First, forgive me for the delay in putting this out. Some real life things and in-game matters have occupied my time, but my mind is certainly focused on Shaiya.

I’d like to give a thanks to the following who posted and sent info to bring this guide to fruition:

Theaitetos
kikix12
n3cr0m33p5
4oh4error

This guides intent is to evaluate Pando Drop Limits by comparing them to the traditional standard counterparts. Some projections will be made for the scope of EP4 so you might have some "insider information" and evaluate these items based upon your needs. This guide will utilize AoL names and info as I am more familiar with it. UoF should be able to draw conclusions that would parallel information put forth here.

So lets talk about the above…

*All Pando Drops have four slots available for lapis*

Bows – The additional stats make Pan’s Shot an idea bow until you get your 45 epic. Given the water ele and additional speed of the epic bow you will probably retire this one. Thus, its a stepping stone bow. Piku Hawk is a nice alternative and cheap enough to pick up if you want some flavor and variety. Once again, the extra base stats make it a little more desirable and it has a tad more max atk pwr than its God-Finger counterpart.

Crossbow – In general they do pack a punch, but a slow one. I am uncertain if there will be a third mastery level for crossbows come EP4. If in fact there is these Pando bows might be worth looking into for levels 50+. Stone Phetes (lvl48) has 35 more max atk power than its level 50 counterpart and over 115 more than its bow alternative. Given the +44 base stats we might see crossbows become a force with class ele buffs and potential third level mastery.

*confirmed by kikix*

1H Heavy – Additional stats of Pando Drops are beneficial and EP4 allows fighters to use these weapons with mastery included. Given the melee friendly stats and excellent dmg over 1H swords… these will become the optimal 1H setups for Fighters and Defenders.

2h Heavy – Only usable by Defenders presently, but EP4 will allow fighters to share these weapons. Additional stats, but slow speed and minor atk pwr increase won’t have many fighters or defenders pursuing 2H Heavy weapons.

1H Sword – "Good-bye!" These outcasts will be stricken from the land more than they are currently. Terribly low damage and better alternatives will make these weapons follow the dinosaurs. There is very little reason to use 1H Swords presently and even less after EP4 arrives.

2H Sword – Defenders will pick up the ability to use these with mastery included in EP4. The additional stats and melee spread of the weapons might open some possibilities for Defenders as 2H swords are faster than their 2H Heavy counterparts. A masinga with +43 Rec base on it might be worth looking into as an option. Food for thought!

Reverse Swords – Not much to say other than the increased stats from the Pando Drops are favorable. Rangers need more stats to be feasible in Shaiya. Anything that give more stats is a plus for them.

Duals – Many Fighters aren’t going to like me saying this, but I think duals are on their way out. This isn’t to say they will go the dinosaur way, but given the Pando Drop shields I think end game Fighters might favor shield and hammer over duals.

*If a fighter can use 1H heavy (Wisram) and Dragon Hero Pando shield in EP4, then you have effectively given yourself +60 base stats and eight lapis slots. Wisrams damage is better and it has the same speed plus you doubled your available slots with using Pando duals.*

Dagger – EP4 will make it much more desirable for mages to use staves by adding staff mastery. Daggers will be the standard only for priests now. The Pando daggers have some very friendly caster stats and should be sought after by the traditional and non-traditional priests.

Spear – EP4 will give fighters 50+ another level in spear mastery. I don’t think this changes too much because most spears have very slow speed. With all three levels of mastery you are typically only reaching "normal" speed.

*, but look at the level 55 Vesper wing. It has a slow speed rating. I know only three slots, but the damage it has with the build in flash might make it worthwhile to investigate. With incredible atk pwr and humans racial skill in EP4 opening up with an "alpha strike" from this stick might just end your opponent before the battle really started. I see potential.*

Staff – *Edit* Mages will get a little love with staff mastery in EP4. Its been long overdue and about time someone started using those sticks instead of feeding the vendors. Mages will receive one level of staff mastery(lvl25) enabling staves to have "a bit fast" speed. The kicker is in the atk pwr difference between staff and dagger. Kysyo Phoenix has almost 40 more max atk pwr than the pando dagger counterpart. Mages will have to evaluate the bonus in atk pwr vs. weapon speed. ~Thnx kikix

Shields – Not too popular just yet save defenders, but I predict this will change considerably. I don’t have to say too much about Pando Shields as they blow traditional shields out of the water when comparing stats. In addition, pando shields have SP and MP bonuses which traditional shields don’t.

~Edit~
Knuckles Section – Added stats from Pando drop limits are a bonus for similar stated reasons as reverse swords. ATM I don’t believe there is any bonus to using knuckles other than personal preference. Atk Pwr isn’t quite as good as reverse swords.

Thnx to Jekall for catching.

Credits go to hypnos34.