Combined updates have made casters a real force to contend with, as long as they have the gear.

The other night I decided to try out the following charm in my main slot in a full group level 55+:

Arcane ice IX
Level Req: 30
Spell Damage: 64 to 77
Mana Cost: 69
+25 Vitality
+26 Intelligence
+31 Max Mana
+7 Magic Luck
+8 Critical Strike
+1 to 15 Mana per Kill

The +8 CS made a real difference, every CTRL+click had from 2-4 Critical hits (sometimes more for large groups).
When I put my casting charm in main slot, I did notice a reduction 0-2 Critical hits.

Take these numbers:
1. Pack of 9
2. 1 Mega Cast
3. 2-4 Crits per Mega Cast

Yep... the caster is still the bomb, but instead of waiting for AoE to activate like we had to in 1.19, it is now apparent you can just do this ALL THE TIME

Post your comments and any tests you have done... keep us informed of everything.

Honestly, haven't really paid attention.

Next time I climb I'll see how my staff does for me:

Mythical elm staff
Damage: 14 to 38

+51 Strength
+1026 Max Mana
+2 Extra Equipment Slots
+12 Critical Strike
+7% Damage Return

H4X

This would go nicely with my

Mythical tattered robe
Physical Defense: 0 to 1
Magical Defense: 2 to 7

+2 Strength
+22 Intelligence
+1% Experience Gained
+5 Critical Strike
+1% Physical Damage Reduction

you can test it with my tier 1 robe

806 max mana
8 CS

This post was edited by Moojilsuh on Oct 13 2010 09:15pm

yes, it's not just crit strike either, remember

This is Dave's charm that I am using:

Angelic wind XIV
Level Req: 55
Spell Damage: 74 to 333
Mana Cost: 109

+165% Enhanced Effect
+1 Mana Regen
+1 to 25 Life per Kill
+12% Armor Pierce

CS for chance to do Crit damage
Armor Pierce to do more damage...

I was seeing more RED numbers...

ne1 do more testing?

cs made a huge difference before the update why wouldnt it after?

This.