Guild Wars 2

Hey guys! I’ve recently started playing GW2 again and have decided that it’s time to upgrade my ranger’s build. Using traps has been my favorite build for a long time and I’ve always had the same carrion armor.
I enjoy solo roaming in WvW, and after a few bad encounters I decided I wanted to try out “Dire” armor. Is this a good/better choice than carrion?
Also, until a few days ago I had always used a shortbow/sword-torch. I’ve switched to mainhand axe, but I’m not sure how much I like it. In your opinion, which is best?

I like a bit of healing power in my trapper builds, but Dire works for sure, better than Carrion imo.
When I used to run a trapper build my set was a mix of Shaman and Settler to get cond damage, healing power and a mix of vit/tou.
I think axe is a superior cond weapon than shortbow, splitblade’s bleeding and the chill+weakness from axe 3# also the possibility to use an OH dagger or warhorn all makes it even better.