Equipment: which to use and what to avoid?

[Ewierl]

quantum_mechani said:Avoid:

Crystal heart, bear claw talisman, red and blue dragon armor, silver hauberk, crystal shield, hammer of the mountains, bane blades, any whip, evening star, star of heroes, star of thraldom, boots of giant strength.

I've actually found Silver Hauberk occasionally useful. Not often enough to put into even a "Strong Niche" category, certainly not "avoid". It provides 16 protection for 1 encumberance, which is the best protection you can get for 1enc. If you need to keep the wearer's fatigue low, it can be the best pick out there; the Air Shield effect is just gravy.

Yes, Rainbow Armor is generally better for the fatigue-watchers, but there are situations (especially in early game) when an extra 6 protection can be better than the MR/revig. And more importantly, you don't always have the NA paths.