Most common AR points are 21k, 23k, and I think 34k (on some fort builds).
There are people like me who believe in the break points and like to be as close as possible. There are others who don't believe in break points and do equally well.
I keep getting a lot of questions 125% IAS vs. 75% IAS. I use both. My suggestion, if you are using a high damage setup, such as Fort, Rends, and an E BOTD Z maybe with War Travs as well I'd go 75% IAS. You'll be hitting hard. Now, if you're hitting for less damage, or using a high AR setup I'd much more use a 125% setup as you'll be chipping away at your opponent.
My list of essential switchable gear:
Cham'd Arreats
Gelics (2x rings, 1x ammy)
E BOTD WS (war spike)
E Sacred Fort (for tournies where it is allowed)
War Travelers
Goblin Toes
I also keep Dracs with me for Barb vs. Barb and hope it doesn't tap. The OW can be damn useful, the tap just seems stupid.
There are some defense break points... kind of...
I'd encourage no lower than 52k-ish def. 60k can be a high point. Temp Stones I believe 80k has been seen. There is a rule of diminishing returns for both AR and Def. Much higher than 80k, arguably 60k you're not going to see much return on the extra def. Same for AR, much higher than 34k and you aren't going to hit any better. If these figures seem weird because I'm at work, my internet is out, and I can't remember if these are just with Shout or Shout and the bonus from Conc.
Also, beware of "Over-AR-ing". Some people's set ups, different defenses can call for different AR points. Sometimes you'll find your setup works awesome at 18k vs some builds. Other times 28k won't seem like enough. At times, you'll find you hit better at lower AR. When your AR is so high and your hits are infrequent compared to a lower AR point you are considered "Over-AR". This unfortunately is something that you only find out as you duel people. A gear switch, such as an armor switch, can frequently throw off your chance of hitting, and it may not have been to a higher def armor. Duel often, and learn your char and your opponents, that's the best advice I can give in this regard.
As for testing temp items. At the time this guide was written the most common melee dueling tournaments, as hosted by Palapk Nation, did not allow for temp Forts, Stones, or any other gear. PN still does not allow for this. D2GM and CnH (a subsidiary of D2GM) and I have no idea what Civic City is offering these days. There are a few other tournaments that are common, most allow temps now. But when this guide was created temps were not allowed, and so they are not included in this guide. Also... I won't be increasing the breadth of the dueling results any time soon as my partner in making this guide has since left the D2 gaming world.
Anyways, I hope this answers some more questions and increases the comprehensiveness of this guide.
Please feel free to PM me questions.
- Corey