What makes a bow good?

I finally decided to make a bow based character and am enjoying it very much to say the least! But, it has come to my realization that I will most likely never be able to afford a Voltaxic Rift or Lioneye's Glare. Alongside that realization, I also noticed Im not even entirely sure what I should look for in a bow in the first place! So as the thread title says, what makes a bow good anyway? What modifiers are a must have so I and other bow newbies know what to look for as rare bows drop on our way to endgame. If possible, link your bow and explain why its awesome! Thank you in advance to anyone who replies.

Attack Speed%
Elemental Damage
or Physical Damage

Usually depends on what you intend to do. A tri-elemental bow is typically the go-to thing.

Attack speed always atk spd, that is a must IMO

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Lyralei wrote:

Attack Speed%
Elemental Damage
or Physical Damage

Usually depends on what you intend to do. A tri-elemental bow is typically the go-to thing.

+1

A lions eye goes for like 2 exalt, and divining it to 300 ish dps should not take more than a few divines.

you could for example get a cheapo 5 link armor for 3 chaos + a random lions for another 2 ex and crank out decent damage.

Always attack speed.

If your main skill scales off of physical damage (Ice Shot for example) then you want increased physical damage. Otherwise you want elemental damage.

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Nephalim wrote:

A lions eye goes for like 2 exalt, and divining it to 300 ish dps should not take more than a few divines.

Oh god I wish, 6 divines and 295 dps is best I got so far..... Ahhhh RNG hates my bow, plus 1600++ fusings.

All your responses are very helpful! But can someone give me a quick breakdown as to why a tri elemental bow is so good?

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Jonathong_ wrote:

All your responses are very helpful! But can someone give me a quick breakdown as to why a tri elemental bow is so good?

because your damage will be most elemental based and will be boosted by WED from gear and passives.

However, lions eye + black gleams + LA is 100% elemental conversion and still benefits from hatred which is a far stronger build.

It really depends on the build. I prefer physical for Lightning Arrow.

Tell us your build and we can help you out more.