Ascended Gear
Well, I have two sets that satisfy my needs for now.
One is a rabid condi set I chose to pick when I run a defensive condi build (rarely these days).
The other one and a one I would personally recommend you for starters is a full celestial (all-stat) set with a berserker backpiece. I combine it with a berserker gear and Superior Runes of Divinity (they are quite expensive though) to optimise my builds. The additional stats (toughness, vitality, healing power and even condition damage) aren’t going to waste in my power and hybrid builds and I even run condi builds with them of late.
The set gives you a lot of versatility when changing traits and weapons. What’s not to like about it? ^.-
Leman
Id say beserker stuff trumps all others. But obviously if you want to build full conditionmancer then they will be wasted. Beserker works on power, hybrid and knights builds. The all stat stuff isnt really worth it anymore especially as you can now get more stat combo’s such as rampager and knights.
Unless you have your heart set on conditions, I agree with spoj. The zerker ascended stuff gets you the most bang for your buck so to speak. Those three stats together work better than any others. You can then combine those with many other armor sets or weapon sets for the desired effect.
The only reason to go Rabid ascended would be if you really want to max that stat allotment, since there are no Rabid jewels out there for the Rabid accessories.
I like half zerker, half knights for PvE.
Condi builds are just frustratingly bad in PvE.
Can’t attack objects (Weapon racks, doors, etc)
Most group events, will have others stacking bleeds to 25 so you will just push others bleeds off of targets, or if others have more condition damage, push yours off so you wont get credit.
By the time you have your stacks up and ready to press Epidemic, a war has had time to 100 blades twice and everything already dead. (For most the mob life size in game)