fixing real bugs to worry about it. So stick with the expensive set, it might just change its appearence.

Maybe for the energy? Did you know these things have stats?

Also I like the glad look for a lower armored, higher energy-need warrior - such as warrior/necromancer. It makes sense that they would be sacrificing some physical protection for mana. And best of all, it makes you look like a Gladiator. Which is just cool.

ahh well, i dont really use mana... i just use adrenaline...

my skill bar is as follows (or as closely as i can remember):
Endure Pain, Sprint, Open Wound (i think thats the name), Gash, "Watch Yourself!", Bane Signet, 'Someones' Wrath (cant remember first part), and ressurection...

so, as you can see, i dont use much mana... but then again, i have yet to get the better skills, so when i do, i will probably need more... lol