im getting owned. made a mage and fighter. mostly using the fighter.
can any1 help me out with advice on quick lvling?

or some gears ^ ^

Well I'm best at melee so I'll help with your fighter.

For the low levels, you can easily get away with 1fg per item and do well. You want enhanced effect on your weapon and generally dexterity on your charm/armour, although you can go for strength aswell.

The fg you spend on items should taper up as you upgrade and I would suggest (at this stage) upgrading every 10 levels (as opposed to 5), just so you dont run your fg supply short towards the end of the climb.

Some helpfull melee links:

http://forums.d2jsp.org/index.php?showtopic=18067459&f=272

http://forums.d2jsp.org/index.php?showtopic=18673302&f=272

thanks =]