Currently level 25 and this is my first p8 hardcore zealer. I'm mid act 3 and i'm currently killing stuff at a pretty good pace but i was just wondering a few things

-what type of weapon to use? currently have RalRal flail
-What to farm in normal? i want good gear before heading to NM.
-Skill order? Currently have 5 in zeal, 10 or so in sacrifice, then just vigor and concentration. Maybe 5 or so holy shield?
- Items to look for BEFORE nightmare? I know to look for butchers/headstriker + SoE etc at andariel NM.

Any other info is also appreciated, 20 fg for answers that i like

You may want to take a look at my WT
http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=78287684&f=161

I would suggest a Steel Runeword or Malice Runeword weapon if you have LL.

I went with
5 zeal

Than I max in that order
Fanatism
Sacrifice
Holy shield
Zeal
Defiance

Normal is fine with any item, tbh. Any decent rare weapon will do until late a5 norm. Once you're in nm, make a 'Black' flail vs bosses. It'll make your life wonderful. Youll also want to probably make a blood belt + gloves. Definitely gloves for the CB. Don't really need to farm normal.

Fanat is terrible early game with a bad weapon. So you can start with holy shock/holy fire and maxing that out. Your damage will be good, but the leech will be lower due to less phys damage. Once you get a decent weapon from andy, you could respec to fanat.

Those are my 2 cents.

this
but i gotta say steel is a good Option if u just go holy fire or shock cause of the ow and good base

Rattlecage is also a super common unique armor that gives a lot of CB.

Andariel can drop Aldur's weapon and the Butcher's Pupil, both of which will easily take you through NM.

butchers pupil or headstriker are basically what u could aim for
i got a upped headstriker atm while farming in nm it pretty much fucks everyone^^