Use any weapon your barb can use, if you find/upgrade etc.
Build a set based on what you can afford at the time
Re-roll your character to upgrade items as you gain levels each time
You can sell items on MP @ 1fg each (junkers) to build up some funds to upgrade
Best Item for cheapest value.
Re-rolling aids you in 3 ways... upgrading / profs / gaining fg
You do not have to take my word for it... I only started with 15fg and still use mediocre gear, but, I will get better and better.