what class is the best ranged dps and why?

Depends. I like monk because it's powerful and u can use hero and/or def boost. Played with powerful non active builders it's insane. But u need a good nosfe or halberd.

do you have any good links on builds or gear? im pretty new but the game is real fun, i just find myself leveling then being unsure if its what i want to be. also whats the diff between a monk and its female counterpart in game?

Special abilities. Monk has hero/def boost and its counterpart has something different. If u want to up a dps char, maximize hero health/dmg + ~500 hero cast + special abilities. If u want to play alone btw u need some builder char (tower, trap, aura..).

I play with my brother who is now leveling a monk apparently I also have barb/EV unlocked - was thinking of playing a ranged but dunno if EV is better than huntress? having a statstick is pretty nice but i dunno much about it as i said

In my opinion this game is more of a tower defense game. Having a dps should be the last thing you consider getting.