There is an endless discussion about this versus the TM hooks +2, So I think that means they are as good as equal(The CCs being slightly better). If you want to save yourself some cash buy the TM hooks +2, If you have money at hand buy the CCs, they are a lot of fun solo-wise and they come in handy for those 50 cap events (meaning CoP) just make sure you have gil left for That Scorpion Harness, Chivalrous Chain and Amemet Mantle +1 which are coming close.
Retaliators (rare/ex) can be obtained from the NM that used to drop these. Since they are rare/ex there is a chance someone may be able to get the drop, since I bet it's camped less.
16/71 10attack vs 19/96 3acc TM+2 will hit slightly faster, but CC slightly harder and slightly more accurate.
CC aren't an amazing improvement for DDing, but for the +5 counter, which is an entire cat1 5/5 return, which if you're trying to max out counter stance it has uses.
Of course Hades have similar benefits for soloing/tanking, but focuses on different approaches.
It's an end game piece with unique bonuses, which is why it's expensive, not because it is an amazing lvl 50 DD wep.
I also want to point out that these are not only good for soloing, but if you're looking for Evasion down gear to help you skillup your Guard (very important), than these could also come in handy
I have these and they are by far the best solo H2H weapon so far(Besides Relic) when going /nin. When /Dnc you would rather want Hades for their eva+ and acc+. Great Piece of Gear period.
bollocks, there's a reason CC's are so expensive, they are better hands down. The only viable discussion is can you cough up the gil, if not, TM hooks, it honestly is as simple as that, its all about the gil.
From a serious angle, these will do you finely to either Shiva's Claws or Destroyers.
There is no "endless discussion" between these and TM +2.
Cross-counters beat TM +2. I've seen the parses myself from nearly every concievable angle and level from 52 and on. Cross-counters come out on top each time. Acheron doesn't make sense when he says TM +2 "are as good as equal to CCs" then go on to say "CCs are slightly better". If you don't know what you're talking about, don't act like you do.
Based on the parses, Cross-counters beat TM +2 until the early 70s. It's as simple as that.
