As the equipment a player has available to them can vary greatly depending on their luck with loot drops, the sections below showcase multiple options for each equipment slot. The first option in each table is generally considered to be the Best In Slot item due to the quantity of stats or stat itemization of the item. However, depending on a player’s current gear and stats some other items may be better suited to their needs. For example, a player may already have enough Hit Rating or Haste Rating and therefore a different option would be better for them.
The stat priority for each specialization is as follows:
For a more detailed explanation of the stat priority for each specialization, we have described it in more detail in their respective guides.
Best In Slot Pre-Raid Gear For Mages In WotLK
The hidden sections below recap the number 1 best item for each slot for each specialization. These lists, however, may not be the best for every player as it doesn’t take into consideration a player’s group composition if they require external sources of Hit Rating. For this reason, we’ve listed several options for each item slot further down this post.
Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
(can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
(can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Recipe purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
(can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Recipe purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Mage Best In Slot Head Pre-Raid WotLK
As with almost all classes, the best headpiece is the one crafted with engineering. It is bound upon pick up and only available to players with 400 Engineering. Many Head options found in Pre-Raid WotLK are not itemized optimally for all specs and aren’t really an upgrade if coming from Sunwell Plateau gear.
Mage Best In Slot Neck Pre-Raid WotLK
Jewelcrafting as per usual provides the best option, but a close second has Hit Rating if needed. Worth noting that once Phase 1 is released Chain of Latent Energies might be seen on the Auction House. It is one of the best neck pieces you can obtain before stepping into a raid.
Mage Best In Slot Shoulders Pre-Raid WotLK
All specs choose the top pick from Sunwell. Most players will be vying for the 3rd option for the most favorable itemization. It may be difficult to find as a zone drop BoE, alternatively one can try to buy it off the Auction House. The crafted shoulders are a cheap option as a last resort.
Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Mage Best In Slot Back Pre-Raid WotLK
Certainly, the best caster cloak is the one made from tailoring it has really great itemization for all specializations. It may take a little while to see players with the recipe as it requires finishing all the quests in Northrend.
Mage Best In Slot Chest Pre-Raid WotLK
The Tier 7 chest piece is hands down the best option as acquiring it works towards the set bonuses (which you can obtain pre-raid combined with T7 Hands). The Hit or Haste tailoring options should only be considered if you have more gold than time required to obtain the Emblems. There are also 2 runner-up Rare options that you can select depending on your Hit or Haste requirements.
Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
Mage Best In Slot Wrist Pre-Raid WotLK
The Cuffs from Heroic Oculus are the best option as they have the most stats on them. The second option is a great choice for Fire Mages.
Mage Best In Slot Hands Pre-Raid WotLK
The Tier 7 gloves, are the best investment of Emblems, combined with the chest piece to get the 2-set bonus. If your gold allows it, the Tailoring crafted gloves can also be considered before getting the tier set based on your Hit or Haste needs. The fourth option is an excellent option for Fire Mages. Once Naxxramas has released the BoE gloves: Gloves of Token Respect can work for Arcane Mages.
Mage Best In Slot Waist Pre-Raid WotLK
The best option for Arcane and Frost is purchasable with emblems.The second option is good for Fire Mages if they already have enough Hit Rating.
Mage Best In Slot Legs Pre-Raid WotLK
The first option is the best option for Fire Mages and is still superb for Arcane and Frost with the high Spell Power. The other two leggings found from Sunwell are also good options that hold up really well with their many sockets.
Mage Best In Slot Feet Pre-Raid WotLK
The first option is the best for all specializations, Arcane in particular. However, the second option might be better for Fire Mages stacking Crit. There are two Bind on Equip boots in Phase 1, Boots of Impetuous Ideals and Arcanic Tramplers, from Naxx and EoE, respectively, that could be purchased at the Auction House.
Mage Best In Slot Rings Pre-Raid WotLK
The top ring for all Mages is purchased with gold, it is worth the investment as it can be upgraded to stay current in later phases. For Fire and Frost Mages the Jewelcrafting Ring is best, whereas the ring from Heroic Stratholme is better for Arcane. The last options there are for players who are desperate for Hit Rating.
Horde: Commander Stoutbeard Alliance: Commander Kolurg
Mage Best In Slot Trinkets Pre-Raid WotLK
The top pick will likely stick with most spell casters throughout Phase 1 as its spell power proc effect is highly sought after for increasing damage output. The second option is great for quickly reaching the Spell Hit Cap, and its on-use effect is great for burst damage rotations. The third option is great for Jewelcrafters and the gem sockets allow for more customization if already hit capped. The fifth option is also a good option for Arcane Mages when rotating the usage of other haste cool downs.
(can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Mage Best In Slot Main Hand Pre-Raid WotLK
For Arcane Mages the best option to go for is the Staff from Heroic Oculus for the large amount of Haste Rating. For Fire and Frost Mages the crafted Sword from Blacksmithing and an off-hand is better.
Mage Best In Slot Off Hand Pre-Raid WotLK
Both Fire and Frost should go for the first option and look to reduce Hit Rating elsewhere if needed. Arcane has more options below if unable to obtain the Staff as their Hit Rating requirement is lower from talents.
Mage Best In Slot Wand Pre-Raid WotLK
Wands provide a very minor stat increase for Mages. If reaching the Hit Cap is still necessary go for the first option, otherwise go with the second.
