Post by catlady
haste isn't usually a good stat for BM hunters because you have a
talent for fast attacks. And you shouldn't really gem for it anyway because even if you get the gear that's good for the spec, you'll still end up with a good enough bit of haste. Crit on the other hand, is always nice because you'll have
lots to crit for. The more crit you have, the better.
But ahead of time, if someone else has a replenishment ability, you won't need invigoration
Don't know if ArPen transfers to the pet from you like other stats, but even if it doesn't, it's a useful stat for all physical dps classes.
Just so you know, this
CD reduction actually boosts your dps as a BM hunter. 30 second CD kill command when added to the various AP increasing talents from you and your pet translated to a HUGE boost in BM damage because your pet hit harder and crit more often, giving you longer steady durations under inspiration.
Also, for raiding purposes, if the healers aren't keeping your pet up, you can wear a pvp ring or two and the bit of resilience will help your pet overall.
This would be my suggestion for once the gear has you hit capped.
All the numbers show that the 3 pnts in catlike reflexes are not as useful for dps as they would be in order:
1) Imp. tracking
2) Invigoration
3) imp. arcane or imp stings (with T8 set bonus only)
There were posts about it, with people crunching numbers, and just straight putting specs into the spreadsheet.
And remember, the increased number of kill commands wont coincide with BW--making them less effective.
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#ctbMzttRfuzest0eMoZx:Vbiseems to be the best straight dps, with 1 bonus point to spend in either invigoration (if you need a bit more mana) or slap it into mortal shots (if you don't), or imp arcane, (if you want a slightly punchier instant cast), or Frenzy if your crit isnt too high.
There are also a few points you can swap, 1 pt in mend pet could go into spirit bond, and there are a couple other very minor changes.
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Also haste is a very good stat for BM hunters--and this surprised me as well, since in BC, haste was Satan. But now haste is almost as important as raw crit. I wouldn't gem for it, but if it is on some gear it is usually a good thing.
BTW Glyph of Aspect of the Hawk is the 3rd best gylph for BM (Steady Shot and Bestial Wrath are 2 and 1), so it shows how important haste is.
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Finally, I dont want to argue too much Loki, but there are a couple of things you have wrong, at least about BM hunters.
Pets dont get armor pen. As such, ArPen is probably the dps stat BM hunters should avoid most--only take it if the gear is an upgrade in every other way. Your pet (40% of your damage) doesnt benefit, and you yourself have no talents which exploit it. Avoid, if possible.
Also resil has no benefit in PvE, so there is no reason to wear it on your gear, not even for your pet. Also, if your pet is dying (save in certain situations which are very pet-unfriendly) it is your fault--not your healers. You have mend pet, and you need to watch out where your pet is and keep him safe. It is part of being a hunter, and esp. part of being a BM hunter. Speccing into imp. mend pet helps in that you can take poisons and stuff off your pet.
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Edit: In answer to your specific stat questions:
Hit cap: Get it
RAP: 3400 if I remember correctly is the bottom level for raiding (unbuffed), but I honestly dont remember
ArPen: Avoid if possible (as BM)
Haste: Dont gem for it, but keep an eye out on gear. It is almost as good as crit, and better than Armor Pen. (for BM)
Crit: I like to run with about 30% (unbuffed) or 35-40% buffed. But that is really high for a BM, higher probably than needed. You want to strive for 30%-35% buffed--but you dont need that right away. 25% unbuffed is prob fine.
Agility: Focus on your RAP a little bit more, it scales better to the pet.
Expertise: no, we dont :) (but your pet used to!)